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Agriculture Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 March 2022

Thursday, 24 March 2022

Questions (407)

Holly Cairns

Question:

407. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to ensure that farmers have access to affordable fertiliser. [15735/22]

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Written answers

The current situation in relation to the cost and availability of fertilisers is a significant concern.

There is no sign of fertiliser prices easing in the short to medium term as prices are being driven by a number of factors including global demand, energy prices and availability. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to significant hikes in energy prices and significant concerns around supply chain disruption.

I raised concerns in relation to the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on agri-food supply chains, and especially on input costs at the extraordinary informal meeting of European Union Agriculture Ministers held on 2nd March. I underlined the need for market support and the need to maintain supply chains and to ensure an effective and functioning Single Market. Commissioner Wojciechowski is aware of concerns and is considering the issue of necessary supports under the CMO Regulation.

At the AgriFish Council of 21 March, I asked the EU Commission, as part of its work on monitoring markets, to keep a very close eye on the issue of fertiliser availability across the EU and to be ready to consider any measures that may help to alleviate the difficulties caused. The EU Commission is considering bringing in a private storage aid scheme for the pigmeat sector, as well as allowing other exceptional measures at Member Sate level to respond to market disturbances.

I launched the 2022 Soils, Nutrients and Fertiliser Campaign at Teagasc’s Ballyhaise College on 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. Teagasc has also recently issued revised advice to farmers on the recommended application amounts of fertilisers for silage fields to reflect the increase in fertilisers.

At a meeting of farm organisations on 8th March, I established a National Fodder and Food Security Committee to explore all options to minimise the impact on farms and plan in the short to medium term. This Group continues to meet and it is expected that its outcomes will be presented shortly.

Given Ireland’s dependence on imported feed, I have announced a €12 million support package to encourage Irish tillage farmers to grow more crops. This targeted measure is to support the production of more native crops and also crops with a lower demand for chemical fertiliser.

My Department continues to closely monitor the evolving situation and is actively engaging with the fertiliser industry to evaluate stock levels and availability and assist in ensuring the ongoing continuity of supply.

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