Biotechnology is key to a sustainable future of fertilizers
At the III Congress on Fertilization that was held in Madrid, the president of the Spanish Fertilizer Trade Association (Acefer), Juan Pardo, stated that “the future of fertilizers goes through biotechnology, so that the plant can eat better and more efficiently". The executive has also addressed in his speech the reduction of the cadmium content in the fertilizers included in the new European regulations, a very relevant issue in the sector and which in his opinion will not affect a higher cost for the farmer.
Biotechnology
The development, research and good use of biotechnology in fertilization begins with its application in the way of activating and improving the microbial flora of the soil, so that plants are better nourished, until genetic modifications or improvement of crops for that enjoy more efficient nutrition and, therefore, have more productive results.
Biotechnological products may have a lower volume sale, but they are clearly more effective products if we evaluate them from different points of view, not only in terms of their productive results, but also in sustainability and social and environmental responsibility. There are inorganic chemical compounds, organ - minerals and biostimulants that are collaborating efficiently in this production perspective.
EU regulation
The president of the Spanish associates, Juan Pardo, draws attention to the Community Regulation 2019/1009 on fertilizers that was approved in June (and will not be fully implemented until July 2022), describing it as too lax and not very specific legislation, which leaves the door open in many aspects, to which, however, we must "give a vote of confidence", since the "Commission knows the European market and agriculture well".
The Regulation of the European Union (EU) determines as fertilizer product to a substance, mixture, microorganism or any other material applied or that is intended to be applied in plants or in its rhizosphere, in fungi or in my mycosphere, or intended to constitute the rhizosphere or mycosphere, by itself or mixed with other materials, in order to provide nutrients to vegetables or fungi or improve their nutritional efficiency
Circular Economy
This new European legislation, which is in line with the EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy, aims in turn to stimulate the recycling of industrial and urban waste for plant growth, recalling, after referring to livestock waste, "Which were already being recycled in the field without this regulation."
Pardo reflects that the future of fertilization will not depend so much on this new regulation, but what we have to observe is the trend towards where the world is going, so that the sector, which is increasingly professionalized and technified, will not stop sell what plants need, that is, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, micronutrients and microelements.
Technology and Generation Z
In another aspect of application of advanced technology, those born between 1994 and 2010, or Generation Z, according to the studies, are the most willing to try foods modified by the different breeding techniques. Recently, a study by Ketchum, a New York-based communication company, showed that 77% of Generation Z members are willing to eat these foods, followed by Millennials or Generation Y (1981-1993), with 67%, and Generation X (1969-1980) with the Baby Boomers (1949-1968), with 58%.
The findings of the Ketchum Food Technology Consumer Perception Study pointed out that, leaving generational differences aside, most consumers in all demographic data accept food technology and are willing to test their products. So these investigations can help companies to better understand new consumers in their sustainability concerns and other factors that drive purchases and brand loyalty.
In short, in both biotechnology and food technology, consumers' concern may be the impact of climate change, or animal welfare, or they may be against food waste, but the key will be in how development , research and good use of technology can address these demands and resolve them to gain confidence.
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