Whether you’re enjoying the summer sunshine, sheltering from a heatwave or another unexpected downpour, or simply wondering how we’re already halfway through the year, we hope this edition finds you well. It has been six months since our last newsletter, and somehow we’re now well into the final year of the NENUPHAR project… how time flies!
Over the past few months, we’ve met partners and stakeholders across Europe, published a scientific paper, represented NENUPHAR at some of Europe’s leading agriculture and nutrient recycling events, tested our knowledge in a pub quiz, shared a fair amount of local cheese, and engaged with policymakers, researchers and practitioners working towards more sustainable nutrient management. And that’s only the start.
So grab a coffee, and enjoy the read 🙂
P.s. If you haven’t already, check out the NENUPHAR website, follow us on on socials and share among your networks! (LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube). Are you a player in the field of nutrient recovery? Join our Community of Interest today!
Planting ideas on Poster Day
Poster Day Conference in Bratislava. During Science and Technology Week at the end of 2025, the NENUPHAR project was presented at the 32nd Poster Day and Open Day international conference in Bratislava, Slovakia. Represented by Assoc. Prof. Elena Aydin of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, the project showcased its work on recovering nitrogen and phosphorus from waste streams to produce sustainable fertilisers! The event provided valuable opportunities for discussion, networking, and engagement with an international scientific audience.
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| Participants during the poster presentation session |
FIMA 2026
Advancing soil management and climate resilience. At FIMA 2026 in Zaragoza, NENUPHAR partner CIRCE hosted a technical session on Advanced Agronomic Systems for Soil Management and Climate Adaptation. Bringing together researchers, industry representatives and farmers, the event explored precision agriculture, sustainable fertilisation and climate adaptation strategies, highlighting the role of innovation in improving soil health, farm resilience and environmental sustainability.
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| Bárbara Palacino (CIRCE) represented the NENUPHAR project at FIMA 2026 |
Keeping poop in the loop
Stakeholder workshop in the Lielupe. On 24 February, NENUPHAR partners and stakeholders from Latvia and Lithuania gathered in Ceraukste, Latvia, to discuss the future of sewage sludge management and nutrient recycling in the Lielupe River Basin.
The workshop showcased the latest monitoring results from demonstration sites, explored opportunities and challenges related to wastewater sludge reuse in agriculture, and examined issues ranging from compost quality to emerging contaminants such as PFAS. Bringing together researchers, policymakers, water sector representatives and farmers, the event reinforced the importance of cross-sector collaboration and evidence-based solutions to advance circular nutrient management and protect both agricultural productivity and water quality.
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| Speakers presented strategies and values of wastewater sludge reuse |
GIS platform launched
Back in February, the NENUPHAR Online GIS (Geospatial Information System) Platform, offering an interactive way to explore spatial data on nutrient pollution, recycling and resource flows across the project’s regional clusters. Bringing together datasets on manure, sewage sludge, dairy wastewater and nutrient-related infrastructure, the platform helps users identify opportunities for more circular nutrient management and supports evidence-based decision-making for researchers, policymakers and practitioners.
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| The NENUPHAR GIS Platform, developed by project partner DRAXIS |
Partners gather in Spain
General Assembly. In March, the NENUPHAR consortium gathered in Binéfar, Spain, for its Annual General Assembly, bringing partners together to review progress, share results and plan the project’s final year. The meeting also highlighted work taking place in the Ebro River Basin demo site, where researchers and stakeholders are testing practical solutions to reduce nutrient pollution from intensive livestock production.
By combining innovation, scientific expertise and local engagement, NENUPHAR continues to advance sustainable approaches that protect water resources while supporting resilient farming communities across Europe.
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| NENUPHAR partners during the General Assembly hosted at the Lonja Agropecuaria de Binéfar |
Golden hours. While there, project partners visited La Melusa, an experimental site in the Ebro basin where innovative nutrient management solutions are being tested under real agricultural conditions. The field visit provided a first-hand look at how monitoring technologies and nature-based approaches, such as reed-planted canals, are helping to reduce nitrogen pollution and improve water quality in a region facing significant nutrient pressures. It was a valuable opportunity to connect project discussions with on-the-ground realities and see sustainable solutions in action.
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| The NENUPHAR team enjoyed golden hour at the wetland of La Melusa |
Field visit to the San Salvador Reservoir. Participants also visited the San Salvador Reservoir near Binaced (Huesca), a key water infrastructure asset serving the Canal de Aragón y Cataluña irrigation system. Supplying more than 22,000 hectares of agricultural land, the reservoir highlighted the close links between water management, irrigation efficiency and sustainable nutrient stewardship, and the role of integrated solutions in building resilient farming systems.
