George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, has welcomed the European Parliament vote approving an amnesty for sheep farmers who breach new electronic tagging regulations.
Mr Lyon tabled amendments to the CAP Simplification Report to ensure that the EID regulations do not unfairly penalise farmers who need more time to become accustomed to the new technology and give time for a thorough review of the EID legislation.
Commenting after the vote in Brussels, Mr Lyon said:
"I am pleased that the European Parliament agreed with the conclusion reached by the Agriculture Committee that an amnesty for sheep farmers is a sensible way forward. We must now put pressure on the Commission to back up this call.
"The three year moratorium will give time to iron out some serious practical problems in trying to implementing the EID regulations in Scotland. It is only right that farmers who are still trying to get to grip with these regulations are granted a period of grace while a review of the scheme is undertaken.
"I will be seeking an urgent meeting with Commissioner Dalli to impress upon him the importance of the Commission reflecting the view of the European Parliament."
Follow the party's activity on...