Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
777. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to detail the current level of domestic fertiliser production capacity in Ireland and the steps being taken to reduce reliance on imported fertilisers in light of the volatility and price surges as raised in the Joint Committee debate of 29 April 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36824/26]
View answerWith the exception of lime, Ireland does not have any domestic production of fertiliser. The processing of fertiliser in Ireland relates to the blending of imported fertilisers in compositions that are suitable for particular soil types and locations and that are specific to the needs of a farmer or fertiliser user.
Ireland is a relatively small market in respect of fertiliser sales and usage compared to many of our EU neighbours.
Nitrogen fertiliser prices have increased across the EU and are running around 70% above the 2024 average by April 2026. Fertiliser prices have stabilised in recent weeks, and fertiliser continues to be imported.
My Department continues to engage with Irish fertiliser importers to monitor the fertiliser situation.
Teagasc have a comprehensive information pack for farmers and their advisors - through a compendium of 20 factsheets. These factsheets aim to reduce reliance of on farm chemical fertiliser through soil testing, lime application, nitrogen usage, organic manures, fertiliser spreading and many other topics that will be useful for farmers.
The general advice to farmers is to consult with their advisor as regards soil fertility and nutrient management plans, to decide on the most efficient input requirements for their farming enterprise and in turn their overall fertiliser requirements.
I await the publication of the EU Commission's Fertiliser Action Plan.
