Irish Angus beef pushes for protected geographical status

Irish beef farmers are a step closer to achieving protected geographical indication (PGI) status in the EU for certified Irish Angus Beef.

If successful, this could allow beef producers in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to receive a premium for Aberdeen Angus cattle.

However, concerns have been raised by some in the UK beef sector that it could be potentially detrimental to the wider industry if specific breeds from set regions are given PGI status.

See also: Beef prices rebound, extending premium over Irish imports

A two-month opposition window has now begun as part of the PGI application process before it can be formally submitted to the EU Commission.

Ireland’s agriculture minister, Charlie McConalogue, said: “I thank the certified Irish Angus producer group for its work in bringing forward this application for PGI status for their product.

“I am delighted that the application has progressed to this stage, and I am aware of the significant amount of work that has been undertaken to date.”

If the application is successful, beef farmers in Ireland would then need to register with the Irish Angus Cattle Society in order for their cattle to be certified.

The cattle would also be required to meet set age and weight specifications, and would need to be kept predominantly outside on a mainly grass-fed diet.

Responses

Responses to the application related to Northern Ireland can be completed using a form on the government website and emailed to protectedfoodnames@defra.gov.uk by 24 January 2024.

Further information on submitting responses in the Republic of Ireland can also be found online.

Grass-fed beef PGI

A separate application for PGI status for Irish grass-fed beef is also being considered and is at the final stage of the process after passing through without opposition.

Colin Smith, Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) for Northern Ireland chief executive, said: “This is a hugely positive development that will further endorse the high-quality beef produced here.

“It is also recognition of the unwavering commitment of our farmers to produce top-quality, grass-fed beef for consumers in domestic and international markets.

“The credentials of PGI are valued in many markets, and we are delighted that, pending final adoption procedures, Irish Grass-Fed Beef will join more than 3,500 geographical indications already registered by the EU Commission.”