AGR-GPS app neighbor scheme

In short, we can sum it up like this:

1. The use of the AGR-GPS app will be expanded:
   • As of January 1, 2025, the AGR-GPS app is mandatory for all transportation of liquid animal manure under the neighbor-sharing arrangement. For manure spread on one’s own land, the requirement takes effect annually on July 1, starting in 2025.
   • Effective January 1, 2025, all shipments of animal manure (solid and liquid) under the neighbor-sharing arrangement to manure processing facilities and to manure bags must be tracked using the AGR-GPS app.  
   • As of July 1, 2025, it is mandatory to engage a certified manure hauler in area types 2 and 3 for every transport of liquid animal manure, rather than August 1 as was previously the case. This requirement does not apply to grassland parcels or permanent crops, or when the recipient has a valid exemption. 
2. The requirement to report transport to and from manure processing facilities in advance and upon completion, as part of a neighborhood agreement, is being abolished:
   • For this transport, only the neighbor arrangement agreement is required. Please note: if the total quantity transported is less than what is stated on the registration certificate, the neighbor agreement must be fully or partially cancelled. This can be done at the latest up to 1 month after the end of the period of the arrangement. 
3. Also note the modified exit regulation:
   • For maize and late potatoes without pre-cultivation, fertilization is not allowed until March 16, 2025. This applies only to type 2 and 3 fertilizers. Type 1 is allowed earlier, from Jan. 16.
   • Effluent: When the application regulation takes effect, nothing will change except for the requirement to use AGR-GPS.  Since September 1, 2025, a transitional provision has been in effect for the application of effluent. As of January 1, 2026, effluent may no longer be applied after August 31, except on clay soils. “AGR-GPS” always refers to either a certified manure hauler or the AGR-GPS app used, for example, in neighbor-to-neighbor arrangements.
   • On organic plots, there are additional opportunities to fertilize as early as Jan. 16 and after Aug. 31.
4. Take into account any modified protection strips: a 5-meter protection strip must be established in 2025 in area type 2 and 3 in nitrate-sensitive main crops.

Check our manure pointers to be sure what your obligations are:

• MANURE GUIDE JANUARY 01 - JUNE 30
• MANURE GUIDE 01 JULY - 31 DECEMBER

If at least 1 farm operation has parcels of farmland in area type 2 or 3, transportation to all parcels and manure stores of that farm must be done using the AGR-GPS app.

A licensed manure hauler may not use the AGR-GPS app for neighbor regulation. The reason is:

🟠 Approved manure transporters are required to prepare a manure sales document (MAD) for each manure transport and to use a fixed AGR-GPS system.

So:

• You cannot, as an approved manure hauler , also haul manure under the neighbor scheme with the AGR-GPS app.

• The app is intended only for farmers or contractors who are not licensed manure haulers.

What if you still want to haul manure under neighbor regulation?

Then you should:

1. Discontinue recognition as a fattener or

2. Set up a separate company without recognition, with its own VAT number, to carry out manure transports with the AGR-GPS app under neighbor scheme (although in practice this is rarely worthwhile).

If transportation is registered with a neighbor arrangement, the use of the AGR-GPS app is also mandatory. There are no exceptions for certain types of neighbor arrangement.

With our app, each AGR number is associated with a unique VAT number and a unique email address. Three logins are available per AGR number, allowing three drivers to perform simultaneous transports under the same AGR number, each on a different neighbor control contract. In the app, the driver simply selects the correct neighbor control contract for the transport.

No, in order to use the AGR-GPS app and properly record manure trips through this smartphone app, you need an AGR number. 

ROADMAP 'APPLYING FOR AGR NUMBER AT VLM'

You can apply for an AGR number through the Manure Bank Counter of the Flemish Land Agency (VLM). To do so, follow these steps:

1. Login to the Manure Bank Counter: Go to the VLM website and login to the Manure Bank Counter using your electronic identity card (eID) via a card reader, token or ITSME profile.

