Teagasc “did not apply the methodology” for Bord Bia’s proposal for a grass-fed beef standard, according to director of Teagasc, Prof. Gerry Boyle.
Speaking to AgriLand, the Teagasc director addressed rumours in the industry as to whether there had been a falling out between the two agricultural authorities.
Commenting, Prof. Boyle said: “There really isn’t any disagreement between us fundamentally.
We were involved in preparing the model that led to the milk standard. That was done by [Teagasc] colleagues down in Moorepark. We prepared all the methodology, implemented it and applied it.
“We were not as involved at all in the beef standard, but our methodology was used and we stand over that methodology – but we didn’t apply the methodology and that’s basically the issue,” Prof. Boyle said.
Bulls now included in grass-fed standard proposal
Yesterday, Tuesday, July 14, Bord Bia unveiled its proposal for the grass-fed standard for Irish beef, noting that it will now include young bull beef.
“The development of the grass-fed standard for Irish beef has involved ongoing, active consultation between Bord Bia and key stakeholders including producer organisations and industry.
“In response to feedback received, Bord Bia has now formalised its proposal to adapt the scope of the standard to accommodate young bull beef.
Young bulls will be treated the same as other animal categories with their qualification as grass fed being dependent on meeting the criteria of the standard in relation to the proportion of grass in the diet and grazing days, Bord Bia confirmed.