NFU continues double tagging derogation extension fight

The NFU is continuing the fight for sheep producers and will carry on exploring the opportunities for extending the double tagging derogation at a national and EU level.

Meetings will continue to be held at both Whitehall and Brussels in an effort to get the derogation extended beyond the end of June.

NFU livestock board chairman Thomas Binns said: "Until we've exhausted the constructive discussions with the EU Commission and had a formal proposal put on the table from Defra we'll continue to explore the opportunities to extend the derogation. We will carry on pushing for common sense and a level playing field for British sheep producers."

Mr Binns and NFU President Peter Kendall led an NFU team that briefed Environment Minister Ben Bradshaw last week on the importance of not losing the double tagging derogation before Mr Bradshaw met EU Commissioner Markos Kyprianou on the subject.

Mr Binns said: "The Minister was aware of our concerns and agreed to push for an extension of the derogation."

NFU Director General Richard Macdonald recently met with senior officials at the European Commission responsible for public and animal health to discuss the prospect of extending the derogation for sheep. The NFU is due to have a follow-up meeting with the Commission later this week.