PGIFEARS have been expressed that Clare farmers who manage farms in special areas of conservation like the Burren will lose out in the long run if a new classification system for suckler beef is introduced.
The Independent Farmers’ Organisation of Ireland (IFOOI) has expressed grave concerns about the proposed Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, which the Department of Agriculture is seeking for Irish suckler beef.
In fact, it has submitted a comprehensive objection to the DOA outlining its serious concerns about the implications for Clare beef farmers.
Kilmurry McMahon farmers, Seamus Shannon and Patrick Crowe are two of the IFOOI executive members who have signed this objection.
PGI for agricultural products and foods is linked to a geographical area where at least one production step has taken place.
Independent Farmers call on all farmers and farm organisations to oppose this application and prevent the processors aided by state agencies from further exploitation of primary producers.
“The Independent Farmers believe that this application represents a Trojan horse, which doesn’t seek to deliver an improved return for the primary producers but rather seeks to block the prospect of future farmer applications while swelling the coffers of the processors and multiples, and accordingly it should be recognised as such and rejected.
“This application represents a blunt instrument which focuses on cattle, ignoring the very different farming conditions across the country. Grouping Areas of Special Conservation in with prime farm land ignores decades of work by those of us who genuinely care for both the land and the environment.
“If successful it would ensure that any future application from a group of genuine farmers to achieve a higher price for a differentiated product would not succeed, as it could be argued that their stock were already covered by this PGI,” the IFOOI claimed.
Independent Farmers are concerned at the potential for the inclusion of further restrictive practices on the back of this application, including potential for exclusion of carcasses with incorrect PH, which may be down to processor mishandling prior to slaughter and potential beta-carotene content testing of ensiled grass to form part of ISO 17065 Quality Assurance audits.
The group alleged the PGI application suggests that cattle sourced by processors at marts could be rejected based on periodic sampling.
“The pigmentation of carcass beef and fat is an entirely subjective assessment and is in the eye of the beholder, which history suggests will not work our advantage.
“The Food Chain Information declaration could be amended in future, raising the bar yet again to the detriment of the producer.”
The Department of Agriculture outlined a successful application would allow beef which meets the specification to bear the PGI logo at the point of sale.
Dan Danaher
East Clare correspondent, Dan Danaher is a journalism graduate of Rathmines and UL. He has won numerous awards for special investigations on health, justice, environment, and reports on news, agriculture, disability, mental health and community.