‘Very positive day’ for Irish beef marking registration of PGI
It is a “very positive day” for Irish agriculture as an event is held to mark the registration of Irish Grass Fed Beef as an all-island Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).
The granting of this PGI status for Irish Grass Fed Beef places it on the “same pedestal as world-renowned products” such as Champagne, Parma ham, and Irish whiskey.
The PGI symbol will help consumers to identify Irish Grass Fed Beef products in key export markets.
Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue and his counterpart in Northern Ireland Andrew Muir on Friday hosted a joint event on the Weir family farm, Ballindrait, Lifford, Co Donegal, to mark the registration of the PGI.
The ministers were joined by Bord Bia and the Livestock and Meat Commission, the applicants for the PGI on behalf of producers and processors.
Mr McConalogue said: “Visiting this excellent beef farm here in Donegal today is a reminder of the quality and sustainability of Irish beef and why it is in such demand around the world.
“The primary produce from Irish farmers that goes into creating our internationally respected quality food is the backbone of our agri-food sector. Securing the PGI status is recognition of these premium standards.
“I look forward to seeing these PGI products on European supermarket shelves and continuing to tell the story of Irish farming to an international audience.”
Mr Muir added that the granting of GI status for Irish Grass Fed Beef “places it on the same pedestal” as other world-renowned products.
“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,” he said.