ICSA president Sean McNamara has said the Government must take decisive action to address the unprecedented surge in fuel and fertiliser costs.
“Farmers are now facing into a season where the cost of producing silage, keeping livestock, and growing crops could double. At the same time, there is no guarantee that essential inputs like urea will be available when needed. This is an extraordinary situation and it demands a serious response from Government.”
He said that unless meaningful action is taken, many farmers will be left with no option but to reduce output or exit farming altogether and anything short of a meaningful intervention will be inadequate.
Mr McNamara said ICSA is calling on the Government to implement a targeted package of measures, including:
• A significant reduction in excise on green diesel and the suspension of carbon tax on agricultural fuel for the duration of the crisis.
• Immediate engagement at EU level to address fertiliser supply issues, including measures to ease import costs and improve availability.
• Recognition of primary food producers as a critical sector requiring specific support in the context of this energy and input cost shock.
Concluding, Mr McNamara said: “Token measures will not protect farmers or safeguard food production. If the Government gets this wrong, the impact will not be confined to farms, it will be felt in higher food prices and reduced supply. Protecting farmers now is essential to protecting consumers in the months ahead.”
