EU Commissioner not for turning on EID implementation - Lyon

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 16th Sep 2009

Commenting after meeting EU Health Commissioner Vassiliou with Scotland's other MEPs to discuss the implementation of electronic tagging of sheep, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland George Lyon said:

"Despite the efforts of Scotland's team of MEPs to find a constructive solution to implementing EID, the Commissioner was not for turning and was unable offer any further concessions.

"I am disappointed that the Commissioner would not commit to a review of EID in the next three years. Having a review process in place would have offered some comfort to farmers who continue to see the EID scheme as unworkable and unnecessary.

"We must now look to the future. The Scottish Government must fully fund the implantation of the scheme as other member states such as Spain and Italy have done.

"I will continue to push the Agriculture Commissioner to clarify exactly what the rules will be and what level of inaccuracy will be tolerated in farmers sheep flock when it comes to cross compliance inspections.

"We must ensure that the phased implantation over the next two years is as painless as possible for farmers and crofters across Scotland."

Ends