Pedigree Welsh Pork has been given given Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG) status, which gives the brand legal protection.
This is the first product in Wales to be given this special status, awarded by the European Commission.
Unlike geographically specific protected foods, pedigree Welsh pork can be produced anywhere in Europe, providing the animals are pedigree.
Pig keepers using the TSG designation will be encouraged to become members of the Pedigree Welsh Pig Society who will be able to offer help and support to ensure pigs are reared according to traditional methods, keeping to the high standards of husbandry.
'World leading'
Cabinet Secretary for the Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths welcomed the announcement.
She said: “I would like to congratulate Pedigree Welsh Pig Society for gaining the first Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG) EU status in Wales.
“This is further confirmation of what we already know - Wales produces world leading food and drink.
“Our Protected Food Name basket is growing, which gives recognition to the dedication of our producers to quality and it ensures their products are protected under EU law.”
Bob Stevenson, Chairman of the Pedigree Welsh Pig Society and an eminent pig vet said: “Consumers can now be 100% certain when buying traditionally reared Pedigree Welsh pork that provenance is assured and that the meat has been produced in a way that has prioritised the well-being of the animal throughout its entire life.”
Recognition for Pedigree Welsh Pork may be short-lived, however.
Brexit has placed a question mark over the Protected Name system in Britain, although the Welsh Government is gunning for its continuation after the UK leaves the EU.
