Following the ban of Asulam that came into effect on 31 December 2011, there is a route that it may be possible to follow that will make Asulam available into the future.

This is a summary of the discussion that took place at a meeting organised by United Phosphorus Ltd (UPL) in York, on 29 September 2011.

Many uncertainties remain, and there is much detail still to be considered and clarified, but there is a good possibility that the use of Asulam can be retained in the long, medium and short terms.

Long Term

1. UPL will be reapplying for registration of Asulam in the EU.  This is an investment of many £100,000s and is very much welcomed.
2. It may take 5 years from now to complete the registration process.

1. The new EU regulations appear to make it possible to obtain a series of Emergency Authorisations that provide an application window of 120 days in a year.
2. If application of Asulam is to continue without a break, Emergency Authorisations are likely to be required for 2013, 2014, 2015 and probably 2016, while the reapplication process takes place. 

1. Asulam will be available for 2012 under the use-up provisions.  
2. The message is that as far as possible it will be business as usual.
3. During 2012, the contractors (helicopter and ground based companies) will be able to apply Asulam for landowners and managers, providing it was purchased before 31 December 2011.
4. The advice to landowners / users of Asulam was to contact your contractor / supplier before 31 October 2011 to ensure your requirements can be met.  

Other points

• Under the regime discussed in the meeting there will be no justification for 'panic buying'.
• UPL will be able to meet requests to purchase the normal annual consumption of Asulam before the end of 2011, so that it can be made available for 2012.  
• The contractors have a limited capacity and their activities are weather dependent.  It is unlikely that they will be able to cope with a surge in demand, next year. 
• Defra and the Chemical Regulations Directorate of the Health & Safety Executive are the relevant agencies for the whole UK and they were represented at the meeting.  Their help in the process to date was gratefully acknowledged and their continuing support was welcomed.