Brussels, 02 April – On 15 April, during the conference titled ‘Nurturing a Greener Future by Decarbonizing Fertilizers and Food’, Innovation Norway and Yara International will foster a dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders along the agri-food value chain. The aim is to explore the benefits related to the use of fertilizers produced with renewable and low-carbon hydrogen.
 

In the context of the EU’s objectives to reduce emissions by at least 55% in 2030 and to reach climate neutrality by 2050, decarbonizing fertilizers by using clean hydrogen in ammonia production has the potential to massively contribute to the decarbonization of the agri-food value chain. At the same time, in most Member States, ammonia production represents a very large share of domestic hydrogen use. Therefore, transforming fertilizer production can act as an accelerator of the clean hydrogen market.

“We at Innovation Norway are strongly committed to supporting innovation and breakthrough ideas to reduce emissions and increase value creation and exports. Therefore, together with Yara International, we wish to launch an important dialogue to explore the topic of fertilizers based on renewable and low-carbon hydrogen, their benefits for the agri-food value chain and their role for the clean hydrogen market.” – said Hans Eirik Melandsø, Director, Innovation Norway Brussels.
 

This conference aims to foster a common understanding amongst European decisionmakers and stakeholders from the value chain to unlock and maximize the opportunities related to decarbonizing fertilizers. 

The European Commission’s 2022 Communication on fertilizers’ availability and affordability recognized the need for action when referring to “measures that can help make green fertilizers competitive”. 

In this respect, Yara’s Executive Vice-President for Europe, Mónica Andrés Enríquez noted: “Reducing the carbon footprint of fertilization is a key step towards decarbonizing the food system. The solutions are available. Yet, we can’t expect low-carbon fertilizers to reach scale without a market environment that incentivizes and rewards all stakeholders in the food value chain. Targeted policies by public authorities will be essential to overcome barriers and boost the transformation.”

The conference highlights include:

• An address by Daniel Mes, Member of Cabinet of Climate Commissioner Hoekstra;
• A presentation on the Fertilizers Communication by Gregorio Dávila Díaz, Deputy Head of Unit AGRI B2, European Commission;
• A market perspective shared by Jean Bergevin, Senior Expert, GROWI3, European Commission;
• A national view presented by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture; 
• A fireside chat on the role of decarbonized hydrogen and fertilizers’ footprint for the agri-food chain between CE Delft and the Cool Farm Alliance; and
• An interactive panel discussion with representatives of fertilizer producers, farmers, retailers, and the civil society.

The full program is available here. 

Register here to seize the opportunity to hear from our esteemed speakers and get involved in this crucial dialogue.
 

About Innovation Norway

Innovation Norway is the Norwegian Government's most important instrument for innovation and development of Norwegian enterprises and industry. By combining local industry knowledge and international networks with the business ideas and the motivation of entrepreneurs, the foundation for new successful businesses is created.

About Yara

Yara grows knowledge to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet. Supporting our vision of a world without hunger and a planet respected, we pursue a strategy of sustainable value growth, promoting climate-friendly crop nutrition and zero-emission energy solutions. Yara’s ambition is focused on growing a nature positive food future that creates value for our customers, shareholders and society at large and delivers a more sustainable food value chain.

To achieve our ambition, we have taken the lead in developing digital farming tools for precision farming and work closely with partners throughout the food value chain to improve the efficiency and sustainability of food production. Through our focus on clean ammonia production, we aim to enable the hydrogen economy, driving a green transition of shipping, fertilizer production and other energy intensive industries.

Founded in 1905 to solve the emerging famine in Europe, Yara has established a unique position as the industry’s only global crop nutrition company.