European Union-Penelties for farmers.

EUROPEAN. UNION.

FINES FOR TRACEABILTY.

A review of penalties imposed on farmers in England and Wales, following a breach of cattle and identification and traceability regulations, could have ramifications for Scottish farmers, according to NFU Scotland.

The union is in discussions with the Scottish Government to ensure that if changes are made in Scotland, any penalties following a breach of the rules remain proportionate and are imposed within the spirit of the recent review into the penalties appeal system.

The discussion has been prompted by a visit of European Union auditors in England and Wales, following which the auditors raised concerns over the levels of penalties imposed on English and Welsh farmers for breaches of cattle rules.

Given the similarities between the English and Welsh system for calculating penalties and the system in Scotland, the Scottish Government is now reviewing the penalties it imposes following similar breaches.

There has been an increase of cases relating to records of traceability of farms, since the introduction of more complicated legislation.