Drought in Russia: Grain region particularly affected
In Russia, the main region for grain cultivation has been experiencing dry conditions for weeks. This is likely to result in lower yields and poorer quality than previously expected.
The Netherlands' Struggle with Excess Slurry
The Netherlands is struggling with the excess slurry issue. A study commissioned by the ministry has now assessed possible export destinations in Europe. Three new federal states in Germany are considered as markets.
Increasing Environmental Regulations and Excess Slurry
The increasing environmental regulations and excess slurry in the Netherlands have caused disposal costs of surplus slurry to skyrocket. The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture has recently tasked the Nutrient Management Institute with evaluating potential export markets in Europe.
Possible Destinations: France, East Germany, Western Poland, and the Baltics
Researchers identified France, East Germany, Western Poland, and the Baltic states as the best targets. This is according to a report from industry insiders at pigbusiness.nl.
Export Potential in Various Regions
In France, the northeastern regions of Grand Est and Hauts-de-France, as well as the central Centre-Val de Loire, offer the most export potential. These regions are characterized by large agricultural areas, relatively low livestock density, and moderate soil fertility.
Similar conditions apply to Western Poland and the Baltic states of Latvia and Lithuania. They also benefit from a growing agricultural sector.
Challenges in West Germany for Slurry Exports
Researchers identified Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Saxony-Anhalt as the future export targets in Germany with growing sales potential. There is a greater demand here due to the numerous large farms on sandy soils with sufficient capacity to absorb nitrogen and phosphate.
In North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony, there is limited room for additional fertilizer supply due to the high livestock density and intensive fertilization, according to the study. The same applies to Belgium, Brittany, or Normandy in France.
Considerations for Transport Costs
In some Eastern European regions, there is little experience with the use of organic fertilizers. Therefore, researchers suggested demonstration trials to convince farmers of the value of organic fertilizers.
In the end, such long trade routes are likely to fail mainly due to profitability issues. Rising transport costs, in particular, should be mentioned. Therefore, a significant portion of the Dutch slurry surplus should continue to be transported to nearby areas.