Pig farmer also risks I&R fine

The Identification and Registration System (I&R) is being overhauled. It is known to cattle, sheep and goat farmers. However, it is only now beginning to land with pig farmers. They also risk fines of €500 to €1.500 per violation as a result of the changes. The Producers' Organization Pig Farming (POV) therefore objects.

The first point of criticism is that pig farmers have so far not been included in the explanation of the scheme. Nevertheless, the concept contains a large number of changes that are relevant for pig farmers. For example, the rules for marking have been changed, as a result of which these acts fall under the scope of the 'Regulation on administrative fines'.

punitive sanctions
Activities that previously did not risk a fine can now result in a fine of €500 to €1.500 (depending on the offence). "There is no indication anywhere as to what triggers punitive sanctions for the standards related to pig farms."

The POV regrets that they were not involved in the changes. According to the POV, the changes were mainly made to combat irregularities in the cattle sector.

Fine not in proportion
The POV objects to a fine if a pig farmer does not report or reports too late that he keeps animals. They also object if the report is incorrect or incomplete. The reporting period for this sector is also shifting from 3 working days to 3 days. Reporting late or incorrectly will result in a fine of €1.500. "This amount is not in proportion to the purpose to be served," says the POV.

It does not stop here, because the rules regarding marking, the use of ear tags, the passing on of changes, replacement of marks and other matters concerning the recognition of the animals have also been changed. According to the POV, there has been no consultation at all with the sector against the prohibition of arbitrariness.

Herman van den Pol

Herma van den Pol has been with us since 2011 Boerenbusiness and has developed over the years into a market expert Milk & Feed. In addition, she can be seen weekly in the market flash about the dairy market.

h.vandenpol@boerenbusiness. Nl

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