We need to talk about nitrogen

Synthetic nitrogen fertiliser revolutionised agriculture and has enabled large increases in yields.

At the same time, almost all the negative external effects on climate and environment caused by agriculture are directly or indirectly related to the increased nitrogen supply.

Research has demonstrated that to reach agreed targets for climate and environment, it is necessary to reduce the addition of new nitrogen.

Consequently, agricultural primary production will diminish, which unequivocally will have effects on the food system, from farm to fork. Despite its importance, the role of nitrogen has passed relatively unnoticed in the public debate.

This project aims to illustrate the consequences of the amount of nitrogen input as a necessity to reach climate and environmental targets.

Seminars and dialogue meetings underpinned by the latest research will be used in conversations on what a reduction in nitrogen input will mean for production, profitability, food security, vulnerability, consumption and international trade.

The project targets food producers through the entire value-chain, professionals within the area of climate and environment, as well as politicians.

At the end of the project, the knowledge on the role of nitrogen for food production, climate and environment is expected to have increased amongst the target groups, who are enabled to take the issue further into the public debate, the politics and practical operations.