The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has not yet decided how to distribute Ireland's share of the EU fertiliser support package.

On July 13, the European Council formally adopted targeted measures to support farmers faced with the recent increase in fertiliser prices and other input costs.

The new regulation will allow EU member states to provide urgent and targeted financial support to farmers most affected by the rising production costs and liquidity pressures.

Fertiliser costs represent 7 to 8% of the total input costs of the whole EU agricultural sector, but can be much higher for certain sectors.

In April 2026, overall nitrogen fertiliser prices were 71% higher than the 2024 average, driven by the crisis in the Middle East.

Fertiliser

The EU Fertiliser Action Plan combines a €540 million financial relief package, Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) flexibility, and a long-term move towards circular, bio-based fertilisers.

The €540 million package, approved by EU member states on July 17, combines a reinforced 2026 agricultural reserve with national co-financing of up to 200%.

This means that member states may complement the EU support up to 200% using national funds.

As had been previously reported by Agriland, DAFM has confirmed that under the package, "Ireland has been allocated €15,381,900 in emergency assistance which can be made available to farmers".

"The department is considering fully the approach to be taken in the deployment of these funds, including views of stakeholders," a department spokesperson told Agriland.

The European Commission has stated that "to ensure the effectiveness of this emergency measure, farmers should receive the financial support as quickly as possible".

"Member states should therefore distribute the aid by February 28, 2027," the commission added.

Scheme

Meanwhile, France recently announced that it is setting up a scheme for the purchase of nitrogen fertilisers in a bid to support farmers dealing with rising production costs.

France is set to be allocated over €107 million under the EU Fertiliser Action Plan.

The country's agriculture minister Annie Genevard confirmed that France would be topping up the emergency EU funding to a total of €145 million.

Under the scheme, payments of €50 per tonne of eligible fertiliser are available to farmers, increasing to €70 per tonne for farms where fertiliser purchases account for more than 10% of operating costs.

A minimum aid payment of €750 per farm will be applied.