European Parliament Must Restore Fertiliser CBAM Crisis Safeguard
IFA Environment Chair John Murphy has called on Irish MEPs and the European Parliament to support the restoration of an emergency safeguard in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) that would allow for the temporary suspension of the levy on fertilisers during periods of exceptional market disruption.
John Murphy said yesterday’s decision by the ENVI Committee of the European Parliament to remove this safeguard was deeply disappointing and demonstrated how disconnected some EU policymakers have become from the realities facing farm families.
“Removing the only emergency safeguard that would have allowed for its temporary suspension during periods of exceptional market disruption leaves farmers exposed when they are most vulnerable. The full Parliament must re-introduce this clause,” he said.
John Murphy said fertiliser remains one of the biggest input costs for Irish farmers, particularly in the tillage sector. Retaining a targeted crisis safeguard would not undermine the objectives of the CBAM, but it would provide a vital safety net for farmers during periods of severe price volatility or supply disruption.
“Environmental policy cannot ignore the economic realities of producing food. A temporary emergency safeguard is a practical and proportionate measure that would help protect farm incomes, food production and Europe’s food security during times of crisis. Removing that safety net risks placing an unfair burden on farmers while doing nothing to strengthen the resilience of the EU’s food production system,” he said.
The IFA is urging the European Parliament to reinstate the crisis safeguard when the proposal comes before the Plenary.
“The EU must ensure that climate policy is practical and balanced. Protecting Europe’s fertiliser industry should not come at the expense of Europe’s farmers. Food security is strategic security, and farmers need workable policies that allow them to continue producing safe, sustainable and affordable food,” John Murphy concluded.
