Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
277. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor the costs of farm inputs, including fuel and fertilisers, with a view to identifying the best way to meet the challenges of issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18728/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department monitors information on farms and the wider agri-food sector, in collaboration with Teagasc and the Central Statistics Office (CSO), on an ongoing basis. The CSO publish monthly Agricultural Output and Input Price Indices. These indices monitor trends in prices paid to farmers for their produce and in prices paid by farmers for purchases of goods and services.
Fertiliser prices have stabilised at an index value approximately 23% above the 2015 base period, having peaked in April 2022 at 150% above the base. Electricity prices peaked at 120% above the 2015 base in December 2022 and have now fallen to 83% above the base. The price of motor fuels has also moderated, standing at 44% above 2015 levels, compared to 84% above at their June 2022 peak.
While these trends are encouraging, reflecting stabilising or moderating agricultural input prices alongside rising agricultural output prices overall, we remain vigilant and will monitor developments closely.
Our family farms have demonstrated their adaptability and resilience in the face of significant challenges in recent years, continuing to deliver safe and nutritious food. The Government and I am acutely aware of the difficulties facing family farms and have already put supports in place to ensure their ongoing viability and remain ready to do so again. I will continue to support the sector, including through implementation of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan, which will deliver some €10 billion to Irish farm families to 2027.
