News that the highly invasive blackgrass weed has been found in commercial wildflower mixes has sent shockwaves through the tillage industry and prompted a strong reaction from two of the country’s farm organisations.
“The consequences here could have dire implications for the tillage sector and cost millions for farmers to try and manage,” said Bobby Miller, chair of the Irish Grain Growers Group.
“We are extremely worried that these contaminated wildflower mixes will not be destroyed and the blackgrass population could explode as a result,” he said.
“More needs to be done to regulate these imported seed mixes.
Seed should be purchased from suppliers growing seed here in Ireland
“If this was bluetongue, foot-and-mouth disease, avian flu or swine flu, what actions would have been taken by now?” Miller asked.
IFA grain committee chair Mark Browne called on everyone to check any wildflower seeds sown and be aware of the potential risks of invasive species when using wildflower mixes.
“Seed should be purchased from suppliers growing seed here in Ireland,” he said.
“Due to these risks, the Department should regulate wildflower seed and it should come under the same regulations and standards as locally Irish-produced seed,” Browne continued.
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