Concerns raised over new bovine systems

URGENT calls have been made by one of the region’s auction mart bosses for harmonisation of Bovine EID systems across the UK. Scott Donaldson, who is a group director at the H&H Group, has written to MPs and MSPs on behalf of livestock producers, auction marts, and rural communities in the border regions to share their ‘deep concerns’ about the decision by the Scottish and UK Governments to implement different Bovine Electronic Identification (EID) technologies – Ultra High Frequency (UHF) in Scotland and Low Frequency (LF) in England. He has pointed out that the divergence threatens to impose significant operational, financial, and logistical burdens on the livestock industry locally. As an operator of seven livestock markets across the north of England and south of Scotland, H&H say they are at the sharp end of the policy. Disruption to cross-border trade is a key concern and Mr Donaldson said: “The border region is a hub of livestock movement, particularly for dairy and beef cattle. Differing EID systems will complicate traceability, increase compliance costs, and potentially create bottlenecks at auction marts and abattoirs that serve both nations.” He hit out at increased costs and red tape for farmers and marts, who may be forced to invest in dual-reading infrastructure or adopt dual-tagging systems, as well technological incompatibility between the two systems. Mr Donaldson also said there had been a lack of consultation and co-ordination, adding: “Stakeholders in the border regions feel that their unique circumstances have not been adequately considered. A collaborative, UK-wide approach is essential to ensure that policy decisions do not inadvertently penalise those operating across administrative boundaries.” In a call to action, he is urging policymakers and industry leaders to establish a joint taskforce to explore a harmonised or interoperable EID solution that works across the UK.

In addition, he wants transitional support for farmers and marts affected by the divergence, including funding for dual-system readers and tagging; and a delay in its implementation until a practical, cross-border solution is agreed upon. “The livestock industry in the Border regions is resilient, innovative, and vital to the rural economy. It deserves policies that reflect its realities and support its future,” said Mr Donaldson.