Two Irish products have today been given official recognition and protection by the EU, recognising their uniqueness and geographical association with Ireland.
It was known for the last two weeks that Irish Grass Fed Beef had gained the recognition, but that process officially concluded today with the publication of an EU regulation registering the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Another product, Achill Island Sea Salt, gained Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) recognition, with publication again in the Official Journal of the European Union.
PDO status is awarded to products originating in a specific place, with characteristics related to the geographical environment. The salt is hand harvested from the waters around Achill Island in Co Mayo.
Reacting to the recognition of Irish Grass Fed Beef from the 32 counties, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said it was the culmination of a four year campaign.
"It's been some time since this application process was first initiated in 2019, when my department brought together stakeholders and State agencies, following which it was agreed that Bord Bia would draft the application on behalf of producers and processors," the minister said.
"I'm particularly delighted that this will apply on an all-island basis and include farmers both here and in Northern Island also," he said.
"This is a great example of the close cooperation on agriculture matters between my department with our Northern Ireland and UK counterparts. This cross border PGI status is occurring at an important time in our trading relationship since Brexit," he said.
"It is wonderful that this PGI presents important opportunities for farmers and processors north and south," he stated.
PGI status will help differentiate Irish beef from other offering in key markets and will bring added value to the product, the minister added.
Maebh O'Malley from Achill Sea Salt said the company was thrilled to have achieved PDO status.
"It's been a long process, and we wish to thank the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for their assistance throughout. To have our product recognised for its provenance and quality is a great boost for Achill Island Sea Salt and for Achill Island," she added.
Family-owned Achill Island Sea Salt was founded in 2013. Its sea salt boasts a high mineral content as Achill Island's pristine waters create the perfect conditions for the distinctive sea salt flakes.
The high mineral content of the sea salt gives it a sweet salty taste that perfectly enhances any dish.
Achill Island Sea Salt contains no additives or preservatives and the production process allows for the retention of over 20 trace elements that are naturally present in the seawater.
