Greece launches pilot digital ID system for goat herds

The Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food, led by Minister Margaritis Schoinas, and the head of the Agricultural Insurance Fund (AADE), George Pitsilis, have begun a pilot programme to equip goat herds with electronic ear tags. The tags carry unique identifiers that are read by specialised devices and uploaded to a new digital Traceability Database, which links to existing AADE and ministry systems.

The pilot, running in 2026, targets farms with more than 900 goats aged over six months. Placement of the electronic tags is now a prerequisite for receiving EU and national subsidies for eligible animals. The system is fully digital, from farmer applications to veterinary‑performed tag installation and real‑time data recording. After the trial phase, the programme is slated for nationwide rollout to all livestock in 2027, aiming to increase transparency, reduce errors and ensure that funds reach eligible producers.