The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has issued a reminder to farmers and land occupiers that they must control six designated noxious weeds, or face enforcement action.

Legislation covering Northern Ireland—the Noxious Weeds (Northern Ireland) Order 1977—lists ragwort, creeping thistle, spear thistle, broad leaved docks, curled leaved docks and wild oats as noxious weeds that must be managed.

The department has statutory power to serve notice requiring control measures. Non-compliance can result in prosecution, and farm subsidy payments, including the Farm Sustainability Payment, may be reduced.

Ragwort, also known as ragweed or benweed, poses an additional threat because it is toxic to livestock and can cause illness or death if ingested.

DAERA advises that weeds should be controlled before they have a chance to flower, set seed, and spread to new areas.

Guidance is available in a departmental factsheet, which can be requested by emailing the Plant Health Inspection Branch. Further advice can be sought from a BASIS-qualified agronomist or a CAFRE crops development adviser.

Farmers must also comply with Farm Sustainability Standard No 1, which sets out conditions for using plant protection products to maintain full Farm Sustainability Payment eligibility.

Complaints about noxious weeds on agricultural land can be reported to DAERA via the same email address: planthealth@daera-ni.gov.uk.