Irish Grass-fed Beef PGI gets Commission's seal of approval

Irish grass-fed beef PGI

The European Commission added ‘Irish Grass Fed Beef’ to its register of Protected Geographical Indications (PGI), signifying the completion of the final step for Ireland's fourth EU Geographical Indication (GI).

The status will officially come into effect 20 days after its publication by the EU.

The special status recognises the integral role of cattle rearing on the island, based on Ireland’s unique grass-based agriculture and its grass-growing potential. 

‘Irish Grass Fed Beef’ farms are central to the rural landscape and communities of Ireland. The status will only be applied to cattle that derive at least 90% of their feed intake from grass and spend a minimum of 220 days per year throughout their lifetime grazing pasture.

In addition, only carcases from certain higher-grade beef animals will be eligible to be classified as “Irish Grass Fed Beef”. Only carcases from steers and heifers aged up to 36 months with conformation better than O- and fat score between 2+ and 4+, and beef cows of up to 120 months with conformation better than O+ and with a fat score between 2+ and 5, will be eligible.

The cattle must be born, raised on grass, finished, slaughtered, chilled, and quartered within the island of Ireland. The link between the product and the area in which it is produced is based on the consistently high eating quality, which has led to a well-established reputation on EU and global markets. ‘Irish Grass Fed Beef’ will be registered and protected in all of the European Union and Northern Ireland.

It joins Ireland's eight other registered PDO and PGI food product names - Clare Island Salmon (PGI), Imokilly Regato (PDO), Timoleague Brown Pudding (PGI), Connemara Hill Lamb (PGI), Waterford Blaa (PGI), Oriel Sea Salt (PDO), Oriel Sea Minerals (PDO) and Sneem Black Pudding (PGI).

It's a big week as PDO status (Protected Designation of Origin) has also this week been granted for Achill Island Sea Salt.

Commenting, Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue said: “This PGI status will help differentiate Irish beef’s premium position in key markets, due to the exceptional quality and sustainability of our pasture-based production system and bring added value to our beef. My immediate priority is to work with Bord Bia and stakeholders to ensure maximum benefits can be derived from Irish Grass Fed Beef’s protected status for farmers, processors and exporters and our economy.”

Bord Bia chief executive Jim O’Toole explained the board will begin a marketing campaign in spring 2024 to promote the new PGI for Irish grass-fed beef to key customers in European markets. 

"The initial focus will be around building awareness among trade customers, followed by targeted consumer marketing when product is available in market," he said. "PGI status is widely recognised in continental markets, and Bord Bia will leverage this opportunity for the benefit of Irish beef farmers and the wider beef sector.”