New measures to limit spread of ragweed across country

To protect public health, agricultural crops and environment, the Government has approved measures to combat and prevent the spread of ragweed. Ragweed pollen can cause allergies, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems. At the same time, it affects agricultural crops, biodiversity and natural balance of land ecosystems.

The project sets out how central and local authorities, as well as private people and legal entities who own or manage land will act each year so that the plant is detected and removed before it flowers.

Thus, local authorities will identify affected land, map infestation hotspots, and inform landowners about their obligation to remove the plant. At central level, institutions in the fields of agriculture, environment, and health will coordinate actions, conduct information campaigns, and verify the implementation of the measures. In addition, dedicated pages will be launched on the official websites of the relevant central public authorities to provide comprehensive information on all aspects of this weed.

The Decision also sets out obligations for private people and legal entities. Owners and holders of agricultural and non-agricultural land, as well as administrators of roads, railways, watercourses, lakes, irrigation systems, and fish ponds are required to control and remove ragweed from the areas they manage. Those carrying out construction works must also prevent the emergence and spread of ragweed within building sites and the land under their management. Failure to comply with these obligations will result in contraventional liability.

Ragweed control will be carried out annually through cooperation between authorities and landholders, in order to reduce health risks, agricultural losses, and environmental impact.