NFU backs MEP attempts to change sheep EID rules
NFU backs MEP attempts to change sheep EID rules
The NFU has put its full backing behind MEP attempts to change the EU’s rules on sheep EID (electronic identification).
After heavy lobbying from the NFU, NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland and the Ulster Farmers Union, MEPs from across the UK have tabled amendments to the Common Agricultural Policy which would introduce an element of tolerance in the EID rules.
The MEPs say the rule change is necessary given 100 per cent accuracy on EID is often not possible.
Peter Garbutt, NFU chief livestock adviser said UK farmers had worked closely with MEPs to advise them on sheep EID and would give their full backing to the amendments to change the rules.
“Right from the outset the NFU has lobbied to make the rules on sheep EID fair and workable,” said Garbutt.
“It’s clear that we need a practical system of traceability and disease control but that the current regulation is not delivering this. It instead gives farmers a set of complex rules and regulations that often fall down because of technology failures that are nothing to do with the farmer.
“We have worked tirelessly to get this message across to policy makers in Brussels and so it is good to see the response from UK MEPs. We will continue to work closely with the MEPs to make sure their amendments get the full backing from the European Parliament when it comes to a vote.”
