Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am sharing time with my colleagues. The Minister is welcome to the House to discuss this very important issue. Several months ago, I highlighted the rising cost of fertiliser. Unfortunately, in the intervening period, not only has 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, as the Minister will well know, are used to difficult times, but their current circumstances are totally unprecedented.

A poll published in the Irish Farmers' Journalat the weekend 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. I recently spoke to many farmers from different sectors of the farming community who have never experienced a time like this. Pig farmers will today protest outside the Minister's offices in the city centre to highlight their circumstances. I compliment him on intending to meet a delegation of those farmers later.

I also compliment the Minister on his sensitivity and on his understanding of the situation in which the farming community finds itself. He outlined the measures he has taken and the various working groups and committees he has set up, all of which are vital. Teagasc has an important role to play in advising farmers on what they can and should do during this period. I spoke to an agricultural contractor at the weekend 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.

Farmers need help. I have never seen matters as dire as they are at the moment. I sincerely hope, and have every confidence, the Minister will rise to this challenge and ensure farmers can overcome these difficult circumstances in which they find themselves.