Following its scrutiny of a submission by the UK to the EU / third country opposition procedure for the 'Irish Grass Fed Beef' Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) application, the European Commission has invited both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to engage in appropriate consultations.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue said: "My department, along with An Bord Bia, are currently examining the reasoned statement of opposition submitted by the UK.

"I welcome the opportunity now for both parties to engage to progress and finalise this work," the minister added.

The PGI application and product specification has been subject to scrutiny by the European Commission, EU member states and third countries i.e. countries outside the EU.

Minister McConalogue added: "The European Commission has not been advised of any other opposition.

"I am hopeful that the engagement between both parties can be progressed quickly. I am excited to see the Irish Grass Fed Beef [PGI] come to fruition for the benefit of our beef farmers on the island," the minister concluded.

EU quality policy aims to protect the names of specific products to promote their unique characteristics, linked to their geographical origin as well as traditional know-how.

Product names can be granted a 'geographical indication' (GI) if they have a specific link to the place where they are made. The GI recognition enables consumers to trust and distinguish quality products while also helping producers to market their products better.

Bord Bia is the applicant for a PGI for 'Irish Grass Fed Beef' and the DAFM is the Competent Authority.  

In August 2020 a national opposition procedure was held for the PGI application for 'Irish Grass Fed Beef'. 

In November 2020, the DAFM lodged the application single document and product specification document with the European Commission.

In May 2021, the European Commission responded to the IE application with technical queries. Between June 2021 and October 2021, the DAFM responded to the European Commission queries.

On December 8, 2021, the commission published the PGI application for the ‘EU / third country opposition procedure’. This consultation ended on March 8, 2022.

During the process, UK authorities submitted a ‘Notice of Opposition’. A letter from the European Commission received by the DAFM on April 14, 2022: