Brexit: NI farmers support all-Ireland beef status bid
Northern Ireland farmers have insisted their beef should be included in an all-Ireland bid for special EU status.
It is to be asked to approve special recognition for beef which is raised on grass.
It is what is known as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and is a prized marketing tool.
It also gives the product legal standing which prevents imitation by competitors.
Several Northern Ireland-based foods such as Bramley applies, Comber potatoes and Lough Neagh eels already have it.
PGI designations for Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream Liqueur and Irish Poitin already cover products from both sides of the border.
The Republic of Ireland is submitting an application for “Irish Grass-Fed Beef” to be recognised.
Stormont agriculture minister Edwin Poots has asked his counterpart in the Republic to ensure Northern Ireland farmers benefit too.
By Conor Macauley