Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer has said that beef farmers in the north will hugely benefit from all-Ireland protected status for our high quality beef produce.

The party’s agriculture spokesperson said:

“Granting all-Ireland status for Irish grass-fed beef through the EU Commission’s Protected Geographical Indicator (PGI) will be hugely successful for local beef farmers.

“It will help to deliver unique economic benefits for our food industry by increasing the north’s share of beef exports to the European Union which will generate more money back into the local economy.

“Securing all-Ireland protected status will strengthen the hand of our farmers to showcase the distinctive and high quality Irish beef produce on the world stage and I welcome their determination to achieve that.

“I will continue to work together with agriculture ministers north and south to continue to deliver protections for our farmers and to ensure that they can maximise every available economic opportunity to promote our world class local farming industry.”