11. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the additional measures he is considering to support farm incomes in light of rising input costs and challenges facing the agricultural sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52226/26]

Sentiment score: 0.16

What additional measures is the Minister considering to support farm incomes in light of rising input costs and challenges facing the agricultural sector, and will he make a statement on the matter? I know recent publications showed an increase in farm incomes but that was for the previous 12 months. The big challenge now is in relation to the cost of fertilisers, fuel and electricity. There is a really difficult challenge ahead for the farming community.

Sentiment score: 0.11

I thank the Minister. I fully accept that a huge amount of work has been done over the last three to four months, especially in relation to fuel costs. The issue we are now looking at over the next 12 months is the fertiliser cost increase in view of the conflict in Ukraine and also the fact that while on the one hand, we thought the conflict in the Middle East was at an end, it now appears to be resurrecting itself again and, therefore, there is concern about increased costs in relation to fuel, electricity and fertilisers. In relation to fertilisers, in particular, we have the carbon border adjustment mechanism, which applies to a carbon-related charge in imported carbon-intensive products, including fertilisers. There are going to be additional costs for the farming community over the next 12 months. The question is about how we need to plan for that. I know it changes day by day and I fully accept that. The challenges are there and, as the Minister said already, there is a substantial decrease in relation to incomes and consistency in production. That needs to be taken into account as well.

Sentiment score: 0.27

Another area of real concern is tillage, where there is a decrease in those involved. It is very intensive. This is again an issue with costs, especially for vegetables. For instance, about three years ago I heard of carrots being imported from Israel, yet we cannot produce them here in a cost-effective way while giving a return to the growers. One area we have let slip completely is vegetable production in this country. We are now reliant on vegetables being imported from outside of Ireland. Only a very small number of people are in it now. We need to look at how to keep them in it and increase the number of people who are producing vegetables here.

Sentiment score: 0.12