Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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724. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department can engage with the representative farming organisations to discuss the unsustainable price increase in fertiliser costs facing the sector; if his Department has any proposals to ensure that this unprecedented surge in price is rectified in discussion with the European Commission and that farmers in Ireland will have access to fertilisers at sustainable costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54693/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am very aware of the significant increase in fertiliser prices over the last year, particularly in recent months and its impact at farm level.

The fertiliser market is largely driven by global supply and demand, and while there are a number of factors influencing fertiliser price, the major driving factors for the increase in prices are increased global demand, rising production and energy costs and issues with supply for certain fertiliser products.

The European Commission is following the market situation closely and fertiliser price is likely to be discussed at next weeks Agri Fish Council. I will ensure the topic is raised.

In line with the Farm to Fork Strategy, the Climate Action Plan commits to more targeted and reduced use of chemical nitrogen fertiliser while maintaining the same level of grass production through a number of measures including improved soil fertility and greater use of clover and multi-species swards.

I engage regularly with the farming organisations and have introduced a number of initiatives to support farmers reduce their dependence on fertiliser including a new €1 million initiative to support the planting of multi-species swards and a pilot Soil Sampling Programme. Additionally, I have tasked Teagasc with developing a roadmap for farmers to reduce the use of chemical fertilisers on farms.

My Department will continue to support farmers reduce their dependence on fertiliser and my officials will closely monitor the fertiliser market and how it develops in the weeks and months ahead.