June 13, 2023 | Earth.org |
NOMAD, an EU-funded research project, aims to promote sustainable agriculture and address the environmental impact of synthetic fertilizers by developing biofertilizers and implementing a circular economy approach. Synthetic fertilizers, although crucial for supporting the growing global population, have negative effects on the environment. They also require heavy natural gas usage, which can lead to price spikes and economic repercussions. To combat these issues, the European Union introduced the Fertilising Products Regulation, which aims to simplify access to innovative organic fertilizers derived from recycled waste and by-products. These standards encourage balanced fertilization, sustainable nutrient management, and reduced reliance on natural gas. Additionally, the European Commission proposed guidelines to support resilient and sustainable agriculture and increase organic waste and nutrient recycling. The NOMAD project, involving experts and partners from eight countries, has developed a scalable technology to convert organic waste into high-performance biofertilizers. Pilot sites in Greece, Italy, Malta, and the UK have been chosen to test the technology's effectiveness. The project's goal is to establish a local circular economy based on agriculture and food production and facilitate sustainable agriculture development.
Source: NOMAD