07/12/09

LABOUR Spokesperson for Agriculture and Food Seán Sherlock has called on Minister Brendan Smith to acknowledge the concerns surrounding the proposed introduction of Electronic sheep tagging.

Speaking ahead of this week's meeting of the Joint Committee for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food where the matter is due to be discussed, Deputy Sherlock said;

 

"The reality is that Irish farmers already have viable working mechanism for providing full traceability of sheep. The National Sheep Identification System has been in effect for years now, and has a proven track record in keeping trace of stock.

 

"The proposed electronic system will impose extra costs and administration for Irish farmers which is completely unnecessary given the success of the current system. Furthermore I would be concerned that a transition between two systems could prove troublesome and self defeating, with some records possibly slipping between the cracks during the changeover."

 

"At a time like this the question is why anyone would seek to impose an extra burden on producers - is this a necessary function?

Print