Bord Bia has prepared a proposal for an Iris h grass-fed beef brand as part of a Protected Geographical Indicator (PGI) application.

During meat factory protests last year, there were strong calls from farmers for PGI status for their beef, which they felt would give them an edge in markets.

While the proposal is still being finalised, the Irish Farmers Journal understands the following will be included:

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  • The majority of feed from grass (90% grass or grass forage throughout the animal’s lifetime).
  • Spend greater part of their life grazing (minimum of 220 days per year).
  • Steers and heifers up to 36 months of age, Grade O- or better and fat score 2+ to 4+.
  • Beef cows up to 120 months with conformation of O+ or better and fat score 2+ to 5.
  • Born, reared, finished and slaughtered in the geographical area.

    • Implementation

    Bord Bia previously told the Irish Farmers Journal that its grass-fed beef scheme should be “ready to implement by mid-summer”.

    “The standard and its manifestation in the logo will be very much in line with the grass-fed dairy scheme, which is currently being launched,” it said.

    “Bord Bia is working with the trade on developing a market implementation plan to maximise the market impact, especially in response to the current COVID-related market disruption.”

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