The purpose of this study is to assess whether the supervision of nitrogen emission from the utilisation of fertilizer in the agricultural sector conducted by the Ministry of Food is satisfactory. The report answers the following questions:
- Is the Danish Agricultural Agency checking the utilisation of fertilizer in a satisfactory manner?
- Have the Ministry of Food and the Ministry of Environment followed up on the targets set for the voluntary measures in a satisfactory manner?
Rigsrevisionen assesses that Ministry of Food’s oversight of nitrogen emission from the utilisation of fertiliser in the agricultural sector is unsatisfactory. The ministry is not inspecting the utilisation of fertiliser and following up on progress against the targets set for nitrogen reduction in a satisfactory manner. The consequence is a risk that excessive utilisation of nitrogen is not detected and a lack of transparency regarding the achievement of the nitrogen reductions required to enhance the aquatic environment.
Rigsrevisionen initiated the study in November 2023 at the request of the Danish Public Accounts Committee.
Read the introduction and conclusion (PDF)