Gildernew Playing Politics with PGI Designations

06 July 2007

“Upon Michelle Gildernew taking office as Agriculture Minister, I wrote to DARD on 11 May 2007 seeking assurance that the Minister fully supported the pending applications to register the names “Northern Ireland Beef” and “Northern Ireland Lamb” as Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) under the EU Protected Food Name Scheme.  I did this because I suspected that it was precisely the sort of issue with which a Sinn Fein minister would play foolish republican politics.

My letter pointedly asked for an assurance “that the department, especially the Minister, is fully in support of both the principle and the precise designations, “Northern Ireland Beef” and “Northern Ireland Lamb”.”

Almost 2 months later I have finally received an answer, which, at best, is deliberately ambiguous and confirms my suspicion that this Minister is indeed trying to play politics with this issue which is so important to the promotion of Northern Ireland produce.

In the reply the Minister says:

 You also seek an assurance that both I and my Department fully support the designations as submitted. On this point I wish to advise that my Department has been proactive to promote awareness of this Scheme and the potential benefits which it offers. In addition it provided specialist advice to the LMC regarding completion of the applications. As you may be aware these have now been submitted to DEFRA which, in line with normal procedures, has initiated a UK-wide consultation exercise with key stakeholders.

The development of the long-term strategy by the Red Meat Industry Task Force will also examine how best to utlize a Protected Geographical Indicator whether under an Irish branding, Northern Ireland branding or both. The aim is to position the brand in the market where returns can be maximized and to build on the GB retail market where returns are currently the best the market offers.

As will be observed, in her response the Minister studiously avoids answering the question, but does raise the prospect that a PGI may be deployed under an Irish branding. I note there is no suggestion of linkage to British branding. The whole purpose of obtaining PGI designations for Northern Ireland beef and lamb is that they might be marketed and branded as precisely that, the precise geographic designation being a matter of pride and value. To submerge them in an Irish branding might pander to the Minister’s republicanism and antipathy to Northern Ireland as an entity, but it entirely defeats the purpose of obtaining the Northern Ireland designation in the first place. Thus, I deplore the fact that the Minister is prepared to play politics with what should be a straightforward commercial promotion of Northern Ireland produce in which we should all be able to take pride.”
ENDS

Agriculture and Environment