Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
2147. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current status of the application for a protected geographic indication for Irish grass-fed beef; when he believes protected geographical indication status may be granted; the progress that has been made to ensure that grass-fed beef produced in Northern Ireland is included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41345/22]
View answerIn December 2021, following scrutiny by the European Commission, the application for a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for “Irish Grass Fed Beef” was published 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.
Following the submission of an opposition by the UK, the European Commission invited both parties to engage on the application. Following extensive engagement between my Department and its UK counterparts, I am happy to report that the consultations were successfully concluded recently, with agreement that the geographical area covered by the application will cover both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Other than changes associated with the extension of the area, there was no substantial change to the product specification.
The European Commission has been notified of the agreement and will advise on next steps, which will include a further scrutiny and three month consultation/opposition at EU/third country level.
It is hoped that the European Commission scrutiny and publication of the revised application will progress quickly and that the PGI for “Irish Grass Fed Beef” will then be registered.
Delivering a PGI status for Irish Grass Fed Beef will present an opportunity to add value for Irish grass fed beef exports to key markets, based on a well-established reputation of excellent quality based on our unique pasture-based production system. It is my ambition that the new PGI will deliver rewards to the hard working and committed suckler and beef farmers on the island.
