Lessons from the Netherlands about phosphate regulation

The Netherlands, a dairy-dense and low-lying country with enhanced phosphate legislation, offers valuable lessons for the UK. We took a group of British farmers to see first-hand how the Dutch have addressed phosphate challenges in such a densely farmed landscape.

While agriculture isn’t the sole source of phosphate pollution in UK waterways, the sector is under growing scrutiny.

As environmental pressure mounts, the farming sector must still demonstrate its commitment to protecting the environment.

Following the Dutch visit, the farmers joined a panel of industry experts for a livestream discussion, exploring how the dairy sector can stay ahead of regulation while safeguarding their land, livestock, and livelihoods.

Since 2017, Dutch farmers require phosphate rights to keep animals and expand herds, with costs reaching around €3,500 per cow for expansion.

This system has effectively become a 'milk quota'.

Tightening nitrogen application limits (moving towards 170 kg per hectare from manure) are creating challenges for phosphate management.

Dutch dairy farmers like Ellen Severt are now exporting phosphate that their iron-rich clay soil needs because they cannot apply enough manure to meet phosphorus requirements without exceeding nitrogen limits.

She explained how losing nitrogen derogations means she's applying less manure, exporting slurry, and with it, essential nutrients.

Meanwhile, Dutch farmers cannot use mineral phosphorus to replace it.

Dutch regulations focus on the balance between phosphate inputs (mainly feed) and outputs (milk, meat).

However, nitrogen restrictions are pushing some farms into 'negative phosphate territory', leading to soil depletion as they cannot use mineral phosphorus.

Dairy farmer Jamie Butler from one of our Strategic Farms in Hampshire, who was part of the trip, was shocked by what he found:

“There was no actual phosphate pollution issue… the regulations on nitrogen are so tight that they cannot supply enough phosphorus to the soil to grow their crops properly.”

These restrictions have inadvertently led to phosphate deficiencies, leaving soils undernourished and crops struggling.

The real concern in the Netherlands wasn’t pollution, but that strict nitrogen rules were preventing farmers from applying the phosphorus their crops needed.

This complex interplay between regulations has effectively turned phosphate quotas into a cap on production – with little environmental gain.

The lesson for the UK is clear: well-intentioned rules can have unintended consequences.

Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all policy, a more tailored approach based on individual farms might be the solution.

Rachel Madeley-Davies, AHDB’s Head of Environment, stressed that every field is different, never mind every farm:

“Blanket policies just won’t work but I think if we can have a much more practical farm level approach where we start to use the tools in our toolbox.”

Improving soil health emerged as a recurring theme. Building organic matter, addressing compaction, and enhancing soil biology all support better nutrient retention. Nature-based solutions, like buffer strips and mini-wetlands, can further reduce runoff.

But knowledge is key. Nutrient management planning – including testing of soil, silage and slurry – can help farmers match inputs to crop needs and avoid excesses.

In some cases, feed adjustments alone can make a difference. Tim Stevens from Wessex Water shared an example of a farm that reduced phosphorus levels in slurry simply by switching to a zero-phosphorus mineral, thanks to the natural richness of their rape meal feed.

Emerging tools could help close the loop. Research into electrocoagulation technology – highlighted by Harper Adams University – aims to extract phosphorus from slurry, producing a concentrated fertiliser and creating new income streams for farmers.

Meanwhile, cover crops and reduced tillage practices were championed as regenerative techniques that can enhance soil structure and nutrient availability, reducing dependency on synthetic fertilisers.

The panel also discussed slurry export as a circular solution – moving nutrients from areas with excess to arable land in need. While this has potential, regulatory and logistical hurdles remain.

The livestream’s overarching message was simple: if farmers and the dairy sector lead from the front, they can help shape policies that are practical, fair and effective.

Waiting for regulation to arrive risks repeating the mistakes seen elsewhere.

By improving soil health, managing nutrients carefully, embracing technology, and working together across the industry, dairy farmers can not only protect water quality, but strengthen the case for British dairy as a responsible, sustainable choice for the future.