New EU fertiliser tariffs will hike up the price of food warns Tipperary councillor

A local councillor in Tipperary has spoken out about his concerns regarding the EU's proposed import tax for fertiliser.

Fertiliser prices are likely to rise for farmers next year due to a new emissions-related EU import charge, which will start in January 2026.

On May 22, MEPs backed increased tariffs to be put on fertiliser imports from Russia and Belarus.

The Irish Fertiliser Manufacturers and Blenders Association has predicted that the cost of fertiliser will increase by €25-€30 per tonne, when the tax comes into law.

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Independent Cllr Liam Browne has hit out at the EU's decision, warning it will cause a further hike to already high food prices. 

"Speaking with some young farmers this week about the rise in costs of food production, I had a good discussion about two related stories, that no one is talking about in the media.

"From next January, the EU are going to apply an "import tax" into Ireland, for fertilizer.

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"We're all talking about the effects of "Trumps tariffs".. but no one is discussing the fact the EU.. is levying its own import tax on farmers, which will inevitably increase the cost of production, and therefore, prices at the tills.

"Three times already this year, the costs of fuels have had increased carbon taxes, driving up their prices. Again, costs passed on into food prices.

"This is a scandalous joke. Carbon taxes are a scandalous joke. And it's about time we had the discussion. How much are we going to impoverish people with massive food price rises, massive heating costs, massive commuting costs.. because something "might" happen in the future.

"Forget about Trumps Tariffs, we're being screwed by a spineless Government who are afraid to say no to the EU. It's a pathetic situation." he concluded. 

Many farmers in the county fear that the EU's decision to introduce this tax will increase their costs even more.