Government measures to address rising fuel costs will not protect food production, according to the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA).

The government today (Tuesday, March 24) announced a reduction of 3c/L to the cost of green diesel, as well as a pause in the 2c/L National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) levy.

Temporary reductions in the rates of Mineral Oil Tax (MOT) have also been confirmed for petrol (down 15c/L) and autodiesel (down 20c/L).

The move comes as fuel prices soar due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Fuel

ICSA Rural Development chair Edmond Phelan said the 3c/L reduction in excise for green diesel "falls far short of what is needed to address the unprecedented surge in fuel and wider farm input costs".

"ICSA made it clear that token measures would not protect farmers or food production, and unfortunately that is exactly what has been delivered.

"A 3c/L cut is negligible in the face of fuel cost increases of up to 70%," he said.

Phelan said that "the mismatch between the scale of the crisis and the government’s response is stark".

"There is no recognition of the critical role that primary food producers play in maintaining food supply, and a marginal reduction like this will not affect a farmer’s ability to pay bills or continue producing.

The ICSA is now calling on the government to "urgently reassess these measures and introduce meaningful, targeted support for primary food producers".

"Without real action, farmers will have no choice but to cut back, and that will hit food production and push prices up for everyone," Phelan added.