The ability of Scottish farmers to prevent bracken from encroaching on hill pastures is under threat with the key product used to control Bracken potentially going to be banned in two short weeks.

There is a very real possibility that on 9 March a European committee could ban the use of Asulox, the primary chemical used to combat bracken in Scotland.

NFU Scotland is deeply alarmed and views the continued use of Asulox as vital to keeping many of Scotland’s hills and uplands in a grazeable condition.  Its loss could be an environmental disaster in terms of uncontrollable bracken growth. 

NFU Scotland Vice-President, John Picken, said:

“Such is the importance of Asulox to Scottish hill farmers that we are throwing every resource into seeking its continued use in controlling bracken.

“Many bodies in the UK, including NFU, Scottish Government, SEPA, SNH and Defra are supportive of the product’s continued use, and recognise its importance in keeping a difficult and hardy plant like bracken under control so that the economic and environmental benefits of having grazing animals on our hills can be enjoyed.

“The decision on this will be taken on 9 March and we will be putting every effort into retaining this product.”

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Contact Wendy Fleming on 0131 472 4020