IFA happy with sheep-tagging plan

IFA president John Dillon is delighted with the decision of the EU Parliament to reject the EU Commission proposals for individual sheep tagging.

Mr Dillon called on the Minister for Agriculture, Joe Walsh to block the Commission proposals at the December Agriculture Council meeting and to pursue a flock-tagging approach during Ireland’s EU presidency of the Council of Agriculture Ministers in the new year.

On Wednesday Euro MEPs rejected the Commission proposal, opting for a British-style system of monitoring movement of flocks, not individual animals.

British Labour MEP and agriculture spokesman in the parliament Gordon Adam said the outcome was a win-win result for consumer and farmers.