Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Minister is aware that nitrogen fertiliser prices in Ireland have increased by up to seven times since last June. As a result, nitrogen prices are approximately €60 per tonne more expensive that they were last summer. Tariffs and taxes on fertiliser in Europe are costing Irish farmers approximately €32 million per annum. This is making Irish commodities uncompetitive against imports from outside the EU. It is also affecting dairy farmers, who had a desperate year last year because of low milk prices, and grain farmers, many of whom are in danger of going out of business. Beef and sheep farmers are badly affected too, as are the 8,000 or so GLAS farmers who are still awaiting their payments from the Department. Is the Minister taking steps at European level to highlight the problems caused by the tariffs and taxes on fertiliser?

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