Stakeholder Perspectives on Fertilizer Policy in Germany: Findings from a Modified Delphi Study
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.German farmers and environmental experts advocate for science-based nutrient management, shifting from rigid rules to farm-gate balancing for reduced nitrogen losses and phosphorus surpluses. This supports the EU Farm to Fork strategy.
Area Of Science
- Agricultural policy
- Environmental science
- Nutrient management
Background
- The European Farm to Fork strategy aims to reduce agriculture's environmental impact, but policy implementation is unclear.
- Germany's current fertilizer policies are criticized for being rigid and ineffective against complex environmental issues.
Purpose Of The Study
- To capture policy demands for improved nutrient management from key stakeholders.
- To inform the development of more effective fertilizer policies aligned with the Farm to Fork strategy.
Main Methods
- A modified policy Delphi process involving iterative online working groups and a scenario workshop.
- Systematic framework on environmental policy instrument selection to guide discussions.
Main Results
- Strong consensus for a shift from prescriptive fertilization to target-oriented, science-based approaches.
- Advocacy for farm-gate nutrient balancing to minimize nitrogen losses and manage phosphorus.
- Emphasis on digital technology-enhanced monitoring systems for robust oversight.
Conclusions
- Participatory approach enhances legitimacy and adaptability of future fertilizer policies.
- Stakeholder-driven recommendations offer a path to reconcile agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability.
- Further research, including pilot projects, is needed to validate feasibility and refine methods.
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