Protected designation for Achill Island Sea Salt moves step closer

ANOTHER step has been completed in the process of achieving Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for Achill Island Sea Salt.

THE Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, has welcomed the European Commission’s publication for a three-month member state/third country opposition procedure of the application for Achill Island Sea Salt, which is hand harvested from the waters around the island.

Minister McConalogue said he was delighted that the Commission has finalised its scrutiny of the PDO application and that it has reached this stage of the procedure.

The publication is a requirement under EU rules, he explained, and it represents the next phase of consultation on the application for PDO status.

It is now open to other member states and third countries having a legitimate interest to make submissions on the application with the Commission within a three-month period from the date of publication.

Commented Minister McConalogue: “The PDO application for Achill Island Sea Salt indicates the preservation of traditional production methods, promoting heritage and supporting local economies. I commend all those who have been involved in bringing the application to this stage.”