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SHEEP FARMERS URGED TO ORDER CONVENTIONAL TAGS IN ADVANCE OF ROLLOUT OF MANDATORY EID TAGGING

Sep 27, 2018 | Latest News, Press Releases | 0 comments

26 SEPTEMBER 2018

ICSA sheep chairman John Brooks has urged sheep farmers to consider ordering conventional sheep tags by the end of this month in advance of the introduction of mandatory EID tagging. “Only EID tags will be sold from 1 October, however, conventional tags are permitted for use until 1 June 2019. This gives sheep farmers the opportunity to avail of any savings to be made, but only if orders are placed before Friday (28 Sep).”

“The reality is that EID tagging has been forced upon us without any real consideration for the sheep farmer. There will be no benefit accruing to the sheep farmer for using EID tags. Neither will the consumer benefit as there is no additional traceability gained from their use. The only ones who will benefit from sheep farmers forking out for EID tags are the processors, the very same ones that hammer us on price on a weekly basis. At least by utilising conventional tags until the 1 June deadline farmers can delay paying out for more expensive electronic tags.”

Continuing Mr Brooks said, “There are still options available to Minister Creed and his department that could reduce the cost burden with regard to EID. To this end, ICSA will be pushing for a comprehensive review of all levies paid when sheep farmers sell their produce. A reduction in these levies could provide adequate reparation and needs to be seriously considered in this case.”

ENDS

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