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| Partners during the visit of the San Salvador Reservoir |
Progress in the Ebro. The GA visit to Binéfar was combined with second meeting of the Ebro Community of Members, bringing together around 60 representatives from public authorities, agriculture, research and other stakeholder groups. An interregional workshop with the consortium representatives provided an opportunity to exchange ideas on circular nutrient management, discuss policy developments and governance challenges, and explore practical solutions for a more sustainable and resilient Ebro basin.
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| Participants discuss in breakouts at the Ebro CoM |
The annual trip to Brussels
The ESNI Conference. The European Sustainable Nutrients Initiative (ESNI) 2026 brought together researchers, policymakers, industry representatives and practitioners from across Europe in Brussels to exchange knowledge and explore solutions to nutrient pollution. Through insightful discussions and valuable networking opportunities, participants shared experiences, strengthened partnerships and highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing more sustainable, circular nutrient management systems across Europe.
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| NENUPHAR returned for a third time to the ESNI Conference in Brussels |
Beer, cheese and fun! Back in April, we were delighted to welcome policymakers, researchers, sister projects, project partners and other stakeholders from across Europe’s circular economy community to Brussels for the NENUPHAR annual networking event! Beyond valuable conversations and new connections, the evening was a chance to celebrate the people driving nutrient sustainability forward. Guests enjoyed great food, some of Belgium’s finest brews, and a pub quiz (with about 10kg worth of cheese in prizes – thanks to our project partner Tebike for bringing this delicious cheese all the way from Hungary!
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| The winning team poses with the prize of the pub quiz: cheese! |
Governance Labs kick off
Projects join forces to tackle pollution. Back in May, NENUPHAR joined forces with sister project GREENHOOD for their first Governance Lab in the Ebro River Basin, bringing together policymakers, researchers and local stakeholders to discuss how stronger collaboration can support sustainable nutrient management. The workshop provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, identify practical solutions and explore ways to improve nutrient governance across the region.
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| Governance Lab, co-hosted by NENUPHAR and our sister project GREENHOOD |
Project reunion in Slovakia
General Assembly in Nitra. In June 2026, the NENUPHAR consortium gathered at the AgroBioTech Research Center of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, bringing together partners from across Europe to review progress and prepare for the next phase of the project. Discussions focused on sustainable water and nutrient management solutions being tested at pilot sites in Slovakia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Spain.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to share updates from demonstration activities, assess environmental impacts and exchange lessons learned, highlighting the value of European collaboration in tackling water quality and nutrient management challenges.
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| NENUPHAR partners all together at the Annual General Assembly in Nitra, Slovakia, hosted by partners at the Slovak University of Agriculture |
CoM and Interregional workshop in the Danube. While partners were in Nitra, the NENUPHAR consortium also held a Slovak Community of Members (CoM) meeting and interregional workshop, bringing together researchers, project partners and stakeholders to exchange knowledge on nutrient pollution, sustainable water management and innovative wastewater treatment solutions. The event combined expert discussions with a visit to the project’s dairy wastewater demonstration site, offering participants a valuable opportunity to see circular nutrient management solutions in action and strengthen collaboration across regions.
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| Participants of the CoM in Slovakia |
Algae draws attention
Biofertiliser created from algae. Following a busy week of NENUPHAR activities in Nitra, Slovakia, project partners had the opportunity to step in front of the camera and share their work with a wider audience. Led by Prof. Jurík, the team highlighted the project’s efforts to tackle nutrient pollution and advance sustainable water and nutrient management solutions across Europe. A particular focus was the innovative work of Slovak researchers who are using algae to recover nutrients from wastewater and produce biofertilisers!
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| Bio-based fertilisers (BBF) in the making |
NENUPHAR on TV! The project’s activities attracted significant media interest, with coverage appearing in several national and sectoral outlets, alongside interviews with regional and national television stations! This growing visibility helps raise awareness of the nutrient challenges facing Europe and the innovative solutions being developed through NENUPHAR. Full interviews (in Slovak language) are available from the archives (watch Nenuphar colleagues Ľuboš and Tatiana here).
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| Professor Lubos Jurik (Slovak University of Agriculture) speaks to the media |
Notes from the field
Biggest national farming event of the year. In June 2026, NENUPHAR was showcased by SUA at Slovakia’s National Field Days, the country’s largest open-air agricultural exhibition, which welcomed more than 15,000 visitors from across the farming, food and agri-business sectors. The event provided an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of the project’s work and engage directly with farmers, industry representatives, policymakers and the wider public. The exhibition offered a dynamic setting to share NENUPHAR’s mission of advancing sustainable nutrient management and circular solutions.
