Delay of Electronic Sheep Identification System Welcomed

NFU Cymru has welcomed the European Commission's decision to delay the implementation of an Electronic Identification system for sheep and goats.

NFU Cymru Vice President Ed Bailey said, "NFU Cymru has lobbied hard to ensure that an Electronic Identification system is not introduced until it is clear it is simple, reliable, robust and cost effective. The last thing the livestock industry needs in the current climate of financial hardship is yet another cost levied upon it, so I'm pleased that the Commission has taken note of our concerns over the affordability of such a scheme.

"The Commission's report states that they are prepared for wider stakeholder discussions on the economic impacts of electronic identification before a final date is set. However they state that the traceability of movements of individual animals via different holdings can only be delivered through the use of electronic systems.

"Reports from members who have participated in trials to date have not been particularly positive, with many stating that the equipment on offer is unreliable and lacking in robustness. Obviously, it is essential that this equipment is capable of efficiently and accurately identifying individual animals and recording actions within a farming environment.

"We will continue to oppose premature European plans to introduce this system until they are proven to be workable and cost effective."