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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 6

Written Answers. - Fertiliser Controls.

Ivor Callely

Question:

71 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the mechanism in place to monitor the preparation and growth of foodstuffs; the level of fertilisers used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17710/00]

I assume the Deputy is referring to controls on fertiliser used in the production of food crops. My responsibility in this regard is concerned with the labelling and marketing of fertilisers. Official samples of fertilisers held at manufacturers' and retailers' premises are routinely taken by my Department's inspectors. The samples are analysed to determine whether the material complies with the statutory requirements in relation to the levels of nutrients present. It is also a requirement that the labels comply with EU and national legislation. In regard to the use of fertilisers, advice is provided to farmers by Teagasc on the appropriate level, type and application.

Statistics for fertiliser usage are expressed in units of the principal plant nutrients. The figures for the last five years are as follows:

Fertiliser Year(October – September)

Nitrogen (N)

Phosphorus (P)

Potassium (K)

tonnes

tonnes

tonnes

1998-1999

442,916

50,513

125,729

1997-1998

431,999

49,920

124,317

1996-1997

379,468

53,760

132,114

1995-1996

416,918

61,945

152,124

1994-1995

428,826

62,410

150,543

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