No imitations, thanks – we’re British

7 Aug 2009 03:54 PM

More UK producers should apply for protected status for the food they produce and join iconic British foods like Stilton cheese, Cornish clotted cream and Arbroath Smokies, Food and Farming Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said today.

Mr Fitzpatrick, hosting a celebration of foods with Protected Food Name status at Downing Street, urged more producers to stand up for their food and more consumers to support local produce.

The event showcases UK foods which have Protected Food Name status – a scheme which highlights regional and traditional foods whose authenticity and origin can be guaranteed. Under the system a named food or drink registered at a European level will be given legal protection against imitation throughout the EU.

Speaking at the event, Mr Fitzpatrick said:

“We produce excellent food in this country, but we’re not always great about speaking up about it.

“Local produce that is traditionally made, unique and authentic attracts people from all over the world for its taste and its quality – it’s good for local businesses and local communities. And that’s something that deserves protection.

“Through this scheme, we have a way to stand up for local producers and protect their products. So I’m calling on more British producers to get their food protected and for their communities to get behind them. It’s not something that can be done overnight, but it’s worth it, in terms of the protection it gives the producer and the opportunities it creates for their renowned products.

“Ultimately, I want to us to be up alongside France and Italy who among them boast more than 300 protected foods – our food is just as good, if not better, as any other European country’s. I want to see the UK’s regional foods on the world map.

“The EU Protected Food Name Scheme means farmers, producers and shoppers all know that the special foods we’re buying are authentic. And it protects all these small businesses that help keep our rural areas alive.”

There are 38 products currently registered in the UK, including Melton Mowbray Pork Pies, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese and Whitstable Oysters which serve as major tourism draw cards for their home regions.

In addition, we have submitted 15 applications for protection to the European Commission.

For more information on the EU Protected Food Name Scheme visit: www.defra.gov.uk/foodrin/industry/regional/foodname/products/

Notes to editors

Stakeholders expressing their support for today’s event:

CLA Vice President Harry Cotterell said: “The CLA has been encouraging producers of niche products to apply for EU protected status for the last four years. It is important that quality local products, such as Stilton cheese and Melton Mowbray pork pies are protected and we wholeheartedly support Defra in highlighting the need for more locally protected produce in the UK. It is vital that UK producers see the advantages of PDO and PGI status, as the French and Italians clearly have, so that consumers can rest assured that if they are buying a local specialty, it definitely comes from that area.”
Gill Payne Chief Executive of the Commission for Rural Communities said: “Local foods are a important part of what the countryside has to offer and are a draw for people who visit or take holidays there, and many rural areas are reporting a welcome upturn in rural tourism which is helping boost local economies. The Protected Food Names scheme will ensure consumers can have confidence in the origin of some of our most well-known and cherished foods.”
Terry Jones, the NFU’s head of government affairs, said: “As a supporter of the Protected Food Name schemes, the NFU supports this initiative and we look forward to working with Government to continuously improve food provenance information for consumers.
Stephen Alambritis, Head of Public Affairs, Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Small businesses are vitally important in creating vibrant and unique communities across the UK. By registering the food they produce for protected status, business owners can enhance their brand and boost their local economy. We would encourage small firms to follow the examples of Melton Mowbray Pork Pies and Cornish Clotted Cream and protect their own unique products.”

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