Fertilisers and growing media
Definition and marketing authorisation process
Fertilisers are products intended to provide or improve plant nutrition as well as the properties of soil. A growing medium is intended to be used as a culture medium for certain plants. This is a presentation of these products and the conditions governing how they are placed on the market.
What are fertilisers?
A fertiliser is a product intended to provide or improve plant nutrition as well as the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil.
Fertilisation products include fertilisers and soil amendments. Fertilisers provide the plant with nutrients such as phosphorus, sulphur, nitrogen, etc. Soil amendments improve the properties of soil by providing lime or organic material.
What is a growing medium?
A growing medium is intended to be used as a culture medium for certain plants, allowing them to anchor their roots and place them in contact with the solutions they need to grow. Peat, compost and rock wool are used as growing media.
Conditions for marketing fertilisers and growing media
These products may be placed on the French market after receiving approval or a provisional authorisation for sale or import, or a dispensation, in specific conditions.
In France, these authorisations are issued by ANSES and are based on the findings of an evaluation of the application dossiers submitted for marketing authorisation.
The process to assess fertilisers and growing media aims to verify their safety for consumers, workers, animals and the environment, as well as the quality of plant products and the agricultural efficacy of the products under normal conditions of use.
The marketing of fertilisers and growing media is governed in France by Articles L.255-1 to L.255-11 of the French Rural Code.