NFU to host sheep EID meeting for farmers

The NFU is urging sheep farmers in Cumbria and North Lancashire to attend a meeting where the affects of implementing individual recording and electronic identification of sheep will be discussed.

The meeting will take place at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal, Cumbria on Wednesday 21 October, starting at 7.30pm.

The new regulations on sheep EID are set to come into force in January 2010. A senior Defra official will be present at the meeting to give a presentation and talk about the implementation of the controversial new rules.

NFU livestock board chairman Alistair Mackintosh (who farms at Ravenglass in Cumbria) has battled the introduction of sheep EID and prolonged industry lobbying, led by the NFU, has resulted in significant changes to the regulation which still has the potential to further minimise the impact on producers.

"We have worked hard to reduce both the cost and regulatory burden on implementing sheep EID for farmers and Defra has worked with us", said Mr Mackintosh.

"We are disappointed that the EU Commission has failed to listen to our very real concerns about the impact this regulation will have and we will continue to fight to ensure this regulation is workable on farm. We believe any cost-benefit analysis carried out after this regulation is implemented will show it is not fit for purpose and we will be seeking a review at the earliest opportunity.

"However, we do have to deal with the regulations that are being implemented from next year and it is important for all sheep farmers to meet with us and hear about our work so far and, more importantly, hear first hand from Defra how this regulation will be implemented in January. There will be a chance for farmers to ask questions about the impact of sheep EID and how it will affect their own production and marketing system. These are open meetings and I would encourage all producers to come along."