NI beef farmers to benefit from all-Ireland protected status

The recognition is for beef cattle which spend most of their lives in open fields

Irish grass-fed beef is to be granted special recognition by the European Commission for its characteristics and geographical origin.

The commission is in the final stage of granting Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, which has been passed with no objections.

The recognition will apply to naturally grazing cattle in both Northern Ireland and the Republic.

It is a special assurance applying to all 32 counties.

Several Northern Ireland-based foods, such as Comber potatoes and Lough Neagh eels already have PGI recognition.

Such designations for Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream Liqueur and Irish Poitin already cover products from both sides of the border.

At the time of the Republic of Ireland's application for 'Irish Grass-Fed Beef', Stormont's former agriculture minister Edwin Poots had asked his counterpart in the Republic to ensure Northern Ireland farmers benefited too.

'Tremendous news'

The commission has advised the application's final stage of adoption and publication should be completed by mid-December.

The Republic's agriculture minister, Charlie McConalogue, welcomed the "tremendous news" in a statement.

"[This] is a huge endorsement of the qualities and sustainability of our grass-fed beef," he said.

Mr McConalogue acknowledged the work of his department and other stakeholders in delivering the bid.

"I also acknowledge the efforts of our colleagues in the UK and Northern Ireland and the joint applicant the Livestock and Meat Commission who participated in helping to make this an all-island application," he continued.

"A PGI status for Irish Grass-Fed Beef will help to bring enhanced recognition of the sustained efforts and know-how of our farmers and processors to produce a quality grass-fed beef product.

"Once this PGI is formally adopted and registered it'll be important that the marketing opportunities of this recognition are harnessed and the benefits of our grass-fed beef can be communicated to the discerning consumer who value quality and sustainability," the minister added.