Fertilizer‍ Quality⁢ Testing Results

The ‌Department of ​Agriculture, ‍Food and the Marine conducts regular testing of fertilizers to ensure adherence to Irish⁣ and EU legislation regarding labeling and nutrient content.⁤ These tests verify levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, among other parameters.

As of 2025, 162 ​fertilizer samples have been‍ analyzed. ​Three samples⁢ (1.8%) were provisionally found to be ⁢”out of tolerance,” triggering ongoing investigations. specifically, ‌23 protected urea samples were tested, with one⁢ (4.3%) initially identified as non-compliant and currently under ​review.

Animal Feed Quality Assurance

The Department‍ prioritizes animal feed safety and quality through a complete control system. This system⁣ encompasses⁤ inspections and sampling ⁤throughout the entire feed chain – from import and storage to manufacturing, transport, ⁣and on-farm use. The goal is to ensure feed does not compromise food safety, ‍animal health, or the habitat, meets minimum standards, is accurately ⁣labeled, and is fully‍ traceable.

To date in 2025,⁣ 1,031 animal feed samples have undergone testing,⁤ with approximately 10,000 individual tests ⁤performed⁢ for compositional ⁣and contaminant analysis. These tests assess factors like ⁤protein​ and ash ⁣content,and the presence of undesirable‌ substances.

Out of the 10,000‌ tests conducted, 50 (0.005%) were found⁤ to be ​out‌ of tolerance. The Department⁢ is proactively following up with the companies involved in these cases.

Context of the Inquiry

These findings were shared by Minister of State‌ Pippa Hackett‌ in response to questions posed ‍by Tipperary North Fianna Fáil TD ryan O’Meara.‍ ⁤ Mr.O’MearaS inquiry covered both⁣ fertilizer and​ animal feed quality testing procedures.