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.
A DOA spokesman outlined there is evidence to suggest that PGI status has the potential to confer a market advantage. It gives assurance, particularly to consumers in the European markets who are most familiar with PGIs, of the quality and consistency of PGI products.
While price is always a function of market dynamics, PGI status has the potential to build some resilience against market volatility, by positioning product in a high quality category.
However configured, the spokesman stated a PGI application is required to include a product specification, describing the unique qualities and characteristics of the product, linked to its place of origin, that differentiate it from other beef products.
Ireland already has a small number of PGI s relating to single products, or a narrow range of production from a particular region. Were a narrower approach to be taken in relation to an application for Irish beef, it would be necessary to have a product specification that differentiates that beef from other Irish beef in the marketplace.
In referring to the grass fed standard, the spokesman explained the intention of the application is to build on the existing and identifiable reputation and image of Irish beef in the marketplace.
This reputation is built on quality production, but also on high welfare standards and organoleptic characteristics conferred by Ireland’s grass production methods. These are qualities that can provide the kind of differentiation that is necessary to substantiate a claim for a PGI.
The objective of the product specification in this instance is to build a credible application that can meet the PGI standard, but also to capture the benefit of the PGI for as much Irish beef as possible, consistent with the requirements of the PGI system.
A successful application for the PGI as currently proposed would not preclude the possibility of a future, more narrowly focused application.
Stakeholders with a legitimate interest are encouraged to submit their views as part of the national opposition procedure, which will conclude on 11 September 2020, following which such submissions will be considered.
Once a name of a product is registered as a PGI, the Regulation requires the Competent Authority to verify compliance with the product specification before the product is placed on the market.
When a PGI is registered by the European Commission, product bearing that logo is subject to regular oversight to ensure production continues to conform to the methods outlined in the product specification.
Enforcement of EU quality systems is carried out by Member State authorities, acting within rules laid down at EU level. As the competent authority overseeing food PGIs in Ireland, the department has an obligation to also protect PGI products from other EU Member States from being imitated or evoked on the Irish market. This is done through an ongoing programme of checks by the department and other national authorities, based on a risk assessment.
There is no charge for using the PGI logo. Only products meeting the specification can use the logo
Dan Danaher
The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
