Fertilisation on vulnerable terrain

30.3.2015

Question for written answer E-004931-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Jørn Dohrmann (ECR)

The Folketing [Parliament] in Denmark has just adopted a ban on fertilisation and spraying in the so-called §3 nature areas, such as meadows and salt marshes.

The fertilisation ban in the §3 areas only applies, however, for conventional farmers. Ecologists may continue to fertilise in these areas — including with the use of conventional manure.

What is the Commission’s view of the fact that some people are permitted to fertilise areas that have been assessed as vulnerable nature? The differential treatment is explained in Denmark by Environment Minister Kirsten Brosbøl by the fact that the Government has the objective of doubling the ecological area by 2020, for which reason ecologists should have a special position.

What is the Commission’s view of the fact that ecologists are allowed to fertilise with conventional manure?

Can the Commission set out how the regulations on vulnerable nature and fertilisation are interpreted in other countries, and whether other EU Member States also have differential treatment between regulations applying to ecologists and regulations applying to conventional farmers?