The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) have officially lodged an opposition to the current Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) application for Irish Grass fed Beef. Speaking on the matter the INHFA President Colm O’Donnell stated that “we were left with no choice in the matter because of the lack of consultation and dabate on the application with Suckler Farmers who see this grass fed PGI as a threat to their Naturally Reared product and as being driven by Processors and the Dairy Industry.”
The INHFA leader continued by stating ” I have requested that Minister Mc Conalogue reconvene the Beef Market Taskforce without delay to have a meaningful debate surrounding this PGI application . We have to find a resolution to this official dispute lodged by the INHFA to the Taskforce where we feel that the Taskforce Agreement is in danger of reneging on its commitment to the development proposition of a Suckler Brand”.
The development of a Suckler brand will be virtually impossible to deliver from within the Taskforce if the vast majority of all Irish beef comes under the PGI and this must now become a top priority for implementation by the Taskforce to preserve its integrity.
The farm leader concluded by saying that “during our pre budget talks with the Minister for Agriculture, the INHFA have asked for 4 million euros to be specifically channeled to deliver on this Taskforce commitment to develop a Suckler brand”.
