Certified Irish Angus producer group achieves national accreditation

Certified Irish Angus has become the first independent, farmer-led producer group in Ireland to have its proprietary brand standard formally approved by the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB) as a recognised national scheme.

The approval of the Certified Irish Angus standard establishes a national benchmark for beef certification, traceability and product integrity.

It also formally underpins the group’s triple guarantee, a three-part verification system which combines physical inspection, full traceability and DNA verification.

Every animal presented under the programme will be individually assessed by trained inspectors.

Physical inspection will confirm that the animal meets the required breed characteristics, full traceability is guaranteed throughout the supply chain and DNA verification provides scientific assurance of Angus breed integrity.

For almost three decades, the producer group has supported family farms through a premium payment structure, while maintaining verification standards within the Irish beef industry.

Historic first

Managing director Charles Smith said the achievement was undoubtedly one of the most significant in the history of Certified Irish Angus.

“This is undoubtedly one of the most significant achievements in the history of Certified Irish Angus and a monumental moment for farmer-led agriculture in Ireland,” he said.

“As a producer group, we have always been dedicated to protecting the absolute integrity of our product while creating genuine value for our members.

“To be the first group of our kind to achieve formal INAB approval for a national scheme is a powerful validation of the investment, expertise and commitment that have gone into our standard over many years.”

Smith said that the three elements of the triple guarantee provided “three clear layers of assurance that are unique within the Irish beef industry”.

Certified Irish Angus said the recognition would enhance the value of membership for its farmers and support its continued focus on quality, genetics, environmental improvement and access to premium markets.