DEAR EDITOR

I am writing to clarify certain points concerning the availability and permitted use of granular urea by farmers practicing foliar feeding of grassland and crops in 2026.

Recent articles in the Irish Farmers Journal, including the edition of 24 July and earlier, have referred to a proposed ban on urea or a blanket ban on granular urea. To clarify, the measure coming into effect from 15 September 2025, as part of the Fifth Nitrates Action Programme 2022–2025, is clearly outlined on www.gov.ie.

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The relevant provision states: “Restriction of unprotected urea – A restriction on the use of unprotected urea in granular form will apply from 15 September 2025.”

This means that unprotected urea may still be sold to and purchased by farmers who have the necessary equipment for melting and subsequent application of the liquid produced in a foliar or liquid form.

Its use in spreading as a granule onto soil will no longer be permitted after the above date.

Foliar application of urea has been proven by innovative farmers to be highly effective, enabling many grassland farmers to reduce chemical nitrogen use by 40% or more.

Similarly, arable farmers have adopted a ‘little and often’ approach to nitrogen application on cereal and other crops to support crop health and improve nitrogen use efficiency.

It is important to note that the majority of urea imported into Ireland is a standard 46% N granule. Protected urea is produced when this standard urea is coated with approved inhibitors in Irish fertiliser plants before bagging. This means there is ample supply of unprotected urea arriving into Ireland for the growing season annually.

We have spoken with two major fertiliser importers who have confirmed that given sufficient notice and confirmed orders, they are prepared to bag and supply unprotected 46% urea to co-ops and merchants for the 2026 season and beyond for farmers that practice foliar applications.

This should provide reassurance that unprotected urea will remain available for foliar applications beyond September 2025, as long as appropriate legislation at farm level and ordering procedures at wholesale/retail level are followed.

I hope this helps clarify the situation for all stakeholders involved.