The Deer Farmers Association has softened its position on a plan to introduce a national livestock identification and traceability system.
It no longer opposes the NAIT scheme to electronically tag cattle and deer so they can be traced to their farm of origin. However, it is seeking modifications to the scheme, including a longer phase-in period for deer.
National chairman Bill Taylor says most farmers now accept that the device will be required by the market. However, the association is asking for a delay of up to two years on when the industry has to join the scheme. The current proposed start time for deer and cattle is 2011.
Concerns are also held about the costs of managing the scheme and avoiding duplication of databases.
