Irish grass-fed beef is set to be granted special recognition for its unique characteristics and geographical origin by the European Commission.
The Commission has confirmed that it is in the final stage of granting of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status which has been passed with no objections.
This will allow Irish beef to be marketed and sold on the basis that cattle across the 32 counties get to naturally graze in open fields for the majority of their lives.
This differs from beef rearing in most other countries, where cattle spend more time indoor where they are reared on feed.
PGI status is only granted to products that have special characteristics and links to a specific area in the EU.
Other products with PGI recognition in Ireland include Irish whiskey and the Waterford Blaa.
The final procedural steps to register "Irish Grass Fed Beef" will conclude over the coming weeks.
Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue welcomed the "tremendous news" and said PGI status "will help bring enhanced recognition of the sustained efforts and know-how" to Irish farmers.
He added: "As a next step, my department will be engaging with Bord Bia on the establishment of a PGI monitoring group in anticipation of the conclusion of the process."
Bord Bia CEO Jim O'Toole said: "This is very positive news from the Commission.
"Achieving PGI status for Irish grass fed beef has been a long-held ambition for the Irish beef industry."
He added: "We have marketing plans in development for PGI Grass Fed Irish Beef and will leverage this opportunity for the benefit of Irish beef farmers and the wider beef sector."
