Asulox: Pressure mounts on Scottish Government after England approves herbicide for bracken control

Farmers and land managers have said aerial spreading using Asulox is, in some areas, the only way to control the invasive, fast-spreading weed.

Scottish ministers face mounting pressure from farmers to give more clarity on whether a herbicide to control bracken will be permitted in Scotland after the chemical’s use was approved in England.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has granted an emergency authorisation to allow the use of Asulox to control the spread of the invasive weed in England. Asulox is a herbicide used in aerial spraying to manage invasive bracken – a fast-growing weed that needs to be controlled every summer.

Farmers have repeatedly warned the spread of the plant brings with it more ticks, and therefore a higher risk of tick-borne diseases such as Lyme’s disease and Louping ill. These diseases can have devastating consequences for humans, livestock and wildlife.

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Experts have said there is a short window for when Asulox is most effective on bracken, with the spraying season due to start on July 1.

The Scottish Government has still not confirmed whether or not land managers will be able to use the herbicide to control the weed north of the border.

Commenting on England being granted permission, National Farmers Union Scotland president Martin Kennedy said the organisation was urging co-leader of the Scottish Greens Lorna Slater MSP, who has been heading the decision-making process, to clarify when Asulox would be approved for Scotland.

Farmers have repeatedly warned bracken poses a significant threat to biodiversity, drinking water quality, agriculture, animal welfare, and public health (pic: Brian Walker)

“We have written to both minister Lorna Slater and Cabinet secretary for rural affairs, islands and land reform Mairi Gougeon MSP to seek urgent clarification on the matter,” he said.

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Mr Kennedy added: “The First Minister has also been asked about this issue several times over recent weeks. At First Minister’s Questions recently he explained that the Scottish Government ‘promptly responded’ to HSE regarding the application for the emergency use of Asulox for the 2023 season.

“Given that is now in place for 2023 in England, we therefore request details as to whether authorisation can now be granted to Scotland to use the herbicide this year and, if not, what is causing the delay. This information is needed urgently as time is running out for the necessary controls on bracken to be undertaken this season.”

Rachael Hamilton MSP has said the Scottish Government must ensure Scotland has permission to use Asulox for bracken control now that it has been approved for use south of the border (pic: Phil Wilkinson)

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Rachael Hamilton MSP, the Scottish Conservative’s spokesperson for rural affairs, said now that England has approved the use of Asulox, “there is simply no time for SNP-Green ministers to wait”.

“They have already dithered and delayed for far too long despite repeated pressure, not only from myself, but also the industry itself,” she said.

“Lorna Slater has already proven herself incapable of sound decision making in relation to the shambolic deposit return scheme.

Martin Kennedy, president of National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS)

“The Green minister must listen to the desperate pleas from our farmers and rural communities and urgently grant the use of Asulox.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We are aware of Defra’s decision to endorse the emergency authorisation for use of Asulox in England.

"We have advised HSE that we wish to give further consideration to our response to their recommendation. The Scottish Government is doing this and will inform HSE of the outcome as soon as this is complete.”

A Defra spokesperson confirmed Asulox use has been permitted south of the border, adding: “Temporary emergency authorisations can only be granted if the minister is satisfied that authorisation is necessary because of a danger that cannot be controlled by other reasonable means, there are special circumstances, and the use of the product is limited and controlled. We have put strict rules in place to minimise the impacts to the environment and wildlife.”