Farmers facing a tough year as Butler stresses fertiliser price spike

Ulster Unionist Agriculture Spokesperson Robbie Butler MLA has warned that the escalating conflict in the Gulf region is not only a humanitarian disaster but is also causing major disruption to global food production and supply chains. Butler highlighted that Northern Ireland farmers are already experiencing steep increases in fertiliser prices, with UK-produced ammonium nitrate up 25% and imported urea up 36%, driven by instability in a region critical to global fertiliser transit.

Robbie Butler MLA said:

“The ongoing conflict in the Gulf region is, first and foremost, a humanitarian tragedy, with the loss of life and regional instability of utmost concern, and it is against that deeply troubling backdrop that we are now also seeing significant consequences emerging for global food production and supply.

“Farmers in Northern Ireland are facing sharp increases in fertiliser costs, with UK-produced ammonium nitrate rising by 25% and imported urea by 36%, driven in part by disruption to a region through which a substantial proportion of the world’s fertiliser supply must pass, alongside production cuts and ongoing uncertainty in global markets. Some wholesalers are already charging hundreds of pounds more per load, and these prices will no doubt continue to rise in the weeks and months ahead as farmers feel the pinch while preparing for the growing season and warmer periods.

“These pressures are being compounded by rising fuel and natural gas costs, which make up a significant proportion of fertiliser production, creating a knock-on effect that is further driving up prices and placing additional strain on farm businesses already operating on tight margins.

“The reality is that higher fertiliser costs will inevitably lead to reduced yields, and in turn both short-term and longer-term increases in food prices, with the risk that these impacts will be felt not only locally but across global markets into 2026 and 2027. Coupled with rising fuel costs, our farmers and rural communities are in for a tough year.

“This underlines the need for a measured and coordinated response, recognising both the human cost of the conflict and the importance of supporting our farming sector to maintain production, protect food security, and shield consumers from the worst effects of rising prices.”