Wales - FUW Refers EC EID Tag Quality Issues to Defra Minister

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has demanded an explanation from Defra minister Jim Paice after the European Commission implied farmers’ problems with sheep electronic identification (EID) are caused by the UK allowing sub-standard ear tags.

Responding to letters from the union to the EC’s directorate general for health and consumers and the directorate general for agriculture and rural development, the Commission suggested that “a significant part of the problem encountered (with EID) may result from the use of bad quality ear-tags……”

It also stated that “the Commission services have repeatedly encouraged the UK competent authorities to ensure that only high quality electronic ear-tags are approved for the tagging of sheep”.

Speaking at Anglesey County Show today, FUW president Emyr Jones, a Bala beef and sheep farmer, said: “Given that the EC is responsible for laying down the rules with regard to EID, they seem to be implying that tags in the UK fall below the standards set by themselves.

“We have, therefore, asked the UK Minister for assurances that this is not the case. If this is not what the Commission is implying, then it is an effective admission that the standards set by Europe are not capable of being delivered in terms of the Regulation.

“Either way, we are being forced to use a costly technology which is not fit for purpose.”

Mr Jones added that any enhancement of the minimum EU tag standards by the UK authorities might be open to legal challenges, given that Europe has set a pan-European standard which should have minimised any problems with the technology.

“There may also be a problem in terms of any enhanced standard leading to the compulsory tagging of animals with small ears with larger tags than is practical or humane, leading to a massive welfare issue,” he added.

Mr Jones’s letter to Mr Paice states: “The FUW has long objected to the compulsory electronic identification and recording of sheep and this position was based upon evidence gathered during numerous trials which identified major shortcomings with EID technology.

“The experience of our members since EID was made compulsory has confirmed that these concerns were well founded.

“Nevertheless, the Union recognises that those Member States, such as the UK, which now object to EID represent a minority within the EU, and that efforts must therefore be made to ensure that the impact of the current Regulations are minimised, particularly in terms of penalties which may be incurred as a result of circumstances which are beyond the reasonable control of farmers.

“Given the above concerns, I would be grateful for your assurances that any allegations by the European Commission that UK sheep tags do not meet the standards set by themselves are incorrect, and that systems are in place in order to deal appropriately with any cases where tags are believed to be sub-standard.”

Electronic Tagging for Sheep

10/08/2011

The Scottish Government has been successful in negotiations with the EU on plans for a proportionate cross compliance system for Scottish sheep farmers.

The European Commission is content with Scotland's proposals and commented positively on the steps taken in Scotland, including the development of ScotEID - the Scottish electronic identification database. The Scottish solution takes account of the unique nature of Scotland's diverse sheep industry.

Under the new regime Scottish farmers must comply with the EU regulations to avoid penalties. However, some leeway at inspection is to be allowed - to account for technology failures and the difficulties associated with gathering sheep on extensive hill terrain.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

"Although this regulation has not been the easiest to implement, we fought hard to promote our unique Scottish position on sheep electronic identification and I'm pleased that the European Commission has accepted our proposal for a more proportionate compliance system.

"I do not for a minute pretend that the regime will be easy for many producers but I do hope that this news will at least lift the fear that unavoidable errors would lead to draconian penalties. This has been the source of anxiety for many.

"I have said all along that we would work flat out to avoid a situation where farmers are deterred from producing - and I will keep doing so. The last thing we need is European regulations rewarding those that produce the least and penalise those that want to get on with producing Europe's food.

"To help the sheep sector, we have invested £5 million to deliver a system that meets Scottish needs and addresses the animal health and traceability issues while limiting the burden on farmers. I'm hopeful that farmers will now be able to meet the requirements of the new system, safeguarding some £600 million of EU support each year.

"Our commitment to developing a more workable solution that is fair for Scottish farmers appears to have been vindicated. We continue through this transitional period to further develop the Scottish EID database to alleviate the burden on our industry.

"The Scottish Government is now finalising guidance for sheep farmers, including how to reduce the risk of incurring cross compliance penalties, in the light of this encouraging development."

The rules require:

Double tagging, including one EID tag, for sheep being kept over 12 months of age

Single EID tagging for lambs destined for slaughter before 12 months of age
Completing detailed movement, tagging records, and maintaining an up to date flock register

Individual recording of sheep (and goats) is an EU requirement to address EU-wide inadequacies with identification and tracing which were identified during the 2001 Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak. EID is also designed to make recording quicker and more accurate throughout the food chain.