14 October 2024

Deadline to enter fertiliser closing stocks fast approaching

The final date for recording closing fertiliser stocks through the National Fertiliser Database is October 15, 2024.

As the prohibited period for spreading chemical fertilisers containing nitrogen and phosphorus came into effect on September 15, farmers are being reminded to record any closing stocks of fertiliser still present on their farms.

Farmers and other Professional Fertiliser Economic Operators (FEO) have until October 15, 2024 to declare closing stock of fertiliser held on their farms and premises. Such a declaration must also include those farms and premises that have no stock on hand.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) describes the declaration of closing stock as a straightforward process whereby farmers, or their agents, can log on to agfood.ie. In cases where there are no stocks of fertiliser on hand, it is simply a matter of ticking a box to declare a nil stock return. Where there is fertiliser present, the declaration should include the type of fertiliser and the quantities being held.

More information

Pat Murphy, Head of Environmental Knowledge Transfer at Teagasc, joined a recent episode of the Teagasc Tillage Edge podcast, where he detailed the National Fertiliser Database.

This facility allows DAFM to have a full view of all nutrients imported on to farms. Pat explained that all chemical fertilisers bought and organic manures imported onto a farm are reported to DAFM and the combined figures can be used as part of an inspection on the farm.

Listen in below: