Farmers taking 'enormous strides' as fertiliser target is surpassed ahead of schedule

The sector’s target of reducing nitrogen fertiliser by 2030 to 300,000 tonnes has already been surpassed based on the latest figures.
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.

Commissioner visit

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.

We have consistently said that the work farmers are doing is not fairly acknowledged. 

"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.

More in this section

Farming
Newsletter

Keep up-to-date with all the latest developments in Farming with our weekly newsletter

Sign up
Karen Walsh

Karen Walsh

Law of the Land

Revoiced
Newsletter

Sign up to the best reads of the week from irishexaminer.com selected just for you.

Sign up
Lunchtime News
Newsletter

Keep up with the stories of the day with our lunchtime news wrap.

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited