Welsh Lamb wins EU quality award

Welsh Lamb joins Cornish Clotted Cream, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese and Stilton Cheese on the list of 34 UK products recognised by the EU for their quality and regional identity.

It has been awarded the designation of 'Protected Geographical Indication' under the Protected Food Name Scheme, a status which ensures that only lamb which has been born and reared in Wales can be marketed as 'Welsh Lamb' within the EU.

Lord Whitty said:

"There is growing consumer enthusiasm for products with a clear regional identity. Registration under the EU Protected Food Name Scheme gives consumers assurances about origin, quality and production methods, and protects producers against imitations. This registration is excellent news for producers of Welsh Lamb who now have deserved recognition for a high quality product."

The Policy Commission on the Future of Food and Farming recommended that more be done to encourage take up of the scheme, a recommendation which the Government supports wholeheartedly. The message to the UK regional food sector is - it's worth exploring whether your product can become registered under the EU Protected Food Names Scheme as the benefits could be considerable."