The Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status for ‘Irish grass-fed beef’ has caused a large amount of confusion for people since the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine launched a national opposition procedure in relation to an application to register ‘Irish grass-fed beef’ as a PGI on August 14.

PGI status is a type of intellectual property right, protecting food product names which are linked to a particular territory or to a particular production method, e.g. Connemara Hill Lamb.

22 statements of opposition to the PGI application, which was developed by Bord Bia, have been lodged as part of the national oppositions procedure.

Also Read: Department launches national opposition procedure for ‘Irish Grass Fed Beef’ PGI application

Farming organisations across the country have weighed in with their views on the proposed PGI status.

Among the groups that submitted an opposition submission are the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) and the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers’ Association (INHFA).

In its submission, the ICSA said: “ICSA opposes the one-size-fits-all application because it is too diluted and undermines the potential to get a premium price for specialist suckler beef production.

Meanwhile, the INHFA said: “We were left with no choice in the matter because of the lack of consultation and debate on the application with suckler farmers, who see this grass-fed PGI as a threat to their naturally reared product and as being driven by processors and the dairy industry.”

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has said:

It is a great pity that what should be a positive development for the sector has become mired in controversy due to a lack of consultation on the original application.

While some groups are welcoming the application and others are against it, we want to know your opinion on the proposed PGI status.

By scrolling down to the survey below, AgriLand wants to know do you believe that Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for Irish grass-fed beef will benefit farmers in the long-run?

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If the poll doesn’t appear (below) you can alternatively click on this link.

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