The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) has demanded an explanation from Defra minister Jim Paice after the European Commission implied farmers' problems with sheep electronic identification (EID) are caused by the UK allowing sub-standard ear tags.

Responding to letters from the union to the EC's directorate general for health and consumers and the directorate general for agriculture and rural development, the Commission suggested that "a significant part of the problem encountered (with EID) may result from the use of bad quality ear-tags......" 

It also stated that "the Commission services have repeatedly encouraged the UK competent authorities to ensure that only high quality electronic ear-tags are approved for the tagging of sheep".

Speaking at Anglesey County Show on Wednesday (10th August), FUW president Emyr Jones, responded to the comments, "Given that the EC is responsible for laying down the rules with regard to EID, they seem to be implying that tags in the UK fall below the standards set by themselves.

"We have, therefore, asked the UK Minister for assurances that this is not the case. If this is not what the Commission is implying, then it is an effective admission that the standards set by Europe are not capable of being delivered in terms of the Regulation.

"Either way, we are being forced to use a costly technology which is not fit for purpose."

 Mr Jones went on to point out potential problems with an inflexible pan-European approach to IED tag standards, saying there may be welfare issues to consider when tagging animals with smaller ears; the use of large tags in this case be inhumane.

He said that, although its viewpoint, which is shared by the UK, represented a minority within the EU, The union’s objection to the compulsory use of tags was "based upon evidence gathered during numerous trials which identified major shortcomings with EID technology."

Mr Jones said, "The experience of our members since EID was made compulsory has confirmed that these concerns were well founded," and sought assurance that systems were in place which would enable the government to "deal appropriately with any cases where tags are believed to be sub-standard."

A Defra spokesperson, addressing the FUW and EC's comments, said "“As we have assured the Commission, the UK will continue to only approve electronic identifiers to standards higher than the EC requires."