Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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108. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a protected geographical indication, PGI, status application will be prioritised for naturally reared suckler beef. [24009/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am fully committed to supporting and developing Ireland’s beef sector, which plays an important role in sustaining the rural economy and rural communities across Ireland. I am well aware of the particular importance of suckler farming in this regard. The beef sector has many strengths and one way of capitalising on these is through the means available under the EU geographical indications schemes, which highlight to consumers the value adding characteristics of a given product carrying a geographical indication logo.

The Deputy will be aware of the draft application by Bord Bia for a protected geographical indication, PGI, for Irish grass fed beef, which focuses on the reputation of high quality beef produced through Ireland’s grass-based production systems.  This application seeks to capture the benefit of the PGI status for Irish beef, which has earned a reputation as a high quality product, based on our grass-fed production systems. It has been drafted with a view to bringing the benefits of PGI status for the beef output of as many Irish farms as possible, while remaining consistent with the requirements of the EU PGI regulation. 

The product specification, as drafted, would ensure that the vast majority of Irish suckler beef production would qualify for the PGI status if the application is successful. Successful registration of the name would endorse and build on the already identifiable reputation and image of Irish beef in the marketplace and provide potential benefits to all producers meeting the specification, including the protection of Irish beef from imitation.

As part of the procedure for developing the application, a national opposition procedure was launched whereby groups or individuals could submit their suggestions and observations on the proposal over a period of four weeks.  This procedure concluded on Friday, 11 September and submissions will now be examined by my officials.  There will be further opportunity for discussion with stakeholders following this, including at the upcoming meeting of the beef task force.

It is important that there is a strong partnership to get agreement on suckler beef PGI status. The farming organisations have given their views and it is important that there be strong consultation with them. My firm intention is to do this, notably through the beef task force.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I met representatives of Bord Bia on Zoom today, with my colleague from the Northern Assembly, Mr. Declan McAleer, MLA. My primary question to Bord Bia, which was not very forthright in giving an answer, was why the scheme was being led by Bord Bia. It is very unusual that a promotion body as opposed to a producer body would lead an application for PGI status.

A second concern is that the potentially very broad nature of the scheme Bord Bia is pursuing could mean that some suckler farmers will not be eligible, whereas other types of beef, which are very good quality but do not have the same natural qualities and saleablity as suckler cattle, will be eligible.

I am very worried that farmers a few miles from me will not be able to participate in the scheme because it is partitionist. It is not an all-island scheme and the Minister, who is also from a Border county, is aware of the importance of promoting the all-Ireland nature of Irish agriculture.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy's point on the potential for an all-island scheme is one that I am very open to exploring. We had a very constructive engagement with the Northern Ireland agriculture minister, Mr. Edwin Poots, during the week. There is strong potential for looking at how we collaborate and an all-island brand. Our tremendous grass-fed product is well established as is the tremendous contribution made by suckler beef. Everyone's objective is to try to maximise the price we get for that quality product on international markets and achieve a premium for it. In conducting its research, Bord Bia's objective was to ensure that the PGI that is finally agreed, submitted and approved will be one that is attractive to the consumers to whom we wish to sell it and achieves a good price.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I was in Inishowen in the Minister's constituency, very close to the Minister's home place yesterday, although I did not call in for tea. I am sure the Minister has heard and understands the concern of farmers in his area, as well as in my home county, that rather than PGI status being a stream by which additional revenue and income will be delivered, which should be the priority for our farmers who are most at risk - our suckler farmers - it will become another excuse for the factories to pay less where the PGI standard is not met. The crux of this is that the scheme is so broad that it will result in the few farmers who do not meet the standard suffering a penalty as opposed to everyone securing an increase in price. Irish suckler beef is the best quality beef in the world but this has not been reflected in the prices that Irish suckler farmers have received. This scheme has the potential to resolve that problem but I am not sure it will.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The voice of farmers is one that I take very seriously and is central to my considerations. The engagement with the beef task force is coming up and I will ensure that there are bilateral talks in advance of it between departmental officials and farm organisations. It is essential that there is a proper examination of the potential for this proposed PGI scheme. The research conducted on consumer markets and what appeals to consumers will be central to how we go about this in order that we leverage the best price possible for the very high quality product we are producing.

As Minister, I look to bringing this forward. I will engage with farmers and take on board their views and the market research conducted by Bord Bia, which is always important in how we market Irish food abroad and will be important as we seek to get a premium. I give the House a clear assurance that I see tremendous value in trying to get people behind a PGI, which the sector and all stakeholders can support. It will ensure we can market strongly abroad and build on Ireland's already strong reputation.