Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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401. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review a statement (details supplied); the actions his Department has taken on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55410/21]

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 due to strong growth in agricultural commodity prices, rising production costs due to increased raw material and energy costs and issues with supply for certain fertiliser products.

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

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

My Department will continue to closely monitor the fertiliser market and how it develops in the weeks and months ahead.