NFU Cymru takes it's fight against EID to brussels

NFU Cymru will take its fight against Compulsory Sheep Electronic Identification (EID) and individual recording back to Brussels once again next Monday when Ed Bailey, Vice President, will make a presentation to the European Agriculture Committee.

Mr Bailey will tell MEPs from across Europe that, "Compulsory EID and individual recording not only has the potential to have a damaging effect on the Welsh sheep industry it will also have the potential to affect the competitiveness of the entire EU sheep industry on world markets. NFU Cymru is urging every Member of the European Parliament to sign up to a written declaration that proposes EID and individual recording as a voluntary rather than mandatory."

Mr Bailey said, "Trials in Wales have shown and continue to show that there are problems with Electronic equipment when working in the wet and cold conditions that are all too common an occurrence on Welsh sheep farms.

"Farmers are fearful of the imposition of compulsory sheep EID and individual recording which is due to start from January 2010. It will add significant cost and regulatory burden to a sector that can ill afford it."

Mr Bailey’s visit to Brussels follows on from recent meetings that he has held with Elin Jones, Minister for Rural Affairs and DEFRA Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, on this issue of critical importance to Welsh sheep farmers.

Ed Bailey concluded, "NFU Cymru will continue to leave no stone unturned in its battle to get this regulation reviewed by the EU Council of Ministers. We will continue to lobby and fight until we find a workable and acceptable solution to this damaging regulation."