The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Dara Calleary, is of the opinion that PGI can provide a “positive economic opportunity” for producers and rural areas.
He made the statement in response to a parliamentary question from independent TD, Seán Canney who asked the minister to share his views on a suckler-based application for EU PGI (Protected Geographical Indication).
A Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) is a product, which must be produced, processed, or prepared in a particular geographical area, and where a specific quality, reputation, or other characteristics are attributable to that area, the minister explained.
‘Optimum outcome for Irish farmers’
He said that DAFM officials have been working with Bord Bia on an application for a PGI for Irish Grass Fed Beef “focussing on the reputation of high-quality beef produced through Ireland’s grass-based production system”, including suckler beef.
“In my view, it is important that the application for PGI seeks to achieve the optimum outcome for Irish farmers.”
“I am committed to supporting and developing Ireland’s beef sector, which plays an important role in sustaining the rural economy and rural communities across Ireland and I recognise the importance of suckler farming in this regard.”
The beef sector, he added, has many strengths and one way of capitalising on these is through the means available under the EU Geographical Indications schemes, which highlight to consumers the value-adding characteristics of a given product carrying a Geographical Indication logo.
