Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 May 2021
238. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken to address the serious reported problems with blackgrass being found in wildflower mixtures coming into Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28618/21]
View answerTeagasc recently reported that blackgrass weed was found in a commercial wildflower mixture that was grown in an experimental plot at its research centre in Oakpark, Carlow. I understand that Teagasc has taken appropriate action to deal with the specific issue.
There are no EU regulations governing the importation and certification of wildflower seeds. While the EU seed regulations cover certain weed and disease species, there are no specific controls relating to Blackgrass. This also applies to third countries, including the UK, with which the EU has an equivalence agreement for trade in certified seed for the main agricultural crops.
The Department has an agreement with the Irish Seed Trade Association to impose a zero tolerance for Blackgrass, wild oats and sterile brome in certified seed grown in Ireland. Additionally, officials are engaging with the industry with a view to strengthening controls relating to wildflower seeds, both on imported seed for the formulation of species mixtures and seed propagated in Ireland for planting.
