Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1162. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current status of the application to secure EU PGI status for Irish beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16551/23]
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 submission by the UK to the European Commission, the Commission invited both parties to engage on the application. Discussions between my Department and its UK counterparts were successfully concluded in July 2022, with agreement that the geographical area covered by the application will cover the island of Ireland. Other than changes associated with the extension of the area, there was no substantial change to the product specification.
In August 2022, the European Commission was notified of the agreement and was sent the revised application. The application has since been the subject of European Commission scrutiny. My Department is engaging with the European Commission and its UK counterparts on the next steps, which will include a further consultation/opposition procedure at member State and Third country level. If there is no opposition, it is hoped that application could proceed for registration.
I want to conclude the process as quickly as possible as I believe that PGI Status for Grass Fed Irish beef will be of huge benefit for the entire suckler and beef industry here. I believe it will play a key role in driving further added value for the benefit of the hardworking and skilled beef and suckler farmers across the country.
