The proposal to impose full electronic tagging on all animals leaving the holding of origin is one of a number of options that has arisen in a review of the National Sheep Identification System (NSIS).

An overview of the review process and summary of the options put forward for consideration were presented by Martin Farrell of the AIM division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine at a sheep information meeting held last week by Wexford IFA.

Explaining the Department’s reasoning behind the review, Martin said sheep identification and movement data are recorded and monitored on the Department’s central Animal Identification and Movement (AIM) Database. He said the development of this database is the foundation for ensuring full traceability for cattle, sheep, horses and pigs and is central to maintaining a strong global reputation for food exports.

“It is critical to ensure that any negative issue arising in any one species does not have a damaging reputational impact on any other species on the AIM system. There are some areas in the current NSIS where improvement is needed.”

There is also an FVO audit on animal identification, movement and registration due to take place in 2016 on cattle, pigs and sheep.

Working group

Martin said the greatest area of concern surrounds mixed batches and, in particular, recording of identification and movements at farm and slaughter level.

“The current system of tagging is complex, as are recording requirements. We acknowledge it is labour-intensive, with potential for error – particularly with mixed batches. This imposes a considerable burden both on farmers and meat factories in recording individual tag numbers correctly.

“We also have to be mindful to avoid problems tracing sheep in the event of a disease outbreak or food safety issue and the collateral damage a negative issue on one species could have and the possible reputational impact on another species.”

Martin said that in light of this, a working group has been set up to examine the effectiveness of the NSIS with the aim of improving and simplifying the traceability system. This is where the proposal of extending the role of EID to sheep moving from the holding of origin or to all sheep other than those leaving the holding of origin for direct slaughter came from.

Three options

The Department has, to date, presented three options to the working group that includes farm organisations ICSA, ICMSA and the IFA; mart organisations Associated Livestock Marts (ALM) and ICOS; and processors through Meat Industry Ireland (MII). The three options presented at the meeting are detailed below.

Under these options, EID tagging would be introduced for all animals leaving the holding of origin (mart sales and farm-to-farm movements) with the exception of lambs leaving the holding of origin for direct slaughter. These would receive one electronic tag or the derogation that allows such lambs to move with a slaughter tag would be continued.

Current NSIS rules will continue to apply whereby animals must be tagged before they reach nine months of age or on moving from the holding of origin if before nine months of age.

Central point of recording

In the event that electronic identification is introduced across all sheep, the Department is planning to approve a number of premises which will be known as central points of recording (CPRs) where tag numbers will be electronically read and recorded on behalf of keepers. Slaughter plants and marts will likely be the main CPRs.

The records collected through electronic scanning of tags can be used to generate tag lists for use with relevant dispatch/movement documents.

Farmers will have to complete a dispatch document, but a printout of tag numbers can replace handwritten numbers.

Responding to a question on the accuracy of data collected in marts and factories, for example, and if farmers would be liable for inaccurate or missed tag readings, the Department said the cross-compliance section has confirmed to his section that farmers will not be held accountable for any such deficiencies.

Martin told farmers in attendance that the Department is open to all suggestions. “The three options presented to date are a starting point on which to develop a proactive and constructive debate that ensures a solid and robust traceability system.

“We want to find the best workable solution. That’s why we are here tonight – to get the views of farmers. We have asked stakeholders on the working group to talk to their members and submit a proposal of what they think would work best.

“This invitation extends beyond this group and anyone with ideas on finding a system that demonstrates full traceability should send in their proposals.”