Farmers taking 'enormous strides' as fertiliser target is surpassed ahead of schedule
Overall sales of fertiliser are down one-third since 2021 as multi-species swards increase; use of low emissions slurry spreading is higher; and more lime is being used to improve soil pH.
The latest figures of a drop in fertiliser use show the "enormous strides" that farmers are taking as part of their climate action, the Irish Farmers' Association has said.
Total fertiliser sales have now fallen by 18% to 1,135,860 tonnes, a 33% reduction since 2021.
The sector’s target of reducing nitrogen fertiliser by 2030 to 300,000 tonnes has already been surpassed based on the latest figures from the Department of Agriculture.
"Use of nitrogen fertiliser is down 30% since 2021 and is now at just over 280,000 tonnes, which is below the target set for the sector for 2030. It’s a phenomenal achievement to get beyond the target seven years ahead of time," IFA president Tim Cullinan said.
The IFA will today take part in discussions with the EU Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius about the nitrates derogation during his visit to Ireland.
"While the nitrates derogation currently only deals with organic nitrogen, it is hugely significant that farmers have reduced chemical fertiliser by 30% in just two years. This cannot be ignored," Mr Cullinan said.
"Here is clear evidence of the impact that farmers are having.
"Farmers have implemented over 30 measures on their farms."
Mr Cullinan said that it is "vitally important" that both the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue "deliver a consistent message" to the commissioner on the climate efforts that are being made here.
Overall sales of fertiliser are down one-third since 2021 as multi-species swards increase; use of low emissions slurry spreading is higher; and more lime is being used to improve soil pH.
The IFA president said that the use of protected urea is quite low because of the difficulty in sourcing it.
"Farmers looking to use protected urea should not be held back because merchants do not have it," Mr Cullinan added.
