Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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148. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports he plans to put in place to support farmers in relation to the high cost of inputs including fertiliser due to the extraordinary increase in the price of inputs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5967/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The very significant rise in fertiliser prices in the last year and particularly in recent months, is particularly concerning and I am closely monitoring the situation. This increase is an international issue linked in particular to the global increase in the price of Gas.

In October 2021, I tasked Teagasc to lay out a credible roadmap to assist farmers in the short-term, as well as offering a long-term solution in the move to reduce dependency on chemical fertiliser. I was delighted to be able to launch the Soils, Nutrients and Fertiliser Campaign at Teagasc Ballyhaise on the 26th January. This is a very good and pragmatic roadmap. It will be good for the environment and good for the farmer's pocket.

In addition, at the November Agriculture and Fisheries Council, I raised the increasing challenge faced by farmers due to the rising costs of inputs. I called on the EU Commission to consider all options to ease the pressure on farmers at this time, including the question of whether the imposition of anti-dumping duties on fertiliser imports continues to be appropriate and for this matter to be examined as a priority.

Following the November meeting, I wrote to the EU Commissioner Wojciechowski requesting that the Commissions assessment of the ongoing appropriateness of anti-dumping duties on fertilisers is completed as a matter of priority. The EU Commission responded, on 26th January, that they are still collecting information to establish the relevant facts.

In the meantime, Teagasc will continue to work with farmers through the Soils, Nutrients and Fertiliser campaign to help farmers to adapt to the current fertiliser market and support them to make informed decisions on what is best for them and their farms.

In addition, a new €1 million initiative by my Department will support the planting of multi-species swards in order to reduce dependence on fertilisers. A pilot Soil Sampling Programme has also been introduced, which will provide farmers with comprehensive details of the soil health and soil condition of their farm. .

The impact of rising fertiliser prices on the competitiveness of the farming sector will continue to be a priority for my Department and is being closely monitored by my officials.