The intention of the proposed Electronic Identification (EID) scheme is to improve animal traceability and help reduce the spread of disease but there are serious concerns about the practicality of the plans.
Richard said: "The principle behind the idea to tag sheep and goats is reasonable and EID could in the future reduce the spread of diseases between flocks. However, to make the scheme compulsory in its current form just isn't sensible and at the moment it is an unfair burden on Yorkshire farmers, particularly those with smaller flocks.
"The current system of identification in the UK is a dequate and certainly more suitable for small and medium sized sheep farmers on our region's hills. By making the scheme voluntary there is more opportunity for detailed trials to asses the true impact on farmers and the sheep industry."
- Farmers currently use batch recording and movement standstills of sheep to protect against disease.
- The campaign against compulsory electronic tagging takes the form of a Written Declaration. Should it gain the support of over 50% of MEPs it will become the official position of the European Parliament on the issue.
- For the full text of the Written Declaration please visit http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//NONSGML+WDECL+P6-DCL-2008-0068+0+DOC+WORD+V0//EN&language=EN
more information
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