The Irish Farm Accounts Co-Operative (IFAC) is advising farmers across the country to take immediate action to manage fuel and input costs as they are rising sharply due to the recent conflict in the Middle East.

The increases in oil prices in recent weeks has already had a significant impact on Ireland, with huge jumps in the cost of green diesel, road diesel, home heating oil and fertiliser as a result.

The €235 million fuel package announced by the Government last week includes temporary reduction in excise duties; however, IFAC has said that farmers must do more to protect their cashflow and manage costs in the coming weeks and months.

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Head of farm support at IFAC Philip O’Connor has said: “Farmers are once again dealing with a sudden and significant cost shock, driven by factors entirely outside their control. While the Government’s measures will provide some short-term relief, they will not offset the full extent of the increases we are seeing on the ground.

“What is critical now is that farmers take a proactive approach and understand their exposure, manage consumption where possible and plan ahead for further volatility. We have seen before how quickly energy costs can escalate, and early action will make a real difference to cashflow over the coming months.”

“The key message for farmers is to stay calm and act early. Irish farmers have managed through energy shocks before, and the same practical, measured approach will be needed again. At the same time, this situation highlights the importance of longer-term planning.

“Investments in efficiency and on-farm energy options are becoming increasingly relevant in an environment like this. IFAC is encouraging farmers to engage with their adviser to assess the specific impact on their business and identify the most appropriate response.”

Recommendations from IFAC for farmers to reduce the impact of rising fuel costs:

  • Review fuel usage and reduce consumption across machinery, transport and heating.
  • Plan ahead without panic-buying, particularly where storage capacity allows.
  • Monitor supplier pricing closely and challenge any disproportionate increases.
  • Review wider input costs, particularly fertiliser, which is closely linked to energy prices.
  • Ensure machinery is operating efficiently, as poor maintenance can significantly increase fuel consumption.