Farmers must contribute to EID consultation, says NFU

The Union said the consultation will give farmers the chance to have their views heard as well as giving the industry the opportunity to look at the finer details of how the government proposes the regulation will be implemented.

Alistair Mackintosh, chairman of the NFU’s livestock board, said: “While we remain fundamentally opposed to the individual movement recording of sheep we have to accept that the Commission is determined to begin implementing this regulation from the end of the year.

“This consultation will give us a chance to find out from members how they feel this regulation will affect their businesses and to look more closely at the detail of the regulation and try to find ways to minimise its impact.”

Mackintosh stressed that the NFU will continue to work with Defra following Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou’s comments at the last Council of Ministers, which suggested there would be some flexibility regarding the implementation of the regulation.

“We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to make this regulation fit for purpose,” said Mackintosh.

The consultation was launched on March 31 and submissions have to be made by June 23.

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