Bayer has cited a problem at one of its key ingredient manufacturers’ plants, putting a spotlight on a shortage of glyphosate.

Stocks of the product have been tight for some time and tillage farmers purchasing product in autumn and winter 2021 and into 2022 will be well aware of the scarcity of supplies at merchants and co-ops and of the price increase.

The product has increased in price by approximately 200%.

A 20-litre drum containing 360g/l of glyphosate has increased from approximately €4/l to €12/l.

Transport and shipping costs look to be a key driver in price increases, but supply is no doubt playing a role.

As reseeding season approaches industry sources in Ireland noted that there is a problem, but the message is not to panic

An estimated 50% of the glyphosate used in Ireland is used on grassland.

As reseeding season approaches industry sources in Ireland noted that there is a problem, but the message is not to panic; stocks will be tight, but there is expected to be adequate product available.

Shipments of the product have arrived into the country in recent weeks, but before this some merchants and co-op stores had run out of stocks.

Reports suggest that, globally, there is generally never much spare capacity in the glyphosate supply chains. However, issues with raw ingredient supplies over the past year or more, increased transport costs and reduced availability of shipping, coupled with an increase in cropping area, have all added to a supply chain under pressure.