No plan for bracken
UPLAND and hill farmers are still in the dark on their long term options for bracken control.
The herbicide asulam, which is the most popular method for controlling hillside bracken, was given emergency authorisation for 2022, but this runs out at the end of the year, with the Government still seeking alternative methods for control.
NFU Scotland’s environmental resources policy manager, Sarah Cowie, said: “There are currently no other selective herbicides used in the UK that are shown to be effective in controlling bracken when applied aerially.
“The loss of asulam and the uncontrolled spread of bracken would have a significant detrimental effect on Scotland’s upland biodiversity, farming businesses and rural productivity, as well as public health because of an increase in tick-borne diseases.
“In the absence of viable and practical alternatives, we continue to support emergency authorisation being considered in 2023,” said Ms Cowie.
“However, we recognise that an annual Emergency Authorisation process for asulam does not give longterm certainty to farmers, crofters and land managers on the control of bracken and we continue to work with stakeholders, including the Scottish Government, NatureScot, RSPB and Scottish Forestry to find a long-term sustainable solution to the vital and necessary control of bracken in Scotland.”
Biodiversity minister, Lorna Slater, of the Green Party, said: “All four UK administrations are concerned over the continued use of Asulox [the brand name under which the active ingredient asulam is available] as a method of bracken control.
“In June, I met with the stakeholder groups, and it was clearly stated that this was not sustainable, and alternative practices need to be found.
“The Scottish Government recognises the potential risk of uncontrolled bracken to human health, sensitive habitats, and land that may otherwise be productive as livestock grazing. We will continue to consider alternative solutions to the use of Asulox, and work with stakeholders to gather evidence in this area.”
Engaging with stakeholders on finding an alternative has been going at a ‘snail’s pace’ according to Scottish Conservative Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary, Rachael Hamilton.
Ms Hamilton said: “The issue was raised over three months ago in Parliament where she [Lorna Slater] thankfully informed MSPs that an emergency authorisation for the use of Asulox had been submitted for this year.
“Getting any further updates out of the minister since then has been painstakingly slow. At this stage it is simply not good enough that plans for stakeholder engagement are still to be finalised.
“Ms Slater has serious questions to answer over why farmers are being kept in the dark over these discussions over how to control bracken going forward. The plans must be formalised as soon as possible.”