The Programma Sluiten Nutriënten Kringlopen (SNUK) aims to close nutrient cycles in Friesland by returning organic waste and human excrements to the soil as valuable resources. Through collaborative efforts, Frisian frontrunners, including farmers, researchers, and policymakers, are working to develop circular solutions for organic waste streams, such as roadside cuttings, green waste (GFT), and residual flows from the food industry. The initiative is crucial for reducing nutrient loss, enhancing soil health, and creating a more sustainable food system in Friesland.

The SNUK programme showcases Friesland’s leadership in circular agriculture and nutrient management. Through collaborative action and innovation, it provides a replicable model for sustainable nutrient cycling in regional food systems.

Modern agricultural and waste management systems often result in significant nutrient losses. Organic waste streams that could be valuable resources are frequently discarded or inefficiently processed. Human excrements, which contain essential nutrients for plant growth, are not currently reintegrated into agricultural cycles due to regulatory and technical barriers. The result is a reliance on artificial fertilisers and the depletion of natural soil fertility, leading to environmental degradation and long-term food system vulnerabilities. Sustainable food systems require consideration and handling of nutrients, closing nutrient cycles wherever possible.

The SNUK programme brings together a range of stakeholders to develop and implement strategies for nutrient recovery and reuse. Key approaches include transforming organic waste streams- such as roadside cuttings, GFT waste, and residual flows from the food industry- into compost and soil enhancers. Research and pilot projects are also exploring safe methods for reintroducing human-derived nutrients into the soil.

Farmers play an active role in testing and applying circular practices that improve soil health and reduce dependence on synthetic fertilisers. The programme works closely with policymakers and research institutions to tackle the legal and technical challenges of nutrient recovery.

By enabling regenerative and circular agricultural processes, the initiative helps ensure nutrients are retained and reused effectively. This approach enhances soil health, minimises waste, and reduces the environmental impact of agriculture.

The SNUK initiative has proven the effectiveness of closing nutrient cycles through regional collaboration. By repurposing organic waste and reintroducing nutrients into the agricultural system, the programme has contributed to enhanced soil health through the use of composted organic matter, which improves soil structure and fertility. It also reduces the use of artificial fertilisers by replacing synthetic inputs with recovered nutrients, thereby lowering the environmental impact of farming. The initiative helps reduce waste by diverting organic waste streams from disposal and using them productively. Farmers in Friesland are positioning themselves as leaders in sustainable agriculture through circular practices, and the programme provides valuable insights for developing regulations that support safe nutrient recovery.

This initiative highlights Friesland's strong commitment to circular agriculture and resource efficiency. By leveraging local collaboration and innovative research, SNUK serves as a model for successfully closing nutrient loops at the regional level. The programme brings together various stakeholders, including Circulair Friesland as the coordinating organisation, Wetterskip Fryslân as the regional water authority supporting the initiative, Frisian farmers and agricultural stakeholders, as well as research institutions and policymakers.