Welsh food and drink products could join the ranks of Champagne and Parma Ham and have their names protected by European law with the launch today (July 21st) of an initiative by the Welsh Assembly Government.
The new European Protected Food Names initiative was launched by Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones at the Royal Welsh Show, to increase the number of Welsh products eligible for special designation status.
Producers who have attained special designation status receive legal protection throughout the EU against imitation. They also enjoy enhanced industry and consumer awareness across home and Europe markets, particularly significant at time of increased consumer appreciation of the importance of regional and speciality foods.
There are 44 products in the UK which enjoy special designation status including names such as Jersey Royal Potatoes, Cornish Clotted Cream and Melton Mowbray Pork Pies.
Currently the only Welsh products which enjoy this designation are Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef which have Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.
The Welsh Assembly Government’s Local Sourcing Action Plan, which was launched last year, contains actions to increase the amount bought of locally produced food and drink.
One of the key aims is to encourage producers and processors to pursue the European Commission’s PGI, PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), TSG (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed) and organic designations.
The Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones said:
“At present Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef are the only designated products.
“The benefits for the sector have been tremendous in terms of consumer and trade recognition both within the United Kingdom but also overseas.
“We aim to increase the Welsh share from two to ten over the next two years, and we will do this in consultation with the Welsh food and drink sector.”
European Protected Food Names initiative has been introduced by the Welsh Assembly Government to support up to seven applications during the next two years, with the Welsh Assembly Government allocating £75,000 from its existing support budgets towards the initiative.
The application process will involve a robust set of criteria applied to each application. Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales will continue to oversee the application process for red meat and pig meat products, while other applications will be administered by environmental and rural development consultants, ADAS.
The formal application will be undertaken by DEFRA as the UK Authority.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
This designation is open to products produced, processed and prepared within a specific geographical area, and with features and characteristics attributable to that area.
Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
This designation is open to products produced or processed or prepared within a specific geographical area, and with features or qualities attributable to that area.
Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG)
This designation is open to products that are traditional or have customary names, and have features that distinguish them from other similar products. These features need not be attributable to the geographical area the product is produced in, nor entirely based on technical advances in the method of production.
European Protected Food Names initiative
For more information about Welsh food and drink log on to: www.walesthetruetaste.co.uk
For information about the Wales the True Taste Awards Food & Drink Awards log on to: www.truetaste.tv
Martyn Williams
Swyddog y Wasg / Press Officer
Materion Gwledig / Rural Affairs
Ffon/ Tel: 029 20898 169
e-Bost/ e-Mail: Martyn.Williams@Wales.GSI.gov.uk / Martyn.Williams@Cymru.GSI.gov.uk
Gareth John
Swyddog y Wasg / Press Officer
Materion Gwledig / Rural Affairs
Ffôn / Tel: 029 2089 8490
e-Bost/ e-Mail: Gareth.John@Wales.GSI.gov.uk / Gareth.John@Cymru.GSI.gov.uk