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EU SHEEP ID DISCUSSIONS 'DISAPPOINTING' FOR FARMERS - WELSH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
March 25, 2009 3:02 PM
The Welsh Liberal Democrats have expressed their disappointment at the news that attempts to make the introduction of Electronic Identification Devices (EID) for sheep a voluntary scheme have failed.
At an EU Council of Agricultural Ministers meeting, the issue was raised by Hungary and debated by Member States. The position adopted by Hungary was supported by the UK, Ireland Germany and some Eastern Bloc countries, but was opposed by the majority of Member States, including France, Holland, Germany and Italy.
Roger Williams MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales and Liberal Democrat Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson, said:
"This news will be extremely disappointing to livestock farmers across Wales and the communities they support.
"The scheme is overly burdensome and will be very costly to an industry that is already suffering in the current financial climate.
"While there is a glimmer of hope that changes will be made to these regulations when EU veterinary experts meet in April, it seems likely that this scheme will be imposed on British farmers next year.
"Although Jane Kennedy's support is welcome it seems that DEFRA's attempts to oppose this scheme have been too little, too late."
Mark Williams, Liberal Democrat MP for Ceredigion, said:
"It is frustrating that despite the now considerable opposition to compulsory EID, the concerns of farmers were not recognised.
"It looks like EID is now inevitable, but the UK Government and the Welsh Assembly Government must keep fighting to get the best deal they can for Welsh farmers.
"EID will be devastating for farmers, so the impact of implementation should be lessened wherever possible."
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