The Farmers’ Union of Wales today welcomed the Chemicals Regulation Directorate’s decision to grant an emergency authorisation for the use of Asulam to control bracken in 2014 .
Asulam, marketed in the UK as Asulox, was banned from use in 2011 by the EU. The product, predominantly used for the control of bracken in Wales, is also authorised for use as a selective weed killer on spinach and lettuce but its use on salad crops provoked safety concerns that prompted the EU ban.
“Since the initial ban emergency authorisations have been granted to allow Asulam to be available and the Chemicals Regulation Directorate has confirmed that repeat emergency authorisations are allowed under Regulation (EU) No1107/2009,” said FUW land use and parliamentary committee chairman Gavin Williams.
“Emergency authorisation restricts the use of Asulam to a three-month window, which requires a co-ordinated approach from manufacturers, distributers, aerial sprayers and farmers, but at least this provides an opportunity for its use until either an alternative pesticide is found or Asulam regains full authorisation,” said Mr Williams.
The agreed notice of authorisation for the 2014 spraying season is expected to be identical to 2013 apart from a slight difference in start and finish dates.
The Bracken Control Group, which has been campaigning for the full authorisation of the product, expects the dates for 2014 use to be:
May 19 - Start of the emergency authorisation period of 120 days.
July 1 - Application of Asulam products can commence.
September 16 - Sale and distribution of Asulam stops but use can continue.
October 31 - Use of Asulam must stop.
“The bracken control season is coming to a close for 2013 and we urge farmers to be aware of the expiry date of October 31. After this date it will be illegal to store Asulam and we would advise anyone who has Asulam in their possession to use it before the final cut-off date or return it to their supplier,” added Mr Williams.