A total of 22 submissions have been received by the Department of Agriculture in opposition to an application to register “Irish Grass Fed Beef” as a protected geographical indication (PGI).

The Department revealed the figure to the Irish Farmers Journal following the closure of the national opposition procedure on Friday 11 September. It provides the opportunity for any natural or legal person, having a legitimate interest and resident in Ireland, to lodge an opposition to a PGI.

Among those opposing the application are the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) and the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA).

Both organisations lodged their opposition on the basis the application was too broad and that there was not enough consultation with farmers.

All 22 submissions will now be considered by the Department.

Next steps

If it is determined that “it is appropriate for the application to proceed”, a final version of the documents will be published, a spokesperson said.

There will also be further consultation with sector stakeholders at the Beef Market Taskforce, due to meet remotely on 23 September.

Upon clearing these hurdles, the application will be submitted by the Department to the European Commission for further scrutiny.

If the Commission is satisfied the application meets its requirements it will run an opposition procedure of its own. This will provide an opportunity for other EU member states and third countries to oppose the application.

Whether the application is successful or not will depend on the outcome of the EU’s assessment of any opposition registered at that stage.

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