Sheep EID plans must be overturned, says NFU

Compulsory electronic identification (EID) of sheep will bring more costs to an already beleaguered sector, the NFU has warned leaders in Brussels.

The proposed method of individually recording sheep will add no benefits and must be overturned, said Alistair Mackintosh, NFU livestock board chairman.

At a meeting between farming leaders from across the EU and MEPs and EU Commissioners, Mr Mackintosh repeated the NFU’s total opposition to the plans.

“These regulations make no sense and have the potential to decimate the sheep industry across the EU, which would have a huge effect on both the environment and the rural economy,” he told the meeting at the European Parliament last week (28 January).

“The additional costs involved, coupled with the recording requirements, will force many producers out of business while having absolutely no cost benefit.”

Mr Mackintosh told the meeting that present methods of ID and recording sheep were simple, efficient and cost effective.

“We will continue to work with other member states to get the proposed regulation overturned,” he added.

A resolution will go forward from the meeting to the EU Commission asking it to look again at the proposals.