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Teagasc's annual review and outlook forecasts a 16% rise in average fertiliser prices in 2019 compared with those observed this year.
"This is based on discussions with the trade," said Teagasc economist Fiona Thorne at the presentation of the forecast this week.
Drop
Depending on the sector, she added that fertiliser usage was expected to drop by 5% to 10% next year, resulting in different impacts from farm to farm.
"Limited grass supplies led to an increase in grassland fertiliser sales volumes in 2018, but volume should drop back in 2019," the outlook report states.
Irish farmers bought 11% more nitrogen fertiliser this year than in 2017. Sales increased by 12% for phosphorus and potassium.
If confirmed, next year's price hike would add to the 5% rise already observed in 2018 compared with last year's average prices, Teagasc added.
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