(Ecofin Agency) - After fighting over citruses, Rabat and Brussels are about to go at it again as the European commission plans to pass a new law to cut phosphate imports by the European Union (UE).

The European Union, based on scientific research on cadmium (a metal known to be contained in phosphate) which found it is carcinogenic, decided to reduce its fertilizer and phosphate imports. Brussels aims to lower cadmium levels in fertilizers to 60mg/kg in 2017, 40mg/kg in 2021 and 20mg/kg by 2030. The new measure would impair Moroccan exports since cadmium levels in the nation’s phosphate ranges between 39.5 and 72.7mg/kg.

Morocco however contests the research of European Union saying cadmium levels in phosphate should be increased to 80mg/kg. Brussels on the other hand believes the new rule protects its citizens and removes barriers that prevent the entry of organic and waste-based fertilizers in order to make Europe less import-dependent, Telquel.ma reports.

“Presently, the EU imports about 6 million tons of phosphate each year, however, according to estimates, up to 30% of inorganic fertilizers can be substituted by biodegradable waste, meat and bone meal, sewage sludge, or manure,” Brussels said in a statement.

The one to gain most if the new rule is passed next year is Russia. The nation which has phosphate reserves with low cadmium levels will indeed be able to increase its exports to the European Union thereby strengthening its grip on the continent’s agriculture, for better or worse.

Aaron Akinocho