Pork sector welcomes quality mark
The IFBA was formed over two years ago, when they were invited to join the Meat Meat Technical Committee at Bord Bia in order to define what ‘freerange’ should mean.
Alfie McCaffrey (Oldfarm Pork), acting as chairman of the association, has been leading work on a satisfactory wording and terminology for ‘freerange’ status.
Now that ‘freerange’ is a designated term in relation to pig rearing, it is up to breeders to apply for the voluntary designation.
From the consumer’s perspective, it means that they can be assured that any pork/bacon with the freerange quality mark adheres to the standards set out in the Bord Bia pork quality assurance scheme, and that the animals have led a good natural life, which in turn means that the meat is natural.
Darina Allen said she was delighted to hear of the acknowledgement of the ethos of freerange pig farmers.
Bord Bia has confirmed that their recently revised pork quality assurance scheme accommodates free range pig producers. These producers can apply for a Bord Bia quality mark once they comply with the revised quality standards.
