Over 28 Tipperary Farmers Trained in Giant Hogweed Control

More than 28 farmers gathered in Cappawhite, Co. Tipperary this week for a national pilot training event on giant hogweed control and water quality protection, hosted by Tom and Geraldine Ryan at Moher East.

The event brought farmers, agricultural advisors and environmental specialists together to demonstrate how productive farming and environmental protection can work in tandem. Teagasc organised the training through the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP), the Farming for Water EIP and INVAS Biosecurity.

Support came from the National Biodiversity Centre, Nore Vision, advisers from Arra-Tipp, Dawn Meats, ABP and the Kinisla advisory teams, and Tipperary County Council.

What did the training cover?

Invasive species expert Noel McCarthy of INVAS Biosecurity led the sessions. He gave practical guidance on the identification, safe handling and control of giant hogweed, one of Ireland's most problematic invasive plant species.

Participants learned to identify the plant at different growth stages, implement biosecurity measures and carry out mechanical control safely where infestations are detected early.

"Giant hogweed poses a significant threat to biodiversity, land management and public safety," McCarthy said. "Early identification and intervention are essential to preventing its spread, and farmers have a crucial role to play in controlling infestations across the landscape."

Field demonstrations showed how mechanical control methods can be applied effectively during early plant development. Organisers also stressed the importance of preventing accidental spread of seeds and plant material.

Why is the plant dangerous?

The sap contains toxic compounds that cause severe skin irritation and blistering on exposure to sunlight. Contact can lead to painful burns, long-term scarring and increased sensitivity to ultraviolet light.

Organisers stressed the importance of using appropriate personal protective equipment and following safe work practices when handling or removing the plant.

What water quality measures were shown?

Attendees viewed measures already installed on the Ryan farm. Roisin McManus of Teagasc outlined several actions supported through the Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership, explaining how participating farmers can access practical solutions to improve water quality and biodiversity.

Measures discussed included:

• Riparian protection
• Targeted nutrient management
• Biodiversity enhancement initiatives
• Strategies to reduce runoff risks, including closing off watercourses to cattle
• Solar powered pumps and water troughs in the pasture

Joan Martin of the Farming for Water EIP highlighted a coordinated catchment-wide approach to invasive species management.

"To effectively manage invasive species, we need to work from the headwaters downstream and ensure all stakeholders are involved," she said. "A catchment approach allows farmers, advisers, local communities, state agencies and environmental organisations to work together to prevent the spread of invasive plants and protect our rivers and biodiversity."

"Success depends on everyone playing their part across the entire catchment rather than addressing issues in isolation," she said.

How much work has already been done?

Contractors Oakwin carried out assessments and a giant hogweed removal programme in the west Tipperary area under the Farming for Water EIP. Last year, approximately 11.3km of the Cappawhite stream and 6km of the Toem stream were tended to — a combined 17.3km of watercourse treated.

Further infestations along the Toem, Cappawhite and Cahernahallia tributaries of the upper Mulkear/Dead River catchment in Cappawhite were identified and removed in 2026, in collaboration with stakeholders and property owners.

Farmers in the upper Mulkear catchment should watch for further ASSAP and Farming for Water EIP events as the pilot programme rolls out, with catchment-wide hogweed removal continuing through 2026.