IFA: Fuel and energy prices putting inordinate pressure on farms

Spiralling fuel and energy costs are aggravating income pressures on farms due the worst summer weather for decades, says IFA president John Bryan.

The IFA leader said that fuel prices are putting inordinate pressure on farmers’ margins, but also on the agricultural supply and processing sectors, as agricultural goods and inputs tend to be high volume and export-orientated.

“In the last two years alone, agricultural diesel has gone up by a massive 55% while road diesel has increased by almost 35%,” Mr Bryan said. “Escalating energy costs are impacting negatively on Ireland’s economic and employment recovery as our productive food and drinks sector are heavily dependent on exports. The Government need to factor this in fully in framing the next budget.”