Use of recycled phosphorus products in organic farming in EU member states: Theoretically supported but practically restricted

S. Magaya, M. Reimer, G.S. Metson, T-S. Neset, M. Torralba and C.J.E. Schulp

Food Policy, 2025, vol. 134, issue C

Abstract: Organic farming policies and guidelines actively promote sustainable farming practices emphasising tighter nutrient cycles on farms and regionally. The European Union Green Deal aims to increase organic farmland to 25% and has triggered more discussion about nutrient supply challenges in organic farming, including propositions to allow the use of more recycled phosphorus products. Via a pivotal regulatory shift, struvite was allowed for use in organic farming in 2023 but dynamics involved in adoption of this recycled P product into organic farming are not understood. This study explores the influence of policy, technology, and financial instruments on the availability, accessibility, and adoption of wastewater-based struvite in organic farming.We use a qualitative multi-methods approach and adopt a systems perspective to explore the complex interplay between key sectors and the important variables in the recycled P chain. Our analysis reveals a lack of perceived P supply risk for organic farming in the European Union. Whereas the organic farming regulation is an arbiter for inputs into organic farming, adoption of recycled P products by farmers hinges on rigorous quality assurance and financial accessibility. Moreover, there are opposing views among actors on forms of policy interventions to facilitate availability and adoption of recycled P products in organic farming. However, within existing policy frameworks leverage points are present for strategic pathways to promote recycled P use in organic farming.

Keywords: Recycled phosphorus; Struvite; Organic farming; Enablers; Constraints (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jfpoli:v:134:y:2025:i:c:s0306919225000855

DOI: 10.1016/j.foodpol.2025.102881

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