Sheep ID plan could lead to exodus from industry warns NFU Cymru

European Commission plans to introduce compulsory Electronic Identification (EID) for sheep could lead to a significant number of farmers leaving the industry, NFU Cymru Council members warned today in their meeting held in Builth Wells.

Livestock industry and government representatives from around the UK, including NFU Cymru's Livestock Board Chairman, Ed Rees, met with members of the Commission last week to raise long-standing concerns about the compulsory introduction of EID, which is expected to take place in 2010.

Following the meeting, Ed Rees said little headway had been made in meeting farmers' concerns over the cost implications and practicality of the proposed system.

Mr Rees told members of Welsh Council today, "If it is implemented in its current form, this plan could lead to a significant number of farmers leaving the industry. NFU Cymru will continue to oppose the plan despite Brussels' determination to impose another raft of unnecessary regulation that we don't need and can ill-afford to pay for.

"The imposition of EID has little to offer farmers in terms of greater efficiency and we would question its value in helping to control disease. The system we currently have in place is more than capable of tracing sheep back to their original holding.

"However, the Commission is insistent that EID will have to be introduced by 2010 and, while there are certain areas that appear non-negotiable, NFU Cymru has identified a number of areas where flexibility may be possible to reduce the impact on the UK sheep industry."

Under the legislation, all animals born after 31 December 2009 must be identified with an electronic form of identification, and the movement of each animal must be recorded and reported.