Flexibility Must Be Provided to Farmers with Stocks of Unprotected Urea – IFA
IFA Environment Chair John Murphy has asked that the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine to give farmers flexibility on the spreading of unused stocks of unprotected urea currently on farms.
“Sense needs to prevail here. The Department sent out a text message today (Wed) to farmers telling them they cannot spread solid unprotected urea in 2026 with only 12 days left before the inorganic fertiliser window closes on Monday, 15th September.”
“The reality is there will be many farmers with relatively small amounts of unprotected urea left on farms. Famers should be given the flexibility to spread this next Spring and not force them to spread it in the coming days,” said the IFA Environment Chair.
John Murphy warned that the tight deadline could force farmers to spread leftover supplies in less than ideal weather conditions before the September 15th cut-off.
“This is of benefit to no one, does not reflect best practice, and could ultimately have a negative impact on water quality,” he said.
He said that IFA is seeking a phased transition period to allow farmers to use existing stocks in Spring 2026. “Such flexibility would support best practice and ensure the optimal use of what is a valuable input,” John Murphy concluded.
