News / MP demands flexibility on tags
NORTHERN isles MP Alistair Carmichael has called on EU officials to allow for flexibility in livestock tagging rules after it emerged that delays in sourcing electronic tags could hit autumn sales in Shetland.
Under controversial EU rules introduced at the beginning of the year, all sheep born since 1 January must be fitted with an electronic identity tag (EID).
Suppliers are warning farmers and crofters that they may have to wait for up to seven weeks to receive their tags.
There are also fears that the delay could create problems for farmers wanting to participate in agricultural shows.
Mr Carmichael said on Tuesday: “Many of us who opposed the move to electronic sheep tagging did so because we believed the system that had been proposed was unworkable. It now begins to look like we were right.
“This is exactly the kind of situation that demonstrates why we need to see flexibility within the system until a review of the way these rules have been implemented and enforced is complete.
“Local farmers have done everything they possibly could have done to comply with the new rules. They must not be penalised as a result of a problem they had no hand in creating.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
