Irish farmers warn of protests over soaring fuel and fertilizer prices
Farmers say anger over higher fuel and fertilizer costs matches the level seen during April’s fuel protests and vow to demonstrate if the budget offers no relief.
Anger among Irish farmers over rising fuel and fertilizer expenses is now comparable to the unrest that disrupted fuel distribution in April. The carbon tax slated for October 14 will raise all fuels to the same €71 per tonne rate applied to petrol and diesel, prompting calls for action before the upcoming budget. James Geoghegan, a contractor from Co Westmeath, previously hinted at protests ahead of the October 6 budget, while Patrick Kent, a former ICSA president, warned that farmers would “without a doubt” join demonstrations if their demands are ignored.
At the recent ploughing championships, Kent told EU agriculture commissioner Christophe Hansen that the tillage sector faces decimation and that current support schemes are ineffective. Denis Drennan of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association and Francie Gorman of the Irish Farmers' Association echoed the same level of frustration, citing worsening cash flow, drought, and fertilizer price spikes as major threats to farm viability.
Why it matters
Fuel and fertilizer price hikes could trigger nationwide protests that disrupt supply chains and affect food security.
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