NFU meets European groups for discussions over impact of EID rules

May 29 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

THE NFU is joining sheep breeding organisations from across Europe at a meeting in Germany next week to discuss the implications of compulsory electronic identification and individual movement recording.

NFU livestock board chairman Alistair Mackintosh will take part in the discussions in Frankfurt next Thursday. He said it was clear many industry organisations across the EU were still unhappy about the controversial regulations.

He said: “We have consistently opposed this regulation and are fully committed to working with other European organisations who share our concerns.

“Agriculture Minister Jane Kennedy has supported the NFU stance on this issue at EU level but we need other European countries to lobby their governments in order to give our Government the support it needs. This meeting is part of our ongoing commitment to do all we can to raise support at EU level.”

Defra is currently consulting on EID and Mr Mackintosh said the NFU was working with the department to find ways to make the regulations more flexible and reduce their impact.

He said: “The NFU will never accept the need for compulsory EID in the British sheep industry and to that end we will leave no stone unturned in looking for options to make this regulation fit for purpose.

“It is vital that any available steps are taken to limit its impact on the sheep sector to an absolute minimum and our opposition on this issue will continue, not just in the coming months but also in the years ahead until we reach an acceptable solution.”