MEP wants Irish companies to register products on special EU list

ONLY three Irish food products are entitled to carry a special European quality mark, despite more than 300 companies producing such food.

Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness called on the companies to register their products with the EU, and receive the recognition that could help with their sales.

Only Timoleague Brown Pudding, Imokilly Regato Cheese and Clare Island Salmon are currently registered and Connemara Hill Lamb has applied.

This compares to the hundreds of products from beer to bread that other EU states have registered.

The British have registered Scotch beef, Welsh lamb and Cornish clotted cream for instance, while the Belgians have registered dozens of their famous beers.

The French, Italians and Spanish have their culinary delights on the list too, with products ranging from cheeses to honey.

But the Irish list is very short, said Ms McGuinness.

“For a country that prides itself on quality food products it is a pity that only three Irish produced products rank as having special merit and are protected under EU food regulations.”

Registration is given for traditional speciality foods. The Protected Geographical Indication registration protects the producer and prevents copying by others.

“Clearly there are many companies of artisan Irish produce missing out on this protection, as well as the marketing opportunities arising from such registration.

“Having more such companies registered would also enhance Ireland’s international reputation as a high quality speciality food producer,” she said.

But she said the complex procedures and detailed rules that apply are very often a deterrent.

She told the European Parliament that while speciality foods were important, Europe must not forget the big picture. The demise of the Irish sugar industry was a warning of what might lie ahead as the WTO shapes the EU market.

“The question must surely be asked if sugar beet is sacrificed today, what about beef farming tomorrow. Europe needs to keep its eye on the big picture.

“It needs to recognise that the continuation of food production in the EU depends on a commitment to the sector and recognition that it cannot be expected to survive the onslaught of unlimited market access to the EU with low cost commodities produced outside the EU.”

The Irish speciality food market is currently estimated to be worth €250 million at retail prices and is predicted to grow by 65% over the next 10 years.