The transitional measures for phosphorus end this December and pose new challenges for the intensive livestock sector, especially pig and poultry producers. The derogation was put in place to encourage the use of manures by other farmers and allowed more than the specified amount of P to be applied via organic manures. As of 1 January 2017, the maximum rates of P for specific uses will apply to both organic and inorganic P sources. This will require a bigger land footprint for spreading with greater transport distances, hence additional cost to producers.

Is this an opportune time to consider decentralisation in these intensive livestock businesses? This is happening to some degree in poultry where expansion is being targeted at tillage areas where grain is available and organic manure is required. Can we consider relocating pig fattening units to intensive tillage areas where straw is available for bedding and manure is needed on land? Might this also help the health status of the breeding units?