Minister Endorses KNAP Project for Safe Human Fertilizer Application
The Hague, Monday, 4 August 2025.
Minister Wiersma emphasizes the KNAP project’s importance in developing safe human fertilizer solutions, potentially integrating them into EU regulations, aligning with environmental and agricultural sustainability goals.
KNAP Project’s Integral Role in Sustainable Agriculture
The KNAP project is celebrated for its pivotal role in advancing the safe application of human fertilizers. Minister Wiersma of the Netherlands’ Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature (LVVN) has highlighted this innovation as a cornerstone of future agrarian practices. The project’s focus on nutrient recovery from waste and process water ties directly into efforts to close the nutrient cycle, addressing both environmental concerns and agricultural efficiency [1].
Ministerial Support for European Fertilizer Integration
In a recent communication dated 11 June 2025, Minister Wiersma emphasized the KNAP project’s findings as the foundation for potential integration of human fertilizers into the European Fertilising Products Regulation (FPR). Anticipated outcomes from this project are crucial for incorporating these innovative fertilizers into existing policies safely. This aligns with the Netherlands’ long-term strategy to bolster sustainable agriculture and minimize pollution [1].
Nutrient Platform’s Role and Industry Call to Action
The Nutrient Platform, a key collaborative body in this sector, welcomed the ministerial endorsement, recognizing it as pivotal for nutrient recycling innovations [1]. The project sets a precedent for circular fertilizer production, underlined by calls from policymakers for stakeholders to actively seek approvals for new fertilizers through now-enhanced regulatory frameworks, including Annex AA, currently under evaluation for better facilitation [1].
Collaborative Efforts for Future-proof Fertilizer Policies
Industry leaders and governmental bodies advocate ongoing collaboration between entities to ensure safe integration of circular fertilizers into agriculture. This initiative, steered by KNAP, aims not only to create sustainable pathways but also to foster open dialogue between research institutions and the government, ensuring these fertilizers can transition from scientific evidence to practical application [1].