United Kingdom-Premium for South West Meat.

UNITED KINGDOM.

SOUTH WEST LAMB..

The South West of England, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset, have the earliest spring lambs in the country, caused by the warm climate, enabling lambing in mid winter.

It is not uncommon in Dorset for ewes to have 3 lamb crops in two year.

Spring lambs can be found ready for slaughter in the region, in the second week of January and by March the lamb season is in full swing.

The compares with the rest of England, starting the lamb slaughter season in April and May.

South West Lamb, is now going to be awarded the same status as Champagne, Para has and Roquefort cheese, under the European Union guidelines of PGI..

The PGI mark, that will be given to the lamb, has taken 3 years to obtain, according to Helen Ashcroft, who is the manager of South West Meat, who said " the PGI mark is widely recognized in Europe, and well respected across the continent, however it is not as well recognized in the UK at this moment of time".

This will give lamb and beef from the region, a unique marketing lift in recognition and price.