DAERA warns landowners to control noxious weeds or face penalties

Common Ragwort

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has issued a formal reminder to farmers and landowners across Northern Ireland of their legal responsibility to manage and control noxious weeds, or face significant penalties.

The warning comes under the Noxious Weeds (Northern Ireland) Order 1977, which identifies several weed species — including ragwort, creeping thistle, spear thistle, broad leaved docks, curled leaved docks, and wild oats — as noxious.

These species pose a threat to agricultural productivity and animal welfare, and must be controlled effectively to prevent their spread.

DAERA has the authority under the Order to serve a notice to landowners and occupiers requiring the destruction or removal of these weeds within a specified timeframe. Failure to comply with such a notice can result in legal prosecution and/or a reduction in Basic Payment support.

The Department particularly stresses the dangers posed by ragwort — also known as ragweed or benweed — which is poisonous to livestock. “Ragwort is poisonous and may cause illness and even death to livestock,” a DAERA spokesperson warned.

Weeds should be controlled before they are allowed to flower, seed, and spread. Preventative action is not only a legal duty but also a key component of responsible land stewardship.

To assist landowners, DAERA has published a comprehensive factsheet on noxious weed control in grassland. This resource is available on the DAERA website, or can be obtained by contacting the Plant Health Inspection Branch via email at planthealth@daera-ni.gov.uk.

Additional expert guidance can be sought from a BASIS-qualified agronomist or a CAFRE Crops Development Adviser. The Department is also inviting the public to report any sightings of noxious or invasive non-native weeds on agricultural land to the same email address.

Dock Weed

Reiterating the legal implications, DAERA stated:

“Under the Noxious Weeds (Northern Ireland) Order 1977 the Department is empowered to serve upon the owner of land or the occupier of land a notice requiring, within a specified time, noxious weeds to be cut down or destroyed. Failure to comply with such a notice could lead to the instigation of legal proceedings or a penalty on Basic Payment.”

As the growing season progresses, the Department encourages all landowners to be vigilant and proactive in their weed management practices to support sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.