On behalf of the Northern Irish Executive, the UK Government has lodged an ‘opposition’ with the European Union with regard to the Republic of Ireland's application for a grass-fed beef Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).

The move comes as the consultation on the creation of an Irish PGI beef label closed this week. The Scottish Farmer understands that farmers in Northern Ireland were disappointed that the Department for Agriculture and Bord Bia in Dublin did not involve them in the initial submission to Europe for the special food status.

It is hoped that the lodged ‘opposition’ will now create an opportunity to broaden the scheme and include Northern Irish farmers on the label.

Dublin is also reportedly keen for just such an 'all Ireland' label, but NI had initially been left out of the scheme due to lacking a grass production standard. That is now in place, and current estimates reckon that a revised joint scheme could be in place by the end of the year.