Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
824. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of Ireland's application for PGI status for Irish grass-fed beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27695/22]
View answerOn 8th December 2021, following the National Opposition Procedure and scrutiny by the European Commission, the application for a PGI for Irish Grass Fed Beef was published the in the Official Journal of the European Union for a three month ‘opposition procedure’ which was open both to EU Member States and third countries. The opposition period concluded on 8th March 2022.
The EU Commission advised my Department that the UK made a submission to the EU during the opposition period.
My Department and Bord Bia are currently engaging with their counterparts in Northern Ireland to discuss the submission made by the UK and taking into account the PGI regulatory requirements. The European Commission will be notified of the outcome of those consultations and at that stage we will be advised by the Commission on the next steps.
I am excited about delivering a PGI status for Irish Grass Fed Beef. It will help drive market returns for beef and suckler farmers across the island rewarding our world-class farmers for their committment to excellence.
