Irish grass-fed beef given all-Ireland EU status
The attainment of PGI status within the EU for Irish grass-fed beef has been described as a ‘tremendous accolade’ for farmers in both Northern Ireland and the Republic.
Irish grass-fed beef has been awarded an all-Ireland Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), a protection similar to that given to champagne and Irish whiskey.
Northern Ireland’s new farming minister, Andrew Muir, said the news would place it “on the same pedestal as world-renowned products”.
Northern Irish farming bodies had said that any application to register the product with a special EU designation must also include Northern Ireland.
The Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland (LMC) and the Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association (NIMEA) had raised ‘real concerns’ of being left out of the process.
Responding to the news, Mr Muir said: “Having a PGI is a triumph, a recognition of how the unique climate, landscape and practices of a region translates into food and drink, bestowing them with a distinctive taste and character.
“It is wonderful that the pedigree of Irish grass-fed beef has achieved this level of international recognition and an accolade to the hard working agriculture industry.”
see also: Brexit: NI farmers support all-Ireland beef status bid