Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 March 2022
832. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagements he has had with fertiliser producers in Ireland in relation to a way to alleviate the crisis facing farmers regarding the price and availability of fertiliser; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15764/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra866. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagements he has had with fertiliser producers in the State; the steps he has taken as to the way to alleviate the crisis facing farmers regarding the price and availability of fertiliser; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16171/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 832 and 866 together.
It is important to set out at the outset that Ireland does not manufacture fertiliser and is consequently dependent on the international marketplace for fertilisers, subsequently blended by Irish companies. There is ongoing engagement between my Department and the fertiliser sector in Ireland. Fertiliser companies provide sales data on a quarterly basis to my Department.
Additionally, I met with representatives of both the Irish Fertiliser Manufacturers and Blenders Association and the Fertiliser Association of Ireland on 10 March where we had a useful discussion on the challenges facing the industry arising from the ongoing serious situation caused by Russia’s illegal war on Ukraine, including the impact on fertiliser price and availability.
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.
At the AgriFish Council of 21st 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 State level to respond to market disturbances.
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.
I announced a package of targeted interventions for the tillage sector and a multi-species sward initiative worth over €12 million to support Irish farmers. The package supports the growing of additional tillage and protein crops and the establishment of multi-species swards lowering demand for chemical fertiliser.
I continue to closely monitor the evolving situation and both my Department is actively engaging with the fertiliser industry to evaluate stock levels and availability and assist in ensuring the ongoing continuity of supply. I will continue to back our farm families and their businesses through this challenging time.
