'Dry run' for electronic tagging; Farming.

FORTHCOMING legislation to electronically tag all sheep is to be trialled at mart to see whether it is workable in practice.

The Livestock Auctioneers' Association (LAA) has teamed up with Eblex for the eight-week dry run to explore whether any difficulties are thrown up by the need to individually read every tag and how integration within the market computer system and production of movement licences will work on a day-to-day basis.

The trial will take place on normal market days at Sedgemoor Auction Centre at Bridgwater in Somerset, which was visited last week by a European delegation to assess the farming and mart system and the problems which might arise.

A simulated market day, where all sheep going through the system were electronically tagged, was held for the visitors' benefit.

The proposed tagging regulations have provoked widespread opposition from across the industry. Both the NFU and the National Sheep Association are strongly opposed to compulsory electronic tagging of each animal.

Liz Ford, who is co-ordinating the Sedgemoor trial for Eblex, said: "Eblex is very aware of the widespread industry concerns on the implementation of EID.

"This trial will provide practical information which can help live markets assess how EID could operate in a working market on a day-to-day basis."

Executive secretary Christopher Dodds said: "The involvement of Eblex in the market trial has been essential in allowing us to mitigate the potential logistical and practical problems facing the industry."

CAPTION(S):

TRIAL Eblex and the LAA have teamed up for a dry run of electronic tagging of animals at mart.