EU farmers back IFA fertiliser protest

Fertiliser manufacturer Yara says that rising global commodity prices and UK currency fluctuations have led them to implement a series of fertiliser product price increases this year.

Earlier this week, the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) led a protest at Yara’s facility in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, to highlight price rises imposed by the company since last June. Wholesale EU calcium ammonium nitrate fertiliser prices have risen by c.48%, while ammonium nitrate prices are up by 34%.

Peter Smith, Yara’s UK and Ireland commercial director, said: “I understand the farmers’ concerns. Fertilisers make up a significant part of their operating costs. The price rises are due to international commodity price rises, which have risen globally and throughout Europe.