Meat industry bosses in south west England have come closer to securing a 'trademark' for beef and lamb in the region this week.
They have submitted a formal application for Protected Geographical Indication status to Defra. They expect the government to back their call for PGI status and forward the application to Brussels for approval. If they are successful, south west beef and lamb will share the status with the likes of Welsh lamb and Scotch beef.
"PGI status for south west beef and lamb could make a big commercial difference to the region and our red meat industry," said project manager Helen Ashcroft.
"We have the longest grass-growing season in the UK compared with other regions. The climate and the soil give unique eating qualities to the meat."
Protection could help to safeguard the future of native breeds such as Devon Ruby Red cattle and Dorset Horn sheep, she claimed.
No comments yet