The EU Commission is to review the border taxes it applies to Russian fertiliser. The taxes are blamed for high fertiliser prices being paid by Irish farmers.

The decision follows the IFA’s formal complaint about the anti-dumping duties in December, which was supported by other EU farming organisations. DG Trade has now notified IFA that it will carry out an investigation into ammonium nitrate imports from Russia.

IFA president Joe Healy welcomed the review.

“European fertiliser manufacturers have profiteered from this protection over the last decade, while farm incomes declined. The EU Commission’s move is an important first step in creating a level playing field.”