Farmers in Wales are turning food waste and eggshells into a dry, nutrient-rich fertiliser that could replace synthetic alternatives. This matters because synthetic fertilisers are energy-intensive to produce, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, and can degrade soil over time. Meanwhile, organic waste like food digestate is bulky, wet, and costly to store and transport. The project tackles both problems at once: it takes two local waste streams—digestate from food processing and waste eggshells—and uses spray-drying to turn them into a stable, lightweight powder. The eggshells also add calcium and help lock in nitrogen, reducing nutrient runoff into waterways. If successful, the fertiliser will give Welsh farmers a cost-effective, circular alternative that meets regulatory standards for nutrient content and environmental safety. The dry form cuts storage and transport costs, and field trials in Mid Wales will test its effect on soil health and crop yield. Beyond individual farms, the project could strengthen rural supply chains in Mid and North Wales by creating demand for local waste resources, supporting the Welsh Government’s goals for sustainable agriculture and resource efficiency.
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**Public description** This project 'SENORA', led by Cleobury, focuses on developing a sustainable, nutrient-rich fertiliser created from food-waste digestate and waste eggshell s. Our innovative approach uses advanced spray-drying and encapsulation techniques to transform local agricultural by-products into a highly effective fertiliser that meets the growing demand for eco-friendly, resource-efficient solutions in farming. The fertiliser is designed to address key challenges in agriculture: enhancing soil health, providing reliable nutrient retention, and reducing environmental impacts of traditional synthetic fertilisers. By incorporating eggshell powder as a natural stabiliser, our formulation improves nitrogen retention and adds beneficial calcium, balancing soil pH and supporting optimal crop growth. This approach offers a cost-effective alternative to synthetic fertilisers while supporting farmers' goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adopt circular economy practices. The storage and use of organic materials, such as digestate, are regulated under the Control of Agricultural Pollution (Wales) Regulations and Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations. This project aligns with these frameworks by ensuring the fertiliser meets regulatory standards for nutrient content and environmental safety. Additionally, the spray-dried product reduces water content, leading to lower storage and transport costs and easier application. Transforming waste into a dry, stable product overcomes logistical challenges of liquid digestate and traditional fertilisers. Our project aligns with Welsh Government (WG) policies, including the WG's Innovation Strategy for Wales, Sustainable Farming Scheme, and Food and Drink Vision. By using waste streams to create a valuable agricultural product, we contribute to fostering resource efficiency, sustainable agriculture, and resilient food systems within Wales. Furthermore, this project supports economic growth in Mid and North Wales, particularly rural and underserved communities, by creating demand for local waste resources and strengthening agricultural supply chains. The project will involve local field trials with early adopters in Mid Wales to assess the fertiliser's impact on soil health, nutrient retention, and crop yield. In collaboration with research centres and agricultural stakeholders, we will conduct comprehensive testing to ensure the fertiliser meets high standards for quality and environmental sustainability. By the end of the project, we aim to have a market-ready fertiliser enabling Welsh farmers to access a sustainable alternative to synthetic options, positioning Mid and North Wales as a leader in innovative, eco-friendly agricultural solutions. This project demonstrates advanced agri-tech methods while serving as a model for sustainable product development, contributing to long-term environmental and economic benefits for agriculture in Mid and North Wales and beyond.
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