Fertilisers play a key role in agriculture, increasing yields and improving crop quality. However, their use requires responsibility and knowledge, both from an environmental and legal perspective.
Fertilizers provide nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and micronutrients (e.g. zinc, boron, iron), which are necessary for metabolic processes in plants, such as photosynthesis, protein synthesis and cell division. Organic fertilizers improve soil structure, increase soil fertility, and increase its ability to retain water and nutrients. Regular fertilization allows you to obtain larger and better quality crops, which is crucial for ensuring food security. In addition, fertilisers replenish nutrient deficiencies in soils that naturally lack them, allowing demanding crops to be grown.
Fertilizers can be divided into:
- Organic – coming from natural sources, such as manure, compost, or vermicompost.
- Synthetic (mineral) – chemically produced, containing precisely defined proportions of nutrients.
Changes in the labelling of fertilisers in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2024/2516
On 18 September 2024, Regulation (EU) 2024/2516 of the European Parliament and of the Council was adopted, which introduces a new possibility for digital labelling of fertilising products in the European Union, amending the existing provisions contained in Regulation (EU) 2019/1009. The aim of this change is to adapt labelling rules to technological advances, facilitate access to information and reduce costs for businesses while maintaining health and environmental standards.
The new rules introduce digital labelling, which allows manufacturers and distributors to provide information about fertilising products in digital form. This solution is designed to facilitate access to data such as composition, agronomic efficiency or safe use rules, especially in the case of products sold without packaging. Businesses, including small and medium-sized businesses, have the option to choose between a digital and physical label, allowing them to adapt to the requirements in a way that suits their technological and financial resources.
For packaged products, key information such as usage and storage rules must still be available in physical form, ensuring that the necessary data can also be accessed by users without access to digital technologies. The regulations also provide support in the form of training and guidance programs to help companies transition to new labeling technologies. Technological and social constraints, such as the needs of older people and those living in rural areas with limited internet access, are also taken into account, meaning that digital labels will not completely replace traditional methods.
The main benefits of the new solution include reduced waste by reducing the need for printed materials, and better access to information for functions such as text zoom and data search. In addition, digital labelling increases cost efficiency, especially for large quantities of fertilisers, by reducing the costs associated with label production.
The new rules are a step towards the digitalisation of agriculture, but they also take into account the need to balance innovation with social and environmental needs. The regulation will come into force from 2026, giving companies time to adapt to the new requirements.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the above matter, please feel free to contact our expert, Piotr Wlodawiec: wlodawiec[at]prokurent.com.pl
Authors:
Piotr Włodawiec – Attorney-at-law / Senior Partner
Paweł Buczyński – Food Technology Engineer
Legal status: 25.11.2024
The article was translated using AI.
