NFU Scotland joined other industry stakeholders in briefing European Commission officials over ongoing problems related to the controversial electronic tagging (EID) rules for sheep, introduced across the EU at the start of 2010.
The Commission delegation, including staff from DG Sanco and DG Agri, was in Newcastle this morning (Wednesday, 20 October) to meet with UK industry representatives before moving on to a number of farm and market visits, including a presentation on Scotland’s EID pilot project.
A paper prepared by NFU Scotland for the event tackled ongoing concerns around farm inspections and cross-compliance requirements with regards to the regulation. The Union also took the opportunity to call for European tagging requirements to change so that they only need apply when an animal is leaving its holding of birth.
Speaking after the meeting, NFU Scotland Vice-President Nigel Miller said:
“Scottish sheep farmers remain deeply concerned about the difficulties in meeting every single requirement demanded by the regulation, many of which are superfluous and do little in the way of delivering accuracy in recording sheep movements for both disease control and food safety purposes. The cross-compliance requirements that sheep farmers face, if subject to an inspection, should solely focus on properly identifying animals that are moving and ensuring that these movements are properly recorded.
“We are adamant there are several issues that should not trigger a cross-compliance penalty on any sheep farm subject to inspection. The Regulation requires farmers to record all the dates of tagging and re-tagging of sheep. As the tags available on farm are already known and recorded centrally by the competent authority, then failure to record the date of tagging should not be a penalty issue.
“The Regulation also requires the recording of deaths. Clearly dead animals are not a risk in terms of traceability and disease; therefore systems of death reporting should be designed to fit the working practices on farm and the use of fallen stock collection systems. Recording of deaths is a tool to support the running total of sheep on farm - it is not fundamental to traceability and should not be a trigger for penalties.
“The Scottish EID system, once fully up to speed, has the potential to deliver all that should be required by Europe. The competent authority allocates electronic tags, sheep are correctly identified prior to movement and movements reported at the individual level by electronic scanning linked to a central database for maximum speed and accuracy. I hope that the Commission officials take these messages on board and we can work with Scottish Government and others to develop a pragmatic approach to a nightmare piece of legislation.” Ends
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
Saturday 30 October – Friday 5 November 2010
Title: Live Rugby - Leinster V Edinburgh
Live Magners League coverage as Edinburgh travel to face Leinster at the RDS Arena.
Transmitted: Saturday 30th October 2010
Time: 18:00
Title: Trusadh - Eist ri do Chridhe/Change of Heart
Heart disease is still the biggest killer in Scotland, accounting for about a third of all deaths - 18,000 each year.
Almost two thirds of adults are overweight or obese, and recent research has shown that a staggering 97.5% of Scottish people are now at risk of suffering from heart disease.
But it's not just lifestyle that causes it. Many people in Scotland suffer from genetic heart conditions.
So why is the situation in Scotland so bad? And what can we learn from other countries, such as Finland who have successfully reduced the number of heart-related deaths by over 80% over the last 40 years?
Transmitted: Monday 1st November 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Hurling/Shinty Ireland v Scotland
Coverage of the annual hurling/shinty international between Ireland and Scotland.
Transmitted: Monday 1st November 2010
Time: 22:30
Title: Dileas/Working Dogs
The dedication of Scotland's fire and search and rescue dogs. Featuring Scotland's only "accelerant detector dogs," while novice dog Coby is trained in Glen Nevis.
Transmitted: Tuesday 2nd November 2010
Time: 20:30
Title: Soillse - Piracy off the coast of Somalia
Examining the Gulf of Aden between Somalia and Yeman where, in 2008, there were 90 incidents of piracy in these coastal waters.
Soillse looks at the issue and the pirates who claim vast ransoms for hostages and ships and where today, the threat of pirates is so great that this shipping lane is now policed by international naval forces.
Transmitted: Wednesday 3rd November 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Tir nan Oran/Heartland Song/Argyllshire Islands
As part of the BBCs Year of Gaelic Song, Tìr nan Òran (Heartland Song) brings you five of the most popular songs from the Argyllshire islands, including performances from Deirdre MacTaggart and Alasdair Whyte.
The series is narrated by popular Gaelic singer Kirsteen MacDonald.
Transmitted: Friday 5th November 2010
Time: 22:00
Title: Live Rugby - Leinster V Edinburgh
Live Magners League coverage as Edinburgh travel to face Leinster at the RDS Arena.
