The Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food has launched a digital platform for submitting applications to procure electronic ruminal boluses for sheep and goats. The platform is intended for livestock farmers, certified companies authorized to distribute digital identification devices, and retail outlets selling animal identification tools.
Pilot Rollout Ahead of Full Implementation
The initiative forms part of a pilot application of Greece’s new livestock traceability framework, introduced through a joint decision by Rural Development and Food Minister Margaritis Schinas and Hellenic Revenue Agency (AADE) Director General Giorgos Pitsilis. For 2026, the measure applies on a pilot basis to farms with more than 900 sheep and goats; full nationwide implementation is scheduled for 2027.
Mandatory for EU and National Support Eligibility
Under the new framework, installing electronic ruminal boluses is now a prerequisite for eligibility to receive EU and national subsidies for sheep and goats older than six months. Each bolus carries a unique identification code linked to the animal’s ear tag number and registered in the new Digital Traceability Database.
Only certified veterinarians are authorized to implant the boluses and enter the associated data into the system.
Through the platform, farmers can submit procurement requests electronically and track the status of their applications in real time. Companies seeking authorization to distribute identification devices, as well as retail stores wishing to sell them, may also submit their applications via dedicated links provided by the ministry.