Peter Burke
Question:859. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will respond to the escalation and high price of fertiliser which is having a major impact on farming families. [5069/22]
View answerTuesday, 1 February 2022
Questions (859)
Written answers
The very significant rise in fertiliser prices in the last year and particularly in recent months, is particularly concerning. I am closely monitoring the situation.
In October 2021, I requested Teagasc to lay out a credible roadmap to assist farmers in the short-term, as well as offering a longterm solution in the move to reduce dependency on chemical fertiliser. I was delighted to be able to launch the Soils, Nutrients and Fertiliser Campaign at Teagasc Ballyhaise on the 26th January.
In addition, at the November Agriculture and Fisheries Council, I raised the increasing challenge faced by farmers due to the rising costs of inputs. I called on the EU Commission to consider all options to ease the pressure on farmers at this time, including the question of whether the imposition of anti-dumping duties on fertiliser imports continues to be appropriate and for this matter to be examined as a priority.
Following the November meeting, I wrote to the EU Commissioner Wojciechowski requesting that the Commissions assessment of the ongoing appropriateness of anti-dumping duties on fertilisers is completed as a matter of priority. I also wrote to the Commissioner asking him to finalise the Commission’s examination of the duties. The EU Commission responded, on 26th January, that they are still collecting information to establish the relevant facts.
In the meantime, Teagasc will continue to work with farmers through the Soils, Nutrients and Fertiliser campaign to help farmers to adapt to the current fertiliser market and support them to make informed decisions on what is best for them and their farms.
The impact of rising fertiliser prices on the competitiveness of the farming sector will continue to be a priority for my Department and is being closely monitored by my officials.