The European Consortium of the Organic-based Fertilizer Industry (ECOFI) has released a joint statement regarding the structural barriers to innovation, circularity and market access in the EU Fertilising Products Regulation (FPR) 2019/1009.

The joint statement was undersigned by eight other associations involved in the fertilising products value chain, including the European Biostimulants Industry Council (EBIC), Fertilizers Europe and the European Potash Producers Association (APEP).

The statement forms part of the launch of the Joint Task Force (JTF), involving the nine associations (see full list below).

“The current design and rationale of Component Material Categories (CMCs) under Annex II in the FPR create structural blockages that exclude innovative circular and bio-based materials, as well as many existing materials that are already placed on the market under national rules,” reads the executive summary. “As a result, the FPR is not delivering on its objectives related to innovation, market access, circularity, bioeconomy, and EU-wide harmonisation.”

The statement explains the limiting effect of having a closed list for CMCs. “The current approach, based on closed lists of components, is inconsistent with the principles of innovation, circularity and adaptability underpinning the EU’s New Legislative Framework. In particular, it limits adaptability to technical progress and proportionality in regulatory design.”

The signatories of the statement argue that although the objectives and scope of the FPR remain highly relevant, the FPR is not delivering on those objectives in practice as currently implemented.

“We suggest that the FPR evaluation report should capture the structural shortcomings identified in this statement and, as required under Article 49 of the FPR, be followed by a legislative proposal. Such a proposal should address the limitations arising from the current CMC rationale.”

The nine associations who undersigned the statement were: the European Consortium of the Organic-Based Fertilizer Industry (ECOFI), the European Biostimulants Industry Council (EBIC), the European Compost Network (ECN), the European Sustainable Phosphorus Platform (ESPP), EUROFEMA, Growing Media Europe, Fertilizers Europe, the European Potash Producers Association (APEP), and the European Biogas Association (EBA).