Farmers across Ireland have been reminded that submitting an annual closing stock declaration is a legal requirement, even when no fertiliser remains on the farm. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has confirmed that the 2026 declaration deadline is 15 October.
The notice, published on gov.ie, applies to all professional fertiliser users, including farmers. Anyone holding fertiliser must report the type and quantity in their possession, while farms with no fertiliser stocks must submit a nil declaration.
gov.ie reminder on fertiliser stock declarations
Closing stock refers to fertiliser held on a farm or premises at 23:59 on 14 September each year. The facility to submit the 2026 declaration opened on 15 September, giving users until 15 October 2026 to complete the process through the National Fertiliser Database.
The requirement forms part of Ireland’s fertiliser traceability and nutrient-management system. Accurate records help ensure that transactions, farm holdings and fertiliser use are properly documented.
What farmers need to declare
- The type of each fertiliser product held.
- The quantity of each product remaining.
- A nil declaration where no fertiliser is held.
Declarations can be completed by farmers or authorised agents by logging into MyAgFood.ie. The Department has also made a step-by-step guide available through its National Fertiliser Database webpage.
Check MyAgFood records before submitting
Farmers and other professional fertiliser users are encouraged to review their fertiliser transaction records before filing a declaration. This is an opportunity to check that purchase details connected with the farm are accurate and up to date.
Fertiliser merchants, known as Fertiliser Economic Operators, record sales on the database. However, merchants are responsible for ensuring that customer information is accurate. Farmers who identify an issue with a purchase record should contact the relevant merchant directly in the first instance.
The process is separate from the work of other public bodies, including the Revenue Commissioners, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and An Garda SÃochána. For agricultural compliance matters, farmers should follow the instructions issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine through gov.ie and MyAgFood.ie.
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Why the deadline matters
Failure to submit a required declaration may create compliance difficulties for professional fertiliser users. Completing the form on time, including a nil declaration where relevant, ensures that the farmer’s records reflect the position at the specified closing date.
Before submitting, users should:
- Log into MyAgFood.ie.
- Review the fertiliser transaction history.
- Confirm any remaining stock held at the closing time.
- Enter product types and quantities, or select the nil declaration option.
- Submit the declaration by 15 October 2026.
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Key takeaway for farmers
The 2026 National Fertiliser Database closing stock declaration must be completed by 15 October. Whether fertiliser remains on the farm or not, every professional fertiliser user should submit the correct declaration and check that MyAgFood records are accurate.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
