MEP calls on government to 'make use' of ReNure opportunities
An Irish MEP has called on the government to "grab the bull by the horns" and speed up the development of the anaerobic digestion sector and to take "full advantage" of ReNure technology.
ReNure stands for recovered nitrogen from manure. RENURE fertiliser is processed manure that could potentially offset the need for chemical fertiliser.
In September, the European Commission announced that its advisory Nitrates Committee endorsed a proposal to allow ReNure fertiliser to be used above the normal limits on fertiliser use set out in the Nitrates Directive.
The commission's ReNure proposal would allow certain types of processed manure - specifically, digestate from AD plants that has undergone further treatment - to be classified as a chemical fertiliser rather than organic manure.
This means it would not count towards the 170kg/ha organic nitrogen (N) limit, and could be used to replace N fertiliser on farms.
MEP Billy Kelleher called on the government to "move on with ambition and energy", adding that "now is not the time for pilot projects".
"ReNure, and the use of anaerobic digestion, is an essential requirement for Irish dairy farmers to be able to retain their nitrates derogation long into the future," Kelleher said.
"AD is a proven technology that turns farm slurry into...fertiliser that will not impact a farm's emissions profile. In addition, it will produce biogas...which can be sued to replace our gas imports," Kelleher added.
He noted that, at present, rules penalise farmers who spread digestate produced using AD back on their farms.
"ReNure will fix this anomaly and, I believe, spur the development of the technology in Irish agriculture.
"What is now critically needed are guidelines, from national government, for local authorities so that planning applications can be processed as efficiently as possible," the Fianna Fáil MEP said.
"In addition, the Department of Finance and Revenue must review the system of capital allowances and reliefs to incentivise both farmers and industry in local AD facilities," he added.
Kelleher also called on dairy co-operatives to get involved in growing AD, said they "must play their role in driving forward AD and the opportunities that will come from ReNure".
