European Commission approves ‘Irish Grass Fed Beef’ as new island-of-Ireland Geographical Indication (2024)

FAQs

European Commission approves ‘Irish Grass Fed Beef’ as new island-of-Ireland Geographical Indication? ›

Irish grass-fed beef has been granted special recognition by the EU Commission for its characteristics and geographical origin, giving it similar protection to champagne, Parma ham and Irish whiskey.

Cattle included in the status must spend at least 220 days a year on pasture. They must also derive at least 90% of their feed intake from grass. Only certain higher-grade beef animals are eligible. Beef joins three other products to share all-island PGI status - Irish Poítín, Irish cream and Irish whiskey.

Ireland's unique dependence on grass-based agriculture, derived from its grass growing potential has been evident for centuries. A mild climate and frequent rain allow beef herds to graze on lush pastures up to 300 days a year.

In summary, the combination of Ireland's natural advantages, strict quality standards, heritage breeds, sustainable practices, and a commitment to excellence in beef production all contribute to making Irish beef stand out as a premium and highly regarded choice of meat.

Grass Fed on our Greenest Pastures

Over 80% of all Irish beef is grass fed and pasture raised according to Bord Bia. This allows for any beef product to be fully tracible from farm to fork. Ireland has some of the best pastures in the world which allows us to produces the best beef.

Every McDonald's beef product sold in Ireland is made from 100% pure Irish beef. That's why we can use the Bord Bia Quality Assured logo on our beef – it shows that the beef has come from one of the Irish farms that supply us.

Grass-based beef contains 8 essential vitamins and minerals, these include Vitamin B12, Iron, Niacin, Vitamin B6 and Phosphorus. Together this combination of can help to reduce tiredness and fatigue, support normal function of the immune system as well as general good health and well-being.

Wagyu beef, originating from Japan, is renowned for its extraordinary marbling, which results in unmatched tenderness and a rich buttery flavour. The key differences between Wagyu and other beef types lie in the genetics, breeding methods, and feed. Japanese breeders know the breeding history of all their Wagyu cattle.

Simply put, grass-finished beef comes from cattle that ate nothing but grass and forage for their entire lives. Grass-fed, on the other hand, may be used to label meat from cattle that werestartedon a grass diet but have either received supplemental grain feed or are finished on a fully grain-based diet.

The sirloins, fillets, and other prime cuts come from grass-fed cows that live outdoors. They get plenty of exercise, which makes the meat leaner. It has a stronger, almost gamey flavor.

Why did China ban Irish beef? ›

Chinese authorities had banned Irish beef after a single case of atypical BSE was identified by the Department's surveillance programme in a 10-and-a-half-year-old cow in November. The carcase did not enter the food chain and posed no risk to human health.

Irish meat and dairy ranks amongst the best in the world for quality, sustainability and animal care. Not only do Irish meat and dairy products taste great, but they are a natural source of important vitamins and minerals that are key to a balanced diet.

Steaking our reputation on great beef

Every last morsel they supply comes from cattle that were born and reared in Ireland, as well as being sourced from farmers who are certified members of the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme.

Meat in Ireland Food

Pork tops the list of Irish food. Mutton or lamb is also popular. Coddle is one unique Irish dish you may have never heard of. It is pork sausage, back bacon, potatoes and onions.

Beef exports to the US

However, instead of building on that, it has been downhill since then, with volumes dropping to just under 7,000t in 2021 and collapsing to 2,277t in 2022 and just 1,387t in 2023.

Ireland is the sixth largest beef exporter in the world - Premium. Exporting half a million tonnes of beef places Ireland sixth in the world league of beef exporters behind Australia, Brazil, the USA and New Zealand.

This recognition is hard won, but well-deserved and very positive news for our sector. Bord Bia is currently working with farmers, processors and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, to get Irish grass-fed beef with PGI status to the market and today marks a significant milestone on that journey.

To recap, the horsemeat scandal occurred when meat from horses erringly entered the supply chain as beef. Once it was in the supply chain, the horsemeat ended up in many different products sold in the UK. Initially identified in Ireland, the scandal stretched across Europe and beyond.

With marbling resembling an artistic masterpiece and a level of tenderness so superior you might as well be eating butter itself, there is no wonder why Japanese Wagyu beef is renowned for being 'the best beef in the world'.

The main difference between the grades is the amount of marbling. Prime beef has slightly abundant marbling; AAA has small marbling; AA has slight marbling; A has traces of marbling. The more marbling the more flavorful and juicy the meat will be. Hence, a premium is frequently paid for AAA cuts over AA cuts.