The Netherlands faces a mounting manure surplus as strict environmental rules prohibit its traditional use on farmland. With nitrogen emission limits tightening, Dutch livestock farmers cannot spread all the waste their animals produce, creating a disposal crisis.

Simultaneously, volatile fertilizer costs have surged globally, driven by energy prices and supply chain disruptions. This volatility has unexpectedly increased the value of manure as an alternative nutrient source. What was once a costly waste product — often described as the "scent of manure" — is now being called "the smell of money" by enterprising farmers and processors.

New processing technologies are emerging to convert raw manure into transportable, certified organic fertilizers. These products can replace synthetic nitrogen and phosphorus, offering a circular solution that aligns with EU Green Deal targets. However, regulatory hurdles and transport logistics remain significant barriers to scaling this market.