While the debate over the use of an “Irish beef” label on nomad cattle (those born in the Republic, but finished and/or slaughtered in Northern Ireland) has died down in recent weeks, the issue was still on the agenda of a north/south ministerial council meeting earlier this month.

Speaking in Stormont this week, NI Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill said that she had a “lengthy discussion” on the issue with her counterpart Simon Coveney at the council meeting on 1 October.

“From the discussion, it was very clear that we need to engage continually with the retailers to accept such cattle. It is a long tradition of trade right across the island,” said Minister O’Neill.

Both Michelle O’Neill and Simon Coveney intend to meet key retailers to encourage them to accept the label.