Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 September 2022
591. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he is taking to ensure that there is sufficient supply of fertiliser available within the State for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45652/22]
View answerWhilst fertiliser imports are a commercial matter, my Department continues to actively engage with the fertiliser industry on supply of fertiliser for 2023.
There are sufficient stocks of fertiliser at present but there are concerns around the cost and availability of fertiliser for 2023. Industry has indicated that trade in fertilisers has slowed as the future trading environment remains very uncertain. The price of fertiliser remains significantly up on last year and 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.
I have raised concerns in relation to the impact of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine on supply chains. In particular, I underlined the need to maintain supply chains and to ensure an effective and functioning Single Market. 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.
My Department through the Climate Action Plan, the Nitrates Action Plan, the CAP Strategic Plan and other policy interventions is seeking to help farmers strategically reduce their dependence on chemical fertiliser and reduce emissions from fertiliser use. This is something that is being done in consultation with farm organisations and will take place over a number of years.
My Department will continue to actively engage with the fertiliser industry on this issue over the period ahead.
