Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 January 2019
212. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration has been given to pursuing protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication for Irish grass fed suckler beef at EU level. [2285/19]
View answerThe European Union scheme of geographical indications (GI) protects the names of quality agricultural products and foodstuffs where a strong link exists between the product’s characteristics and a defined geographical area. In the case of a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) the product must be produced or processed or prepared in the geographical area and a specific quality, reputation or other characteristics must be attributable to that entire area.
My Department is actively engaging with the EU Commission and relevant stakeholders at industry level with a view to examining the possible options involved in applying for Protected Geographical Indication status for Irish beef.
