DEAR SIR:
Both the Irish Limousin and Irish Simmental Cattle Societies would like to add their support to the recent call for PGI status for Irish suckled beef. The argument is very clear and to the point – Irish suckled beef is a natural product where calves are reared on their own mothers in a largely extensive manner.
With the new focus on biodiversity within the EU, it must be an advantage that the suckler cow has a positive benefit for our environment and deserves its opportunity to remain part of Irish farming. The granting of such a PGI status with the necessary marketing strategies has the potential to make this sector much more profitable. Beef farming has endured a number of very difficult years in terms of financial return and it is imperative that all our farming organisations rally behind any initiative that has the potential to assist and improve the outlook for this sector.
When the economic benefit of the suckler cow to rural communities is factored into the debate, it becomes very apparent that for any State organisation to oversee its demise would be disastrous and never forgiven by rural Ireland. In conclusion, we again call on Bord Bia to seek PGI status on Irish suckled beef. They are actively seeking funding from Europe to promote Irish suckler beef and this funding should be ring-fenced to launch Irish suckled beef (PGI) as one of the most naturally reared beef sources available in Europe. Supporting the suckler sector at an Oireachtas committee is one thing, taking that a step forward and delivering for this sector in another. It is the image of the suckler calves running with their mothers that we see front and centre in the promotion of Irish suckled beef, so let’s all work together to make sure such farmers can make a living from what they are passionate about doing.