merrion street

After an extensive consultation process with stakeholders, a PGI application for Irish Grass Fed Beef by Bord Bia, on behalf of producers, was  submitted to the European Commission last November.  

The European Commission has this week responded to this application with detailed technical queries, which are now being examined.

At the time the PGI application was sent to the European Commission, I wrote to Commissioner Wojciechowski informing him that Ireland would support the PGI being extended on an all-island basis, when a grass-fed verification system is in place in Northern Ireland.

When the queries just received have been addressed to the Commission’s satisfaction, the next stage of the process will be publication of an ‘EU opposition procedure’, i.e. a consultation process for interested parties from other EU Member States or third countries. 

In its response, the Commission has helpfully indicated that it would be possible for Northern Ireland to make a submission as part of the ‘opposition procedure’, requesting that the geographical area be extended to the whole island of Ireland. The Commission has indicated that this process should be viewed as a non-conflictual ‘amicable procedure’.   I am pleased that the Commission has also indicated that it would be available to participate in any appropriate dialogue to assist the process.  My Department and Bord Bia have been in ongoing dialogue with their Northern Ireland counterparts on these issues since last summer.

I must emphasise that the PGI application is still under a deliberative process as the European Commission has not finalised its scrutiny of the application. 

However, this communication from the Commission is a positive development,  and I am particularly pleased that my views in relation to the inclusion of Northern Ireland have been taken on board.  I want the PGI for Irish Frass Fed Beef to bring real and tangible benefits to our beef farmers by acting as way of driving higher values for the world-class product produced by our farm families.