Overview of 2025 Fertiliser Testing in Ireland
Irish authorities are actively monitoring the quality and labelling of fertilisers, with a particular focus on protected urea products and their nitrogen-enhancing additives. The tests are conducted to ensure compliance with both Irish and EU legislation, protecting farmers, consumers, and the environment. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is used to determine the content of urease inhibitors in urea-based fertilisers, specifically N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric acid triamide (NBPT) and N-(n-propyl)thiophosphoric acid triamide (NPPT). These additives help slow nitrogen loss but must be present within approved ranges to ensure product safety and effectiveness.
Out-of-Tolerance Findings for Protected Urea
As of 2025, the department has tested 23 samples of protected urea. One sample, representing 4.3% of those tested, was provisionally found to be “out of tolerance.” An Ongoing investigation is underway to determine the cause, assess risk, and decide on corrective actions. These checks are part of a broader commitment to rigorous quality control and transparency in the fertiliser market.
What “Out of Tolerance” Means
“Out of tolerance” indicates that the measured levels of NBPT or NPPT fall outside the regulatory range considered acceptable for safe and effective use. Investigations typically involve re-testing, reviewing supply chains, and cross-checking with manufacturers to establish whether the deviation is isolated or systemic. The aim is to safeguard crop yields while minimizing environmental impacts from improper nitrogen use.
Market Surveillance: Labelling and Nutrient Compliance
In addition to investigating NBPT/NPPT levels, the department inspects fertiliser products on the market to verify compliance with labelling requirements and minimum nutrient specifications. This ensures that farmers have accurate information about product contents, enabling proper application and environmental stewardship. The testing covers a range of parameters mandated by Irish and EU legislation, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents.
Animal Feed Quality Assurance
Parallel to fertiliser oversight, the Irish inquiry extends to animal feed quality. The minister noted ongoing efforts to ensure feed safety and nutritional adequacy, which are critical to protecting animal health and, by extension, public health and environmental integrity. This regulatory focus helps prevent feeds that could endanger food safety or mislead farmers about nutritional content.
Inspection and Sampling Across the Feed Chain
Feed controls are implemented through comprehensive inspections and sampling at all stages of the supply chain, including importation, storage, manufacture, transport, and farm use. The objective of these controls is to minimize risks to animal health, ensure environmental protection, and guarantee traceability from producer to animal feeding operations.
2025 Testing Landscape for Feeds and Fertilisers
In 2025, authorities report that 1,031 feed samples were collected to verify compliance with relevant legislation, with around 10,000 individual tests performed on these samples. The tests examined a broad spectrum of compositional metrics and potential contaminants, such as protein and ash content, as well as undesirable substances. Among these, about 50 tests indicated out-of-tolerance results, representing roughly 0.005% of the total tests. Companies in question have received proactive follow-up from the department to address these findings and implement corrective actions.
Implications for Farmers and Industry
The ongoing testing program reinforces a message of accountability and reliability within Ireland’s fertiliser and animal feed sectors. For farmers, the rigor of these checks translates into more accurate product information, better nutrient management, and stronger confidence in the inputs used to grow crops and feed livestock. For manufacturers and distributors, the process underscores the importance of consistent quality control, robust supply chains, and prompt corrective measures when anomalies arise.
Looking Ahead
As both Irish and EU policies evolve toward stricter labelling, nutrient disclosures, and environmental safeguards, the department’s testing and enforcement efforts are likely to intensify. Ongoing investigations into out-of-tolerance samples will guide regulatory updates, supplier communications, and potential changes in approved NBPT/NPPT ranges, while feed quality oversight will continue to prevent risks to animal health and food safety.
