The Scottish Government, working with the UK Government and consulting with Scottish industry representatives, has successfully negotiated with the European Commission (EC) for a more proportionate EID cross-compliance system for Scottish sheep farmers.
Scottish farmers must continue to comply with EC regulations to avoid penalties, so best practice in tagging and recording sheep and goats is still essential.
However, some leeway at cross-compliance inspections will be allowed to account for technology failures and the difficulties with gathering sheep on extensive hill terrain.
The Scottish Government invested £5 million in the ScotEID system to meet industry needs, prevent disease through better traceability and limit burdens on farmers. This is helping farmers to meet cross-compliance requirements, and therefore helps safeguard millions of pounds of EU Single Farm Payments each year.
In September 2011 Richard Lochhead Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment wrote to all registered Sheep and Goat keepers in Scotland with an update on the tagging and Cross Compliance rules. A copy of his letter and guidance notes can be found below.
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