North-south beef label approved

A voluntary beef label has been approved in Northern Ireland for cattle born in the Republic of Ireland, raised in the Republic of Ireland and/or Northern Ireland, and slaughtered in Northern Ireland.

“This label would facilitate the sale of beef from animals born in the South and slaughtered in the North, while ensuring that the “Origin Ireland” label, which serves the Irish beef and other sectors so well, is protected in domestic and EU markets,” said Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney in the Dail last week.

“At this stage the voluntary label has been approved by the authorities in Northern Ireland but, of course, the question of using such a label is now a commercial matter between processors and retailers in Northern Ireland and elsewhere in the UK.”