Phosphorus and nitrogen flows and the EU food system

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Prod-ID: INF-73-en

Published 17 Oct 2017 Last modified 17 Oct 2017

Topics: Sustainability transitions ,

How efficiently nutrients are used is a critical issue for a sustainable food system and the circular economy. Analysis of the N and P flows through the agricultural food system show major losses (80% for N and 70% for P). Of the total input in the form of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisers, only 20-30% is actually embedded in the food that reaches consumers plates.

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Food in a green light - A systems approach to sustainable food This report takes a food system approach to analyse European production, consumption and trade of food, and associated environmental and human health aspects. Understanding the patterns, processes and actors involved allows for more coherent and effective policy interventions to reduce environmental pressures along the value chain, with potential co-benefits to human health and well-being. The report addresses both terrestrial and aquatic food production and goes beyond the environmental impact and economic performance of agriculture and fisheries. The focus is on long-term sustainability objectives, as laid down in the 2050 vision of the Seventh Environment Action Programme and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

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For references, please go to https://www.eea.europa.eu/media/infographics/phosphorus-and-nitrogen-flows-and-1 or scan the QR code.

PDF generated on 25 Sep 2018, 03:47 PM

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