Rural Life
The European Commission looks set to back enhanced state aid in EU member states for farmers to tackle fuel and fertiliser costs.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has stated that it received more than 900...
Agri-Business
The price of urea fertiliser in Europe rose about 40% last month as a result of the conflict in the Middle East according to a new study.
World food commodity prices rose in March for the second month in a row, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.
Ireland as an island is no stranger to rough waters but the economic forecast in the Middle East signals turbulent conditions are set to stay.
One million tonnes of fertiliser are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf, with Australia holding no large-scale strategic reserves
The ICMSA has said that farming is "hurtling towards a breakdown as costs rocket upwards while prices stagnate or fall".
Agricultural contractors and farmers were among a large crowd who gathered for a public meeting on fuel prices in Co. Laois last evening.
As the conflict in the Middle East continues to impact on the cost of farm inputs, the EU is being urged to take "immediate action".
A Fianna Fáil TD has called for "dialogue between government, farmers and farming organisations" amid growing concern over costs.
The spring meeting of the Horticulture Industry Forum took place this week.
A grassland expert has warned that Irish farmers are facing a shortage of fertiliser as the conflict in the Middle East continues.
Agri Politics
Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice said government measures aimed at addressing rising fuel costs "fall short" for farmers.
Macra warned government fuel cost supports announced today (Tuesday, March 24) will "fall short" of what is needed in rural Ireland.
Government measures unveiled today (Tuesday, March 24) to address rising fuel costs will not protect food production, according to the ICSA.
Sinn Féin has said Irish farmers have been "let down again" by the government's failure to address rising fuel and fertiliser costs.
The European Commission wants to cut farmers' reliance on imported fertilisers with a new action plan and potential crisis support measures.
Yara has warned of a major impact on global fertiliser supplies if the conflict in the Middle East drags on.
The Irish Grain Growers' Group (IGGG) has welcomed the government's commitment to introduce supports on fuel prices.
Minister Michael Healy-Rae told the Dáil this morning that the impact on fertiliser price "will depend on how long the disruption lasts".
Dairy
Demand from international dairy markets has exceeded expectations in the first quarter (Q1) of the year, according to Ornua.
There is "significant pressure on fertiliser availablility", supplies are tight but orders are being taken, according to some co-ops today.
Podcast
The conflict in the Middle East has sent shockwaves through global agriculture. It has also...
