Blackgrass, an annual grass that is non-native to Ireland, has been designated as a noxious weed for the first time.
Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon has listed blackgrass in a new statutory instrument on noxious weeds, which takes effect from today.
Blackgrass is mostly found in arable systems of the UK and mainland Europe.
Other noxious weeds specified in the legislation are broad-leaved dock, (Rumex obtusifolius L.), common ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris Gaertn.), creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.), curled dock (Rumex crispus L.), spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten.), spring wild oat (Avena fatua L.) and winter wild oat (Avena sterilis L.).
The inclusion of blackgrass in the legislation was a recommendation of the Food Vision 2030 Tillage Report to assist in controlling and preventing the spread of problem grass weeds on Irish farms.
Minister Heydon said: "Blackgrass poses a significant weed control challenge in this country. Adding blackgrass to the list of noxious weeds now requires landowners to take responsibility for the control of this weed on their land. It is also timely to remind farmers, Local Authorities and others that it is an offence for owners and occupiers of land not to prevent the spread of noxious weeds".
According to Teagasc, blackgrass populations have been located and identified in most tillage counties but are still at a low level. Blackgrass populations were identified in 1980s but the imported herbicide resistant blackgrass poses a major risk to all farms, though the majority of farms do not have blackgrass.
The Department of Agriculture issues 'Notices to Destroy' letters when it becomes aware of the presence of noxious weeds, either from inspections or as a result of reports made by the public.
In addition, farmers are required to take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of noxious weeds under Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) number 8. Failure to do so may result in the application of a reduction of their area-based payments.
