New EU rules on cattle transport will raise costs
UK - Scotland's heavily regulated agricultural industry faces the prospect of further costs covering the transport of livestock unless the Scottish Executive adopts a pragmatic approach to European Union legislation due to become effective from January 1, 2007.
20 September 2006
1 minute read
Farmers and hauliers could be faced with an additional cost of more than £40m each year. A small haulage company with five vehicles and a similar number of drivers might have to find £100,000, while a farmer with his own transport may have to pay out £400 for official authorisation to move his livestock to an auction mart or abattoir.
The EU Welfare of Animals During Transport Regulation was agreed in 2004, but does not become fully effective until next year. During the negotiations, NFU Scotland and the Road Haulage Association successfully argued that the desire of Brussels to impose more restrictions on journey times and the density of animals in vehicles were impractical and would make life difficult for farmers in remote regions.
The original proposals would have seen journeys limited to a maximum of eight hours with a break after four. However, several major concerns remain, including the requirement for anyone transporting animals more than 65 kilometres to have specific authorisation starting next year, and from 2008, an independent certificate of competence.
Source: The Herald
