Impact of the proposed limit on total chromium in ABP fertilisers – risks to the circular economy and the EU agricultural sector
20.12.2024
Question for written answer E-003073/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Elena Donazzan (ECR), Carlo Fidanza (ECR), Susanna Ceccardi (PfE)
Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 lays down the rules for making fertilisers available in the EU, but it has still not been fully implemented. Many raw materials remain usable at national level only. Through its DG GROW expert group on Fertilising Products, the Commission has contracted Qlab (Research, Analytical and Quality Control Lab, Greece) to conduct a study on animal by-products (ABPs). The study proposes a limit on total chromium for some ABP-based matrices.
This proposal seems to ignore the scientific literature already assessed by the Commission during the drafting of the Regulation, which did not provide any justification for a limit on total chromium. The introduction of such a restriction could undermine access to raw materials and hinder free trade in the single market. Moreover, this would prevent the recovery of ABPs, reducing the availability of essential tools for farmers and violating the circular economy principles on which the Regulation is based.
In view of the above:
- 1.Why has the Commission not yet taken a definitive position on the restrictions on total chromium in ABP fertilisers, despite a lack of scientific evidence of risks?
- 2.What steps will it take to avoid damage to the fertiliser industry and farmers, especially in Italy, where ABPs are a strategic resource?
- 3.How will it ensure compliance with circular economy principles during the implementation of the Regulation?
Submitted: 20.12.2024