THECATTLESITE.COM – 19 JULY 2016

IRELAND – The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) president Patrick Kent has welcomed the change of position by Ireland’s agriculture department, which now opens up the supply of cattle tags to competition.

Mr Kent said: “The previous position of the Department and other organisations that monopoly in cattle tags was good for farmers was completely untenable. It’s economics 101 that monopoly is contrary to the interests of the customer.

“ICSA believes that competition between a number of suppliers that meet the criteria can only be a good thing leading to better value for money for farmers. More importantly, given the risk of penalties for tag loss, competition will ensure that farmers have choice in terms of durability.

“It is hard to understand how the monopoly has been allowed to continue for so long given that the norm in other EU states has been choice.”

Mr Kent concluded by complimenting Ireland’s Agriculture Minister Michael Creed for tackling this issue.