Dear Sirs,

Further to recent reporting in the media, I wish to stress that Scotland’s Beef producers who have applied to the Beef Efficiency Scheme and that normally sell animals at this time of year need not hold off and should continue with their normal practices. Contrary to the recent coverage, farmers who would normally sell animals may continue to do so.

As part of this new scheme to improve the efficiency, sustainability and quality of the Scottish beef herd, it is required that farmers genetically test a sample of their herd using special ear tags. We had committed to issuing tissue tags by early November, however due to technical issues these have been delayed. In order for animals to be selected for sampling farmers were required to record calving data, however an extension was given to this because many beef farmers had not completed the necessary recording by the initial deadline of July.

This scheme was designed with stakeholders and involves complex data analysis in order to establish the first genotype sampling regime. The deadline extension was welcomed by the industry and due in part to this we therefore need to extend the timeframe for issuing ear tags.

We will ensure that the genetic sampling regime, which is part of the scheme, will accommodate those farmers who have sold their animals and there will be no penalties for those who have. It may mean that some farmers will have a higher rate of sampling next year.

We expect to provide customers with a timetable for the issue of tissue tags shortly. Tagging will not be voluntary for the first scheme year, however customers seeking advice have been reassured that no penalties will be received, and for those who cannot meet their 20% commitment this year we will select additional animals in 2017.

Advice has been published on www.ruralpayments.org and customers requiring any further advice should contact the helpline on 0300 300 2222.

We are open to suggestions from the industry about the scheme, although the scheme is subject to a framework set by Europe.

Fergus Ewing,

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity