Delaying EID adoption could hit Single Payments

Speaking in her first debate since taking over the role, Ms Kennedy said the introduction was inevitable, dismissing calls to apply for further delays.

Credit: © FARMERS GUARDIAN please contact 01772 799445.

Failing to introduce EID from December 31 next year could result in ‘disallowance on our own farm payments’ and potential EU infraction proceedings.

Instead, she said the Government would continue to work with industry to minimise the effects of the regulation on farmers.

“In particular, it is our intention to make use, where possible, of the derogations and flexibility provided for in the EU Regulation. 

“We are currently discussing with industry the benefits of applying the slaughter derogation, which provides for animals intended for slaughter within 12 months of age not to be electronically identified.”

The EU also sent clear signals there is little prospect of a review of EID regulations after Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou told Defra Secretary Hilary Benn there would be little support for it, particularly because it would be unfair to the many member states which had already implemented it.

The Westminster Hall debate this week was secured by Liberal Democrat MP Mark Williams, who called for the proposal to be made voluntary.

Mr Williams joined fellow Welsh Lib Dem MPs Roger Williams and Lembit Öpik, calling on all UK MEPs to sign the European Parliament’s Written Declaration against the plan.

He said it was important that representatives from the UK made clear their disagreement with the proposal.

“Getting more than half of all MEPs to sign looks set to be an uphill struggle, but at the very least I hope we will be able to secure the vast majority of UK MEPs, whoever and wherever they represent.”

Debate also stepped up in Brussels, as Neil Parish, Conservative MEP and chairman of the European Parliament Agriculture Committee, invited Commissioners to visit the UK to see for themselves the problems EID could cause for sheep farmers.

“There is no need to burden our farmers with extra costs for a scheme which will provide such little benefit,” he said.

“There may be a time for electronic tagging, but the technology is just not ready yet.”

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