ICSA has called on Minister McConalogue to issue fertiliser vouchers to the value of €2,000 to offset spiralling costs. Commenting, ICSA Rural Development chair Tim Farrell said, “We have made this request in response to the unprecedented increase in fertiliser prices over recent months. It has become a cost that farmers cannot be expected to bear alone,” he said. 

“ICSA is recommending that a voucher be made available to farmers who can show their farming enterprises required the purchase of fertiliser in 2021. Vouchers should be payable at a rate of 50% of the total fertiliser bill for 2021 – to a maximum of €2,000.” 

Mr Farrell said a voucher system is now the only way to assist farmers with the purchase of fertiliser. “ICSA does want to see the suspension of anti-dumping import duties, however, we cannot wait around for the EU to make a decision on this. Farmers do not have time to wait, they need support now and any aid that is given to farmers must have an immediate impact.” 

ENDS