Food prices could increase even further next year if the European Commission fails to take action to address fertiliser shortages, an Irish MEP has warned.

Colm Markey is calling for a fertiliser strategy to be put in place to secure adequate supply in the short term.

A question to the commission, co-authored by the Midlands North-West MEP, will be debated at the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg today (Thursday, October 6).

"60% of Europe's fertilisers would have come from either Russia or Ukraine in the past. The reality is with the war and the hike in energy prices, that has had a major impact on the supply of fertilisers," Markey said.

“While the year gone by was challenging, reserves were built up from the previous year but that will not be the case in 2023. Less fertiliser means less food, which would have serious repercussions.

“The Commission must address the unsustainable input costs facing farmers.

"We know the current high food prices are linked to the impact of high fertiliser costs and in order to avoid further inflationary pressures, a clear strategy is needed to give confidence and security to the market," the MEP continued.

"In the longer term we would like to see the transition to organic fertilisers like clover, but we can't make that happen overnight. In the short-term, we need this emergency plan put in place.

“There are a number of options available such as the sourcing of product outside the EU or the importation of raw materials necessary for fertiliser production, lifting anti-dumping measures, and financially supporting the transition to natural methods such as the use of clover," he said.

“We’re facing a looming crisis which could see food prices rise even further and put less developed countries on the brink of famine," Markey said.