McAleer raised concern with Minister over rising farming and food costs
Sinn Féin’s agriculture spokesperson Declan McAleer has warned that families across the north could face sharp increases in food prices as the ongoing war on Iran disrupts global fertiliser supplies and drives up costs for local farmers.
The West Tyrone MLA said: “Nitrogen-based fertilisers are essential to modern agriculture, underpinning around half of all food production. However, severe disruption to a key global shipping route has significantly reduced the flow of fertiliser and energy supplies. This has driven major price increases in vital inputs such as urea and ammonia, placing farmers under intense financial pressure.
“For the north’s agri-food sector, the impact is particularly acute. Farmers are now facing some of the highest fertiliser costs in decades, alongside rising fuel prices, including red diesel. With margins already tight, many producers may be forced to cut back on fertiliser use or reduce output altogether.
“This will have direct consequences for consumers at the checkout.
“I have written to the Agriculture Minister to outline the impacts of the war in Iran on farmers, including access to fertilisers, rising energy costs, and disruptions to cross-border trade.
“People here are already under pressure. We must support our farming community, and protect households from what could otherwise become an unsustainable rise in living costs.”