Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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483. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for developing PGI status for grass-fed beef here; if this will result in clear labelling to distinguish grass-fed beef from other product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10159/20]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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My Department is currently working with Bord Bia on a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) application for "Irish Grass Fed Beef", in consultation with the European Commission.

An application for PGI status can only be submitted by, or on behalf of, a group of producers. In this case, the application will be made by Bord Bia.

Once the application fulfils all the requirements of the regulations governing PGIs, a formal national opposition procedure must take place. Following satisfactory completion of this, the application will be formally lodged with the EU Commission for scrutiny and a further opposition procedure will follow.

Once registered, EU Regulations require the Union symbol for PGI to appear on the labelling of the product. This symbol is intended to help consumers distinguish the labelled product from otherwise similar products and enable choices to be better in line with preferences.

In addition, a label bearing the registered name of the product must appear in the same field of vision on the product as the PGI certification logo. A PGI certification logo on a product passes a message of quality and authenticity to consumers.