The new ‘Irish Grass Fed Beef’ Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status is a win-win scenario for Irish beef farmers, according to Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Speaking at an event to mark the registration of the all-island PGI, Charlie McConalogue said that Irish livestock farmers will benefit directly from the work that has been put in to secure the new PGI.
“It’s not possible quantify the direct benefits that will be accrued by farmers at this stage.
“However, our objective is to ensure that the benefits of the fantastic product that we have is communicated to customers everywhere,” he said.
“The benefit of the PGI is that it is deeply understood. It gives a certain status to a product with this level of accreditation.
“The PGI is a real step forward. It will allow us to add real value to Irish beef. It is also important that consumers understand what makes Irish beef unique,” the minister added.
Minister McConalogue said that maximising the value of Irish beef will deliver better farmgate prices.
“It’s all about getting product at the best price point on a continuing basis. Longevity is a critically important aspect to the PGI project,” he said.
McConalogue also highlighted the cost-based advantage enjoyed by Irish beef farmers.
“Irish agriculture is in a really strong place from a sustainability point of view. The climate challenge that everyone has come to understand over the past ten years will feature more in our lives during the period ahead.
“Every aspect of our lives must contribute to the issue of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
“However, Irish agriculture starts this journey from a very strong place. Our industry is already amongst the most sustainable in the world.
“Any any sector, which can already say that it is world leading can look forward to the future with confidence,” he said.
Irish beef
Northern Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, who joined Minister McConalogue for the event at the Weir family beef farm in Co. Donegal yesterday (Friday, March 1) agreed.
He specifically highlighted the attainment of PGI status for Comber potatoes and the direct benefits subsequently accrued by farmers in the North Down area.
“What we have to do now is address the issue of environmental sustainability and the future economic sustainability of farming businesses.
“The new beef PGI addresses both issues. It is important that we can all come together now to support the beef industry in terms of those efforts already underway.
“The PGI has a strong consumer focus. But it also provides the beef industry with an opportunity to celebrate the steps they have taken to put everyone involved on the road to a better future,” he said.