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| Traditional tillage was on show at Slovakia’s National Field Days |
Tractor Day in Tērvete. At this major annual event, the NENUPHAR project was presented by our partners Zemnieku Saeima (ZSA). They showcased how nutrient recovery and circular fertilisers can help reduce reliance on costly mineral fertilisers. Farmers explored sewage sludge compost firsthand and discussed its application, safety, and benefits with project experts. The event also provided valuable feedback on farmers’ readiness to adopt nutrient recovery solutions, supporting NENUPHAR’s work to make circular fertilisers practical and economically viable. The weather didn’t really cooperate though…!
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| Visitors huddle under the shelter at Tractor Day |
Another field day. At Viļāni Field Day, the premier agricultural event in Latvia’s Latgale region, the NENUPHAR project highlighted how nutrient recycling and circular fertilisers can help reduce both environmental pollution and dependence on costly mineral fertilisers. Visitors explored sewage sludge compost as a practical example of nutrient recovery and discussed its safety, application, and regulatory considerations with project experts. The event also provided valuable feedback from farmers, supporting NENUPHAR’s efforts to develop practical governance models and incentives for the wider uptake of recycled fertilisers.
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| ZSA shone a light on the NENUPHAR project |
NENUPHAR paper published by CIRCE
Fresh study explores scaling nutrient recovery. A recent study published under the NENUPHAR project examines five nutrient recovery systems across Europe, from sewage sludge and digestate treatment to dairy wastewater and algae-based solutions. Drawing on case studies from Spain, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Slovakia and Denmark, the research shows how valuable nutrients can be recovered from different waste streams to support more circular, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems, while also highlighting the project’s role in bridging innovation, policy and practical implementation.
POLICY UPDATES FROM BRUSSELS
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| The NENUPHAR project partner, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), an environmental civil society organisation based in Brussels following EU environmental policy, including a number of files that are highly relevant to the NENUPHAR project. Here are a few key EEB updates from the past six months, relating to water pollution, nitrates, fertilisers and livestock:Nitrates Directive, RENURE and recent evaluation. For more than 35 years, the Nitrates Directive has helped protect Europe’s waters from agricultural pollution. While RENURE measures have sparked concerns about weakening safeguards, the EU Commission’s first full evaluation of the Directive in 35 years confirmed that it remains necessary, effective and fit for purpose. The Commission’s message is clear: the priority is not changing the rules, but improving implementation and tackling persistent nutrient pollution. Fertiliser Action Plan. Against the backdrop of recurring fertiliser crises driven by volatile fossil fuel markets, the EU Fertiliser Action Plan was a missed opportunity to reduce Europe’s dependence on fossil-based fertilisers and accelerate the transition towards more resilient farming systems. Rather than prioritising nutrient efficiency, agroecological practices and nutrient recovery, the Plan places significant emphasis on maintaining fertiliser production capacity. Critics argue this risks prolonging a model that contributes to water pollution, environmental harm and economic vulnerability for farmers, instead of promoting greater nutrient circularity and long-term resilience. Read more.EU Livestock Strategy and Protein Action Plan. The EU Commission’s recently published Livestock Strategy and Protein Action Plan were an opportunity to jointly address the environmental, climate and water impacts of Europe’s increasingly concentrated livestock sector. However, many stakeholders have criticised the package for largely sidestepping the issue of excessive farmed animal numbers and densities and the nutrient surpluses and pollution they generate. While the Protein Plan includes welcome references to alternative proteins, it focuses on providing not protein for people, but for livestock, feeding into an unsustainable model. The overall package falls short of setting out a credible pathway towards a more sustainable and less polluting food system. Read more.Water Framework Directive (WFD). For more than 25 years, the Water Framework Directive has protected Europe’s rivers, lakes, groundwater and coastal waters, safeguarding drinking water, ecosystems and public health. Today, however, it faces growing pressure from calls (including within the EU Commission itself) to “simplify” environmental rules, with powerful interests from sectors such as mining, chemicals and intensive agriculture seeking weaker protections. At a time of worsening water scarcity, pollution and climate pressures, many stakeholders argue the priority should be stronger implementation, not deregulation. The fight is now on to defend one of the EU’s most important environmental laws. |
Sister Projects united for clean, circular agriculture
Over the last year, NENUPHAR has been proactively reaching out to learn from and collaborate with other projects with similar objectives to us: reducing nutrient pollution and creating sustainable, circular technical and governance that support both nature, farmers and our health. We are proud to be already have officially partnered up with numerous other key projects, with more to come! Check out who these projects are, and what they’re up to on our website.
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Coming up…
Join NENUPHAR, SEACURE Project, and GREENHOOD Project for an engaging online discussion on how governance, innovation, and stakeholder engagement can support more sustainable nutrient management and accelerate the transition to circular nutrient systems.
The webinar will bring together experts from industry, research, and policy to share practical experiences, challenges, and solutions for turning nutrient waste into valuable resources.
📅 28 July 2026
🕒 13:00 CEST
📍 Online
Register here.
