'Irish salmon' could soon denote superior grade EU certified product

Irish salmon could soon rank alongside elite products such as Parma ham and Greek feta cheese if it is granted protected status by the European Commission.

Yesterday Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney announced a national consultation on his department’s plan to have “Irish Salmon” registered as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in Europe.

This European protected status scheme was set up to allow countries to protect the names of regional foods from imitation. The names and scheme logos can be used only to describe authentic products corresponding to certain specifications. If the salmon application is successful, “Irish Salmon” could be used only on superior grade salmon certified to the Irish Quality Salmon Scheme or equivalent.

Four other Irish products already have protected status – Timoleague brown pudding, Clare Island salmon, Connemara Hill lamb and Imokilly Regato. The latter has PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status, which is aimed at products with a strong link to the defined geographical area where they are produced.

The department is also seeking PGI status for the Waterford Blaa, the floury bread roll.