Fertiliser prices ‘focused a lot of minds’, increasing interest in organics

Of the 380 applicants the Organic Farming Scheme, 40% were from cattle farming enterprises, while nearly a third were from sheep farming enterprises.

Farmers are looking at increased input costs and considering ways to reduce or eliminate them, according to Teagasc's organic specialist Joe Kelleher.

The price of fertiliser has “focused a lot of minds” this year and steered livestock farmers towards entering organics, according to Teagasc organic specialist Joe Kelleher.

According to the latest figures from the CSO, fertiliser costs rose by 149% in March this year compared to in 2021, while feedstuffs increased by 22.6%, and energy by 54.9%. Farmers are looking at these prices and considering ways to reduce or eliminate them, Mr Kelleher said.