514. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will test individual fertiliser samples for farmers who are concerned in relation to the quality of the fertiliser they have purchased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41511/24]

Under Section 3 of the Fertilisers, Feeding Stuffs and Mineral Mixtures Act 1955, a fertiliser user may, upon payment of a fee, request an Authorised Officer of my Department to take a sample of fertiliser for analysis. This analysis will test the product against the prescribed tolerances of the various constituents of fertiliser as set out in legislation and make no possible subjective determination as to the overall quality of a fertiliser.

Under Regulation 12(1) of SI 248 of 1978, such a request must be made within 28 days of receipt of the fertiliser. Notwithstanding this requirement, my Department will engage with manufacturers and blenders of fertiliser at any stage where issues relating to tolerances have been identified.