It is known that at least 20 tonnes of fertiliser have been taken from farms in the Manorcunningham and Newtowncunningham areas. It has an estimated value of at least €12,000.
There is strong speculation that the fertiliser has been stolen to order by a criminal gang operating across the border.
Speaking to the Donegal News, local IFA Development Officer, Mr Davie Keith stated: “This is definitely being done by an organised gang. There’s no way that it’s an opportunistic theft. Whoever has stolen this would have to be well set up with lifting equipment and the transport to take it away.”
He added: “We would urge all farmers to try and keep their fertiliser somewhere that is not easily accessible to make it difficult for people to get access.”
At this time of the year farmers would have large quantities of fertiliser on their farms in order to get it sown when the weather improves.
In recent years fertiliser has become a valuable commodity with prices almost doubling since 2006. Currently one tonne of fertiliser costs at least €600.
Gardai in Letterkenny have confirmed that they have received reports of fertiliser being stolen from East Donegal in recent weeks.
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