2. Navigate to the appropriate section: After logging in, go to the Applications section and select Overview.

3. Start application: Choose "Request AGR number for AGR-GPS app for neighbor scheme.

4. Enter information: Enter the following information:

   • Number of devices: Specify how many devices you want to install the AGR-GPS app on.
   • GPS service provider: Select the service provider you will use.
   • License plates: Enter the license plate of each tractor you want to use for manure transport with neighbor control and AGR-GPS requirement. For each license plate, click 'new license plate' to add it.

5. Accept Terms and Conditions: Check the box to confirm that you have read and agree to the terms and conditions.

6. Submit Application: Click on "Submit Application.

After submission, the assigned AGR number will appear at the top of the page. If your email address is known to the Manure Bank, you will also receive an email with the AGR number. You must provide this number to AllConnects , so they can program it into the AGR-GPS app.

Yes, you can. The AGR number is then programmed into different apps. With AllConnects' AGR app, 3 logins can drive a manure ride at the same time. The number of drivers is unlimited.

Two different farms with the same individuals involved, or with family connections, must each apply for an AGR number per farm. For example, a person who has an agricultural number as a natural person and as a partnership. Or a person who is involved in multiple partnerships and does transportation for different farm numbers.

In a machining operation, several farmers use the same vehicle. They must each purchase the AGR-GPS app and apply for a separate AGR number. Different farmers can specify the same license plate. 

The legislation provides for a fine of 400 euros for failure to use the AGR-GPS app or use it incorrectly. That fine can be imposed on whoever performs the transport or has it done.

If your app is not working correctly, you may not start the transport.

Have you started correctly, and the problem with the app arises during transport? Then you may still finish that freight, but not start a new trip.

AllConnects' AGR app is designed so that it is practically impossible to make a mistake while registering loading and unloading. You can click 'LOST' several times, but that in itself has no consequence. Do you make a mistake? The Manure Bank cannot change AGR-GPS messages. So reporting it to the Manure Bank is not necessary. Do make a note of it as proof for possible later checking.

What if the manure is transported to a plot with a neighbor arrangement and pumped over there before spreading? Then only the transport to the plot needs to be tracked with the AGR-GPS app. When pumping over, a discharge signal and final discharge message is given.

What if manure is pumped over from the provider's manure pit or a manure storage on the provider's farm, to spread with umbilical on buyer's plots surrounding the provider's farm? Then the AGR-GPS app should be used as follows:

• For AGR-GPS tracking, a charge signal must be given at the start of pumping and a discharge signal and final discharge message at the end of pumping.
• The smartphone with app must be present in the vehicle spreading the manure.
• Spreading must be done with a private tractor (from provider or buyer of the neighbor scheme).

Transport by neighbor arrangement must always be done by the provider or buyer of the manure with a tractor vehicle that he owns. Thus, in the case of direct transfer via umbilical, it must also be done with a tractor of his own. If a contractor is used, he must be approved as a manure hauler and must prepare a manure application document (MAD) and use AGR-GPS. In this case, no neighbor scheme needs to be drawn up because the transport is registered with MAD. View the procedure for the approved manure hauler here.

When it comes to a neighbor scheme that requires mandatory pre and post notification when transporting, the following is applied:

• When reporting, enter in the comment field that it is an umbilical cord system.
• When reporting, the total quantity is broken down into 30-ton loads. 

From January 1, 2022, marketing by umbilical from manure processing must be along a fixed pipeline with a fixed flow meter, with the data from the flow meter being delivered digitally to the Manure Bank.

For vehicles included in an approval, there are no provisions about ownership. So from another company including vehicles in a recognition as a fattener there is no problem.

Conversely, there would be problem though, a vehicle of someone involved in an acknowledgment should actually always be included in the acknowledgment.

If the solid manure is already present on the plot where spreading is taking place, a manure application document is no longer needed for spreading.

• Using a wrong AGR number in the AGR-GPS app: check carefully that the AGR number used corresponds to the AGR number listed on the Neighborhood Scheme registration certificate from the Manure Bank.

  

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• Are you using a valid AGR number? Check that you are definitely not using an old AGR number, but rather a current number in the AGR-GPS app - and that the manure transport period is correct.