14 May 2025

Noxious weed classification for Blackgrass

Blackgrass, a grass weed requiring a zero-tolerance approach on tillage farms, has now been classified as a noxious weed.

Blackgrass populations have been located and identified in most tillage counties and its classification as a noxious weed follows the signing of a new Statutory Instrument on Noxious Weeds, effective from today, May 14, by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon T.D. Including Blackgrass in the list of noxious weeds was a key recommendation of the Food Vision 2030 Tillage Report.

Through this legislation, it is an offence for owners and occupiers of land not to prevent the spread of specified weeds. Blackgrass joins the ranks of the broad-leaved dock, common ragwort, creeping thistle, curled dock, spear thistle, spring wild oat and winter wild oat as noxious weeds.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issues ‘Notices to Destroy’ letters in all instances where 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 obliged under conditionality requirements 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.

A significant challenge

Commenting on the decision to include Blackgrass in the list of noxious weeds, 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”.

The Minister added: “For advice on the most effective way to prevent the spread of noxious weeds, please contact your local agricultural advisor.”

For more information and advice on how to identify Blackgrass, visit here.