EID tags cost must be met by Department

A SIMPLE grant scheme to cover the cost of an electronic Tag Reader should form part of the EID tagging system that starts up on January 1 next, according to a Galway IFA representative.

Stephen Canavan, Galway IFA Animal Health Rep, told the Farming Tribune, that while farmers had no problem with the introduction of the new system, they simply couldn’t afford to be ‘hit with an extra cost’.

“We know that there is a suggestion of the Tag Reader being eligible under the TAMS scheme, but this needs to be clarified and it should cover the full cost of the Tag Reader,” said Stephen Canavan.

He said that one clear advantage of the new EID system would be in eliminating mistakes as regards mix-ups with cards and tag numbers.

Tag readers can cost in the region of €700 to €900 – although farmers will still be able to read or check cattle IDs with the conventional tag that will continue to be used on one ear.

Last week, Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, announced details of a €4.25m subvention scheme to help cover some of the extra costs of the EID tags.

He outlined that for example a farmer who 30 new EID tag sets each year would be eligible for a €30 payment for each of the three years in the scheme.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App

Download the Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App to access to Galway’s best-selling newspaper.

Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.

Or purchase the Digital Edition for PC, Mac or Laptop from Pagesuite  HERE.

Get the Connacht Tribune Live app
The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.