Welsh EID summit calls for EU to view 'folly' firsthand

They pressed her to extend an urgent invitation to the EU Commissioner for Health, Androulla Vassiliou, to visit Wales and see at first hand the ‘folly’ of the decision to make the implementation of EID mandatory.

“It is just another example of Brussels bureaucrats having pie in the sky ideas without any understanding of the practical realities of commercial sheep farming,” said NFU Cymru’s vice-president, Ed Bailey.

He has relentlessly opposed the introduction of EID and individual recording of sheep at countless meetings in Cardiff, London and Brussels.

“Sheep farmers throughout Wales are horrified at the prospect of having to cope with EID which would serve no purpose, would do nothing to improve sheep identification and which would impose a huge burden of additional cost on a sector that is already struggling,” he told the Minister.

“It can not be allowed to proceed unchallenged. We firmly believe that our current identification and batch recording system is a simple, efficient and cost effective measure which helps control the spread of animal disease,” he added.

The Cardiff mini-summit was called to clarify the position on EID in Wales, the UK and Europe; and consider how the industry and government could work together on a way forward.

“My own view on EID is well documented and as I have said within Assembly I do not agree with it – but as things stand we have to implement it and ensure it is done effectively,” said the Minister.

“Along with the UK Government, we have pressed the commission hard on EID and this has resulted in some concessions for farmers to date. However, there is little general support in the EU for a review of the regulation.

“From December 31, 2009, the European Council fully expects the UK to implement the EID regulation,” she added.

“Failure to do so could lead to infraction proceedings, which in turn could lead to significant daily fines, a reduction in European funding, or trade restrictions.

“As such it is vital we work closely to ensure that we put in place a practical system that complies with the regulation, and I am seeking the industry’s co-operation in taking this forward.”

Following the meeting the Minister visited Mynachdy Farm, at Ynysbwl, near Pontypridd, to see a live demonstration of sheep EID.

It is one of 14 farms involved in a joint on-going Welsh Assembly and Hybu Cig Cymru EID assessment project.

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