During an exchange of views with European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture on Thursday 19 March, European Commissioner Christophe Hansen ruled out the possibility of suspending the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) for fertilisers.
The Commissioner for Agriculture explained that the European Union was not “addicted” to fertilisers, but that it was clearly dependent on them, and that this dependence was a major strategic vulnerability for European agriculture (see EUROPE 13820/7).
This is why the Commission has initiated a wide-ranging discussion with the sector, involving not only fertiliser producers but also farmers. In his view, there is no single solution or “silver bullet” for this problem. Mr Hansen confirmed that the Commission would shortly be presenting a European action plan on fertilisers.
CBAM. Christophe Hansen responded to MEPs in favour of suspending CBAM for fertilisers by warning against such an approach. While acknowledging that some people favour this suspension, he pointed out that European fertiliser producers had invested massively in carbon capture and storage.
Suspending the CBAM, he believes, would put these producers at a competitive disadvantage and could lead to further plant closures, ultimately increasing Europe’s dependence on imports.
He pointed to recent closures of fertiliser production sites, notably in Romania, as a signal that the situation was already moving in the wrong direction. In the long term, the European Union should become less dependent on fossil-based fertilisers.
Use of liquid manure. Mr Hansen noted that farmers repeatedly told him of a major inconsistency: they produced slurry or manure on their farms, but often had to pay to get rid of it, while being forced to buy fossil-based fertilisers. He finds this situation unacceptable, as it clearly demonstrates the need to rethink certain parts of the regulatory framework. He advocated a review of the Water Framework Directive and the Nitrates Directive, particularly in zones that are less vulnerable in terms of water quality.
He also pointed out that the capacity to absorb nutrients varies according to soil type, with grassland in particular having a higher capacity. In the commissioner’s view, this reality should be better reflected in the regulations, so as to allow, where necessary, greater use of manure or renewable fertilisers.
Christophe Hansen highlighted emerging technologies based on micro-organisms, using bacteria or fungi to improve nutrient absorption by plants. Although these technologies are still at an early stage of development, experts estimate that they could reduce conventional fossil fertiliser use by up to 50%. These solutions are not dependent on energy prices and could be deployed on a large scale, eventually becoming less expensive than traditional fertilisers. For Christophe Hansen, investing proactively in these innovations is essential, as they contribute directly to European autonomy.
Energy prices. Turning to the impact of the Middle East crisis, Christophe Hansen acknowledged the sharp rise in energy prices and its direct repercussions on farmers. Diesel, in particular, remains heavily reliant on imports, leaving the European Union vulnerable.
He expressed strong interest in developing biofuel production within the EU, especially given the current context of very low agricultural prices. While acknowledging that biofuels were not the only solution, he believed they could be part of a wider strategy to reduce dependency.
Milk. Regarding milk and dairy products, Mr Hansen highlighted the existence of promising external markets where the European Union could better capitalise on its production. However, he pointed out that this requires a focused and coherent strategy, supported by established and reliable commercial partners. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)