‘Comeragh Mountain Lamb’ seeks EU status

A national consultation on an application for Protected Geographical Indication status for ‘Comeragh Mountain Lamb’ under the EU quality regime has been launched by the Department of Agriculture.

The status recognises and protects foods with a unique link to a distinct location, benefitting local economies and food tourism.

Comeragh Mountain Lamb is the meat from lambs, mainly of the Scotch blackface breed, born and raised in the Co Waterford region. The lambs graze on the distinct and abundant habitat of wild grasses, flowers and herbs in the 12 coums (fertile hollow) in the Comeragh mountain range, which provides the lamb with its particular flavour and delicate texture.

Geographical Indications are a type of intellectual property, protecting food product names which are linked to a particular territory or to a production method.

Applications must show how the characteristics of the region — topographic, savoir-faire, reputation, natural resources — have an impact on the characteristics of a particular product. Registration affords producers in that area protection against imitation and use of the name outside the region.