Farmers are being advised to carefully check the labelling of their fertiliser to ensure they are aware of exactly what they are buying.

Concern over fertiliser imported from the UK exists due to the difference in the specification expressed on the labelling. For instance, British-manufactured Yara fertiliser 27(N) 5(P) 5(K) +6(S) is available at present from Irish merchants. UK fertiliser is calculated in oxidised form, and this converts to an Irish equivalent of 27(N) 2.2(P) 4.2(K)+3 (S).

Under Irish labelling regulations, it is forbidden to sell fertiliser carrying a label expressing element concentration in oxidised form, and the product should be relabelled for sale in the Republic.

In addition, a similar Irish-labelled compound is available, specifying 27 (N) 2.2 (P) 4.2 (K) +3S. Other British-labelled compounds appear from time to time, so farmers must remain constantly alert.

There is no suggestion that there is anything untoward with the fertiliser, when properly labelled, but farmers need to be aware of the distinction when comparing the unit cost of various fertilisers, and when calculating what is the appropriate spread rate to spread.

Cork Central IFA chair Harold Kingston warns farmers to carefully check what they buy.

“We have been seeing misleading labels in retailers affecting both consumers and farmers for years,” he said.

“I hope too many farmers haven’t been caught out by this.”

Read more

Fertiliser rush looms as weather to improve