Promoting the best of regional food at the EU

Some of the finest quality regional food and drink was sampled by environment and agriculture ministers from across Europe in London this weekend (9-12 September).

During the UK's Presidency of the European Union, the Government is supporting British farmers and food producers by promoting the best of the UK's regional food and drink.

This weekend, more than 50 EU ministers and delegates had the chance to taste a wide selection of quality regional foods from around the country, including fish landed in Plymouth, chicken and turkey from Norfolk, soft fruit and potatoes from Kent, root vegetables from Lincolnshire and runner beans from Cornwall.

UK Secretary of State for Environment, Margaret Beckett said:

"This meeting is a great opportunity for ministers from across Europe to experience the excellence and diversity of the best of British food and drink. I am sure everyone who tastes our fresh produce will agree, that the range and quality of British regional food and drink is world class."

"My department is working in partnership with Food from Britain to provide support to the industry which employs over 55,500 people."

"Over the last three years we have given an additional £3milllion to Food from Britain to help more than 3,700 producers increase sales and raise consumer awareness about the quality of British regional food and drink in the UK and across Europe."