The Minister said: "I am actively seeking to improve the level of service DARD provides to the farming industry.
"A multi-disciplinary team of staff from a variety of areas within my Department all worked closely to bring this important service to the industry.''
The Minister explained that farmers could now go to their local tag manufacturer or tag printer and, after giving them identification details and permission to act as their agent, the agent could thereafter get the necessary authorisation via the internet on their behalf and proceed to manufacture and print the tags.
Mr Pearson aded: "A key aim of my Department is to provide more and better ways for all customers to access the services we provide.
"I have always been fully supportive of Government policy to make services available electronically and my Department will continue to work with all stakeholders to improve and develop innovative services for the agri-food industry.
"I take very seriously the responsibility my Department has to ensure that all farmers can work within the requirements set down by the European Commission to allow full confidence in the exceptional standard of Northern Ireland produce to be maintained.
"This service will help to reduce the administrative burden on farmers as they strive to fulfil their obligations to identify their animals correctly.''
Mr Pearson said: "I am confident that this will prove a very worthwhile service and look forward to further developments of this nature in the very near future.''
Animal Health and Welfare Division maintain a list of approved tag manufacturers and agents. This service is offered to tag manufacturers and printers or their approved agent in Northern Ireland. Individual farmers who have registered for APHIS Online can still use this service to obtain approval for both new and replacement tags for themselves.
A full list of companies who can provide this service is available from Ciaran Hamill of DARD's Service Delivery Group at Greenmount College.
Quelle: Farming Life
