IRISH farmers have welcomed efforts by the European Parliament to postpone the compulsory electronic tagging of sheep and goats, on the basis that it would cause excessive costs to farmers in a time of economic crisis
MEPs have voted in favour of deferring the measure which was imposed by the European Commission at the start of this year.
The Irish Farmers Association has consistently opposed compulsory electronic tagging, or EID as it is known, insisting that Ireland already has an effective individual sheep tagging system. An IFA spokesperson said EID will give nothing to farmers "other than additional costs, bureaucracy and red tape".
Independent MEP Marian Harkin, who also warmly welcomed the move, said the Parliament has called for an amnesty of three years on compliance penalties related to compulsory sheep tagging.
"We also want the commission to carry out a thorough review of the regulation, given that it is a complex technology and will require some time for farmers to get used to," she added.
The Irish Farmers Association has consistently opposed compulsory electronic tagging, or EID as it is known, insisting that Ireland already has an effective individual sheep tagging system. An IFA spokesperson said EID will give nothing to farmers "other than additional costs, bureaucracy and red tape".
Independent MEP Marian Harkin, who also warmly welcomed the move, said the Parliament has called for an amnesty of three years on compliance penalties related to compulsory sheep tagging.
"We also want the commission to carry out a thorough review of the regulation, given that it is a complex technology and will require some time for farmers to get used to," she added.
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