Lib Dems: Sheep tagging proposal will put substantial financial burden on Scottish farmers

10.00.00am GMT Tue 24th Mar 2009

Commenting on discussions on EU proposals for compulsory electronic identification and individual recording of sheep, Liberal Democrat candidate for the European elections George Lyon said:

"The European Union's approach to compulsory sheep tagging flies in the face of what Scottish farmers want or need particularly at a time of economic recession.

"Serious questions remain about how these proposals can be implemented and enforced. Due to the extensive nature of sheep farming in Scotland compulsory sheep tagging will put a substantial financial burden on Scottish farmers.

"If these proposals are to be introduced every effort must be made to minimise the cost and disruption.

Liam McArthur MSP, Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson, added:

"It is disappointing that the Hungarian proposal to make electronic identification voluntary did not receive more support.

"The decision to make the new sheep regulations compulsory only risks accelerating the worrying decline in sheep numbers from the hill and upland areas of Scotland."