Periodic Reporting for period 1 - NOVAFERT (NOVEL PROCEDURES AND SUSTAINABLE GUIDELINES TO ENHANCE THE USE OF ALTERNATIVE FERTILISERS)
Reporting period: 2022-09-01 to 2024-02-29
In light of the urgent need to raise awareness about the effectiveness and environmental safety of alternative fertilizing products, it is evident that a lack of comprehensive mapping of existing nutrient recycling technologies and alternative fertilizing products poses a significant challenge. This gap hinders informed decision-making among stakeholders. Additionally, the absence of standardized Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methods further complicates the evaluation of environmental and social impacts. In response to these challenges, the development and implementation of local policies supporting the transition to sustainable value chains are critical. NOVAFERT is an initiative aimed at providing crucial information for the effective and safe utilization of alternative fertilizers tailored to regional needs and market demands across the EU. A regional approach, covering 7 EU regions and different types of secondary raw materials, will also support the development of sustainable local value chains deploying alternative fertilising products. These strategies will be helpful to enhance the uptake of alternative fertilising products and contribute in the long term to recommending directional guidelines for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). With this strategic focus, NOVAFERT anticipates catalyzing significant positive transformations in agricultural systems and environmental sustainability throughout the region.
In the first stage, Novafert mapped existing alternative fertilizing products across Europe focusing on waste streams causing environmental degradation. This data was categorized by geographic regions and consolidated into public online inventory providing valuable information accessible to stakeholders. Further, NOVAFERT also developed an Atlas of Nutrient-Oriented Living Labs compiling 50 nutrient-oriented living labs across NOVAFERT participating regions (Spain, Ireland, Croatia, Finland, Belgium, and Poland). This publicly available atlas serves as a foundation for stakeholders to understand real-life large-scale systems for nutrient recycling. Based on this atlas 7 Lighthouse Demonstrations were selected (one per region) to showcase exemplary performance in nutrient recycling with locally available alternative fertilizers and crops. These demonstrations act as knowledge exchange hubs for farmers and stakeholders. To further stimulate regional Contextualization and Stakeholder Engagement NOVAFERT facilitated the exchange of information and practical knowledge among various stakeholders(farmers, producers, water operators, researchers, and authorities) by the establishment of 7 regional working groups. These groups will catalyze project outputs for regional stakeholders, fostering sustainability at both EU and regional levels. Further, NOVAFERT is actively involved in the development of a Consensual Method for Environmental Assessment. NOVAFERT initiated the development of a consensual method for environmental assessment of alternative fertilizing products. This included a Sustainability Mapping Report and the presentation of a draft Product Environmental Footprint methodological guideline for assessing the environmental performance of producing and distributing alternative fertilizers.
Finally, NOVAFERT also focused on the Development of Support Policies and Legislative Instruments to drive the transition toward sustainable adoption of alternative fertilizing products. A general action plan has already been developed and will now be further finetuned towards g region-specific action plans tailored to the characteristics and needs of each target region. Novafert has also drafted 3 joint and 1 specific policy briefs on RENURE products. Overall, NOVAFERT made significant progress in mapping available technologies, engaging stakeholders, selecting demonstration sites, developing assessment methodologies, and formulating policy frameworks to promote sustainable use and management of alternative fertilizing products across Europe. All information, including the inventory atlas and policy briefs, can be found on https://www.novafert.eu
Finally, NOVAFERT also focused on the Development of Support Policies and Legislative Instruments to drive the transition toward sustainable adoption of alternative fertilizing products. A general action plan has already been developed and will now be further finetuned towards g region-specific action plans tailored to the characteristics and needs of each target region. Novafert has also drafted 3 joint and 1 specific policy briefs on RENURE products. Overall, NOVAFERT made significant progress in mapping available technologies, engaging stakeholders, selecting demonstration sites, developing assessment methodologies, and formulating policy frameworks to promote sustainable use and management of alternative fertilizing products across Europe. All information, including the inventory atlas and policy briefs, can be found on https://www.novafert.eu
NOVAFERT aims to accelerate the transition to a circular economy in agriculture by familiarizing end users with innovative fertilizing products and processes, at a convincing scale. Our strategy involves engaging multiple stakeholders, including policymakers and end-users, through seven Novafert regional working groups. Through dedicated future demonstrations and workshops, we anticipate accelerating time-to-market by advancing the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of nutrient recycling technologies and promoting the production of sustainable fertilizing products. NOVAFERT has surpassed the state of the art by compiling a database of alternative fertilizing products. This comprehensive resource not only includes details on various products but also encompasses information on associated technologies, production processes, and capacities. It stands as a dynamic document, continuously updated throughout the project duration with additional data such as storage and application specifics, thereby ensuring its enduring value to stakeholders. Furthermore, Novafert is developing a draft Product Environmental Footprint -wise methodological guideline, for assessing these alternative fertilizers, aligned with EU standards. This guideline will transcend traditional Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies, encompassing considerations of biodiversity, carbon sequestration, human health, and social benefits, thus pushing the boundaries of current knowledge. Finally, NOVAFERT is committed to addressing stakeholders through a multi-actor approach. By fostering active engagement with all parties involved, we endeavor to bridge gaps between stakeholders and facilitate the market introduction and adoption of our solutions through collaborative development efforts.