Dutch Collaboration Revolutionizes South Korea's Manure Management

2025-04-23 agrifood

Seoul, Wednesday, 23 April 2025.
South Korea partners with Dutch experts to innovate manure management, aiming to enhance sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its livestock sector.

Innovative Practices for Sustainability

In an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, South Korea has implemented a comprehensive series of manure management strategies. These practices, developed in collaboration with Dutch experts, have been instrumental in transforming manure management for enhanced sustainability. Key initiatives include integrated manure management systems with real-time monitoring, which help track and optimize processes, and programs that convert manure into fertilizer, supported by farmer subsidies [1].

Dutch Expertise and International Collaboration

The collaboration was facilitated by the Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN), which positioned the Netherlands as a vital partner in international agricultural cooperation. The LAN team at the Dutch Embassy in Seoul played a crucial role in introducing advanced Dutch manure processing technologies to South Korean stakeholders [2]. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to address climate change challenges within the agriculture sector [3].

Enhancing Livestock Farming Efficiency

The focus of this international partnership extends to biogas and bioenergy production from livestock manure, which are critical to South Korea’s 2050 carbon neutrality plan. By employing low-emission manure treatment technologies and implementing water pollution prevention measures, South Korea can significantly improve its environmental footprint while maintaining agricultural productivity [4]. Additionally, the Netherlands exported 3,927 tons of organic fertilizer to South Korea in 2023, underscoring the depth of this collaboration [1].

Looking Ahead: Broader Impacts and Future Plans

As part of the future trajectory, the LAN team plans to promote Dutch manure processing companies at the upcoming KISTOCK expo scheduled for September 2025. Through these efforts, the collaboration aims to secure carbon credits and explore the commercial potential of biochar, a technology that is increasingly significant in South Korea’s sustainability strategies [2][5]. The collaborative framework with the Netherlands not only supports immediate environmental goals but also fosters long-term resilience and innovation in South Korean agriculture [3].

Bronnen

Sustainability Manure Management