Published at 05:18, Friday, 31 July 2009

CONCESSIONS that will reduce the impact of electronic sheep tagging rules on farmers don’t go far enough according a Cumbrian MP.

Tim Farron

Tim Farron, who represents Westmorland and Lonsdale, is urging the Government to continue its fight for further exemptions to the EU regulations.

The amended rules agreed last week by the EU’s Standing Committee on Food Chain and Animal Health will allow for the introduction of critical control points, which will mean electronic tags will be scanned at markets or abattoirs rather than farms.

Mr Farron said: “This is a small step in the right direction that will mean farmers will not have to buy their own tag readers which will save them between £7m and £18m each year. But this doesn’t mean that the fight is won.

“The overall cost to the industry is still likely to be as high as £65m and the scheme remains overly burdensome.

“Despite the concessions, EID remains another needless bureaucratic hoop for our farmers to jump through, especially given that the equipment is not entirely reliable.”

Electronic tagging is due to be introduced in January next year.

Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk