The INI European regional nitrogen centre : Concepts and vision

In the global setting of the International Nitrogen Initiative (INI), the European Centre facilitates enhanced cooperation and integration among European researchers, policy makers and practitioners on environmental issues related to reactive nitrogen. INI-Europe represents a region that is characterized by agronomic challenges posed by high population density and the associated large food demand, but a declining economic share of agriculture. It is largely an area of excess nitrogen, a fact that is increasingly being recognized by stakeholders and environmental policy. INI-Europe aims to promote awareness building and to provide scientific information to stakeholders and the policy process, in order to facilitate implementation of measures to reduce environmental nitrogen loads and associated impacts

Potential of Extensification of European and Dutch Agriculture for a More Sustainable Food System Focusing on Nitrogen and Livestock

Most global strategies for future food security focus on sustainable intensification of production of food and involve an increase of nitrogen (N) fertilizer use, livestock production and risk of N pollution. In this chapter, we explore the potential of sustainable extensification for agriculture in the European Union (EU) and the Netherlands by analyzing cases and scenario studies focusing on reducing N inputs and livestock densities. Benefits of extensification to society include higher local biodiversity and less environmental pollution. Societal costs of N losses in the EU from agriculture are substantial and for 2008 are here estimated at 0.3-1.9% of the gross domestic product (GDP). Extensification also has risks such as a reduction of yields and therewith a decrease of both GDP and farm income. This also implies a smaller contribution to global food production and, potentially, an increase of global demand for land. For N-intensive agricultural systems in northwest EU, a reduction of N fertilization rate and livestock densities of up to 30% would reduce the external cost of N pollution to such an extent that society as a whole would benefit. However, compensation would be needed for net loss of farm income, e.g., by price premiums for cleaner production or improved animal welfare. Extensification scenarios with > 30% decrease of livestock production would require adjustment of human diets. A 2030 scenario for the EU halving consumption and production of animal products (demitarian diet) is here estimated to reduce N pollution by 10%, benefits human health and would transform the EU from a feed importer to a food exporter

Managing nitrogen for sustainable development

International audienceImprovements in nitrogen use efficiency in crop production are critical for addressing the triple challenges of food security, environmental degradation and climate change. Such improvements are conditional not only on technological innovation, but also on socio-economic factors that are at present poorly understood. Here we examine historical patterns of agricultural nitrogen-use efficiency and find a broad range of national approaches to agricultural development and related pollution. We analyse examples of nitrogen use and propose targets, by geographic region and crop type, to meet the 2050 global food demand projected by the Food and Agriculture Organization while also meeting the Sustainable Development Goals pertaining to agriculture recently adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. Furthermore, we discuss socio-economic policies and technological innovations that may help achieve them