An application for PGI status was submitted by Bord Bia on behalf of Irish farmers and is expected to be published by the European Commission in the coming weeks.

Agriculture minister Charlie McConalogue said: “If successfully registered, PGI status for Irish grass-fed beef could have significant benefits for all those in the supply chain, particularly our beef farmers who are the cornerstone of the sector.

“We will continue to engage intensively with the European Commission on this application, and with counterparts in Northern Ireland with a view to ensuring that Northern Ireland can join the application at the appropriate time. I have spoken to minister Poots on this.”