A protected geographicaI indication (PGI) for Irish beef has moved a few steps closer, with farmer agreement for an application to Brussels. A few key changes saw the IFA, in particular, set its reservations aside.

In relation to bull beef, a letter is being drafted to accompany the PGI application, seeking the inclusion of bulls, provided they meet the grass-fed requirements of the scheme.

There is a commitment to developing a premium suckler beef brand, with a €6m fund, twice what was previously pledged, now in place to develop and market such a brand.

Crucially, both the PGI and the beef brand monitoring committees will be farmer controlled, following fury that the original committee was processor-dominated.

Access to the PGI is also being sought for Northern Irish farmers

Any suggestion that farmers might be limited to processors within a two-hour journey from their farms, or that they would have not be allowed transport their own cattle, has been removed.

Access to the PGI is also being sought for Northern Irish farmers, although this is some way down the road, as it would require each participant to be QA audited by Bord Bia.

Reaction

“It is clear that something substantial needs to be done to promote suckler beef as a specialised product,” said IFA president Tim Cullinan.

“In addition to the funding of €6m which was agreed, the importance of building on the existing schemes to support suckler production and underpin the development of the brand was acknowledged by the minister.

The PGI will promote the world-renowned qualities of Irish beef

“While the ICSA would have preferred an exclusively suckler-based PGI, the development of a suckler premium brand is now a real possibility, with agreement that it would be overseen by a majority farmer representative committee,” said ICSA president Edmond Phelan.

“This is a good outcome,” added IFA livestock chair Brendan Golden.

“The PGI will promote the world-renowned qualities of Irish beef, while working on a brand for beef from suckler farms that promotes the quality, environmental and socio-economic benefits.