Nick Bourne, Welsh Conservative Assembly Member for mid and west Wales, has given a cautious welcome to the response he received from rural affairs minister, Elin Jones, on the Electronic Identification of Sheep regulations.

The AM wrote to the minister to warn that the substantial costs of implementing these regulations would have to be met by farmers, which could prove the last straw as far as the viability of many farms was concerned.

The Minister said she shared Nick’s concerns and that she had been working to minimise the impact the regulations will have, as well as opposing the principle of EID and individual recording at every opportunity.

Nick Bourne said: “I welcome the fact that Elin Jones has recognised the potentially damaging effect these regulations could have on Welsh farming.

The Assembly ’s consultation closed on July 31st.

“It is vital that when the rules are finalised they do not impose an unfair burden that will add to the costs and bureaucracy currently imposed on Welsh farmers.”