Transmitted: Saturday 30th October 2010
Time: 18:00
Title: Trusadh - Eist ri do Chridhe/Change of Heart
Heart disease is still the biggest killer in Scotland, accounting for about a third of all deaths - 18,000 each year.
Almost two thirds of adults are overweight or obese, and recent research has shown that a staggering 97.5% of Scottish people are now at risk of suffering from heart disease.
But it's not just lifestyle that causes it. Many people in Scotland suffer from genetic heart conditions.
So why is the situation in Scotland so bad? And what can we learn from other countries, such as Finland who have successfully reduced the number of heart-related deaths by over 80% over the last 40 years?
Transmitted: Monday 1st November 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Hurling/Shinty Ireland v Scotland
Coverage of the annual hurling/shinty international between Ireland and Scotland.
Transmitted: Monday 1st November 2010
Time: 22:30
Title: Dileas/Working Dogs
The dedication of Scotland's fire and search and rescue dogs. Featuring Scotland's only "accelerant detector dogs," while novice dog Coby is trained in Glen Nevis.
Transmitted: Tuesday 2nd November 2010
Time: 20:30
Title: Soillse - Piracy off the coast of Somalia
Examining the Gulf of Aden between Somalia and Yeman where, in 2008, there were 90 incidents of piracy in these coastal waters.
Soillse looks at the issue and the pirates who claim vast ransoms for hostages and ships and where today, the threat of pirates is so great that this shipping lane is now policed by international naval forces.
Transmitted: Wednesday 3rd November 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Tir nan Oran/Heartland Song/Argyllshire Islands
As part of the BBCs Year of Gaelic Song, Tìr nan Òran (Heartland Song) brings you five of the most popular songs from the Argyllshire islands, including performances from Deirdre MacTaggart and Alasdair Whyte.
The series is narrated by popular Gaelic singer Kirsteen MacDonald.
Transmitted: Friday 5th November 2010
Time: 22:00
Monday, 18 October 2010
Short shrift for short measures in Argyll pubs
Trading Standards officers from Argyll and Bute Council have a short message for bars and restaurants serving short measures –“Measure up or else.”
The warning comes after officers conducted random checks of spirit measures poured in pubs and restaurants in Argyll and Bute and found more than half served less than they should.
Only three of the 14 premises inspected poured correct measures. Two premises received verbal warnings for slight under-measures, seven receive written warnings for significant under-measures and two will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
Officers carried out the visits as part of the national ‘Fair Measure 2010’ campaign, carried out by trading standards officers across Scotland during August and September 2010.
The results in Argyll and Bute reflect the national pattern, with on average 45% of measures falling short.
Councillor Robert Macintyre, council spokesperson for economy, environment and rural affairs, hopes establishments will get the message that measurements have to measure up. He explains:
“The results of our tests show that there’s still a need for officers to carry out random tests to ensure visitors to our pubs and restaurants receive value for money. No-one likes to feel they’ve been short-changed and we take our responsibility to make sure our licensed establishments measure up very seriously.
“I hope this serves as a warning to anyone out there who thinks they can get away with not serving full measures a clear message – if you don’t measure up you’ll have to face the consequences.”
Argyll and Bute Council has a statutory duty under the Weights & Measures Act 1985 to ensure quantities prescribed for public sale are provided accurately as indicated. There are criminal penalties of a fine up to £5000 for anyone who provides inaccurate measures.
The warning comes after officers conducted random checks of spirit measures poured in pubs and restaurants in Argyll and Bute and found more than half served less than they should.
Only three of the 14 premises inspected poured correct measures. Two premises received verbal warnings for slight under-measures, seven receive written warnings for significant under-measures and two will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
Officers carried out the visits as part of the national ‘Fair Measure 2010’ campaign, carried out by trading standards officers across Scotland during August and September 2010.
The results in Argyll and Bute reflect the national pattern, with on average 45% of measures falling short.
Councillor Robert Macintyre, council spokesperson for economy, environment and rural affairs, hopes establishments will get the message that measurements have to measure up. He explains:
“The results of our tests show that there’s still a need for officers to carry out random tests to ensure visitors to our pubs and restaurants receive value for money. No-one likes to feel they’ve been short-changed and we take our responsibility to make sure our licensed establishments measure up very seriously.
“I hope this serves as a warning to anyone out there who thinks they can get away with not serving full measures a clear message – if you don’t measure up you’ll have to face the consequences.”
