Fustration at EU commision stance on electronic tagging
The NFU has expressed its frustration at the EU Commission’s stance on electronic tagging and individual movement recording of sheep following a visit by a delegation to the South West of England.
NFU livestock board chairman Alistair Mackintosh and chief livestock advisor John Mercer joined sheep farmers from across the South West who shared their views and concerns over the likely impact of the regulation during a two-day visit to the region last Thursday and Friday.
The delegation also visited farms, livestock markets and abattoirs in Scotland and Wales to see how EID can be implemented.
Mr Mackintosh said: "I am extremely frustrated at the Commissioners’ stance on individual movement recording and EID – they seem reluctant and unable to grasp the enormity of the impact this regulation will have on sheep farmers. That is why the NFU will continue to do everything it can to fight this regulation and ensure our sheep producers remain in business and remain competitive.
"It was interesting that, when questioned, the Commission delegation was unable to identify any benefits electronic tagging and individual movement recording would bring regarding disease control that are not already available through our present ID and batch recording system, combined with our domestic movement standstills.
"As we have repeatedly said, this regulation makes no sense and has the potential to dramatically affect the sheep industry across the EU. The additional costs involved, coupled with the recording requirements, will force many producers out of business while having absolutely no cost benefit and we will continue to work with other member states to get the proposed regulation overturned."
Mr Mackintosh urged any sheep farmers who had not yet done so to complete the survey issued by the NFU in conjunction with NFU Cymru and NFU Scotland about how the proposed introduction of electronic identification and individual recording will influence their intentions to continue keeping sheep.
