Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 March 2022
732. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has undertaken a study to determine the reasons for the rising price of fertiliser; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13110/22]
View answerI am particularly concerned about the current situation in relation to the cost and availability of fertilisers and the impact this will have on farmer’s margins.
The fertiliser market is largely driven by global supply and demand and, while there are a number of factors influencing fertiliser price, the major driving factors for the increase in prices are increased global demand due to strong growth in agricultural commodity prices, rising production costs due to increased raw material and energy costs and issues with supply for certain fertiliser products.
In addition, increased transport costs and EU-imposed tariffs and duties on certain Third Country imports are also adding to prices. Finally, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to further significant hikes in energy prices and significant concerns around supply chain disruption.
I outlined my concerns in relation to the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on agri-food supply chains, and especially on inputs such as fertiliser and feed at the extraordinary informal meeting of European Union Agriculture Ministers held on 2nd March. I also called for ongoing close monitoring of the situation and underlined the need for supports. Commissioner Wojciechowski is aware of concerns and is considering the issue of necessary supports under the CMO Regulation.
I launched the 2022 Soils, Nutrients and Fertiliser Campaign at Teagasc’s Ballyhaise College on the 26th January in response to the unprecedented fertiliser price levels. This is a credible roadmap that will help alleviate the short term price pressure while helping farmers reduce their dependency on chemical fertiliser in the longer-term.
My Department will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation.