Argyll and Bute Council has a statutory duty under the Weights & Measures Act 1985 to ensure quantities prescribed for public sale are provided accurately as indicated. There are criminal penalties of a fine up to £5000 for anyone who provides inaccurate measures.
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Local Area Community Planning Group
“Forward Together 2 – Gach Ceum Comhla 2”
Saturday 30th October 2010
Conference Aims
To encourage continued community engagement and extend the involvement of local communities in the activities of the Local Area Community Planning Group.
To communicate and consult on the public sector budget situation, including Argyll and Bute Council’s budget.
To consult with, and obtain the views of, the community on the proposed Local Area Community Planning Group priorities as a basis for the development of the Local Area Community Plan. This is an ongoing commitment of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) to our communities.
Venue
Council Chamber, Argyll and Bute Council HQ, Kilmory Industrial Estate, Lochgilphead. PA31 8RT, and by Video Conference to Servicepoints in Bowmore (Islay), Craighouse (Jura) and Scalasaig (Colonsay).
Programme
10.00 – 10.30 Registration and Coffee
10.30 – 10.40 Welcome
10.40 – 11.00 Keynote speakers
a) Feedback from Forward Together 1 Conference
b) Public Sector Budget – “Difficult Choices for Difficult Times” Overview of budget situation by a member of Argyll and Bute Council’s senior management team to include, where possible, information on other public sector budgets.
Coffee available to take to workshops.
11.00 – 12.00 Discussion on public sector budget situation (Workshops). Groups asked to consider key, high level priorities for the public sector and where communities can contribute in future.
12.00-12.45 “Making a Difference in Difficult Times” (Workshops) Area Plan –
Each group asked to consider Area Plan priorities identified from Forward Together 1. The Area Plan must contain actions that are realistic and can be resourced.
12.45 – 13.10 “Difficult Times, Positive Actions” – 3 x 5 minutes showcasing good practice locally. Three community groups talk about how they are meeting the outcomes of the Area Community Plan.
13.10 – 14.00 Lunch
14.00 – 14.25 “Difficult Times, Positive Actions” – 3 x 5 minutes showcasing good practice locally. Three community groups talk about how they are meeting the outcomes of the Area Community Plan.
14.25 – 15.00 PowerPoint Voting on:
Voting on priorities for budget
Voting on priorities for Area Action Plan
PLUS Evaluation of event
15.00 Depart
Funded by Scottish Government “Working and Learning Together Challenge Fund”
Saturday 30th October 2010
Conference Aims
To encourage continued community engagement and extend the involvement of local communities in the activities of the Local Area Community Planning Group.
To communicate and consult on the public sector budget situation, including Argyll and Bute Council’s budget.
To consult with, and obtain the views of, the community on the proposed Local Area Community Planning Group priorities as a basis for the development of the Local Area Community Plan. This is an ongoing commitment of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) to our communities.
Venue
Council Chamber, Argyll and Bute Council HQ, Kilmory Industrial Estate, Lochgilphead. PA31 8RT, and by Video Conference to Servicepoints in Bowmore (Islay), Craighouse (Jura) and Scalasaig (Colonsay).
Programme
10.00 – 10.30 Registration and Coffee
10.30 – 10.40 Welcome
10.40 – 11.00 Keynote speakers
a) Feedback from Forward Together 1 Conference
b) Public Sector Budget – “Difficult Choices for Difficult Times” Overview of budget situation by a member of Argyll and Bute Council’s senior management team to include, where possible, information on other public sector budgets.
Coffee available to take to workshops.
11.00 – 12.00 Discussion on public sector budget situation (Workshops). Groups asked to consider key, high level priorities for the public sector and where communities can contribute in future.
12.00-12.45 “Making a Difference in Difficult Times” (Workshops) Area Plan –
Each group asked to consider Area Plan priorities identified from Forward Together 1. The Area Plan must contain actions that are realistic and can be resourced.
12.45 – 13.10 “Difficult Times, Positive Actions” – 3 x 5 minutes showcasing good practice locally. Three community groups talk about how they are meeting the outcomes of the Area Community Plan.
13.10 – 14.00 Lunch
14.00 – 14.25 “Difficult Times, Positive Actions” – 3 x 5 minutes showcasing good practice locally. Three community groups talk about how they are meeting the outcomes of the Area Community Plan.
14.25 – 15.00 PowerPoint Voting on:
Voting on priorities for budget
Voting on priorities for Area Action Plan
PLUS Evaluation of event
15.00 Depart
Funded by Scottish Government “Working and Learning Together Challenge Fund”
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