Gallagher Highlights the Rising Cost of Fertiliser

Senator Robbie Gallagher spoke of the rising cost of fertiliser in the Seanad chamber, an issue that he has previously raised. “The cost of fertiliser rocketed and its availability become such a challenge but energy costs have also soared across the board, so much so that we have a crisis on our hands in the farming sector. Farmers…are used to difficult times, but their current circumstances are totally unprecedented.”

The Senator outlined that a survey published in the Irish Farmers' Journal showed that “one third of farmers have yet to purchase any fertiliser this year, while a further 70% said they would cut back on its use. Given the prices being quoted, at up to €1,200 per tonne of urea, it is easy to understand why that is the case.” Senator Gallagher highlighted the lived experiences of farmers: “I recently spoke to many farmers from different sectors of the farming community who have never experienced a time like this.”

The Senator continued: “Teagasc has an important role to play in advising farmers on what they can and should do during this period.” Senator Gallagher spoke to an agricultural contractor…who referred to rising fuel prices. “He fears that much of his plant will not leave the yard this year because farmers simply cannot afford the prices he would have to charge them. Like the pig farmers in town today, many farmers do not want handouts; all they want is a helping hand to guide them through this very difficult time. I have no doubt they will bounce back and respond, but the fact people are cutting down on fertiliser will have a knock-on effect further down the line because crops will not yield the same volume due to that lack of coverage.”

Senator Gallagher concluded by noting that in the face of such unprecedented issues, “farmers need help. I have never seen matters as dire as they are at the moment.”