You are here:

Stand up for tasty Cumbrian treats

   

News release

Ref: 205/09
Date: 10 September 2009

More traditional Cumbrian food producers should apply for protected status for their products and join iconic British foods like Stilton cheese, Cornish clotted cream and Arbroath smokies, Environment Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said today. 

Mr Irranca-Davies, visiting the Westmorland County Show at Milnthorpe, sampled local favourites such as St. James’s Ewe cheese and Grasmere Gingerbread. He also urged more producers to stand up for their food and more consumers to support their traditional produce.

The EU Protected Food Name status highlights regional and traditional foods whose authenticity and origin can be guaranteed.  Under the system a named food or drink registered at a European level will be given legal protection against imitation throughout the EU.

Speaking at the show, the Minister said:

“Cumbria has some very tasty treasures. Traditional Cumberland Sausage and Lakeland Herdwick Lamb, for example, are both going through the process of applying for protected status.

“Local delicacies attract people from all over the world because the taste and quality are unique. Local businesses and local communities thrive because of this heritage, and I know that here in Cumbria farm businesses are also making and selling local foods. That’s something that deserves recognition.

“So I think that more Cumbrian producers should consider applying and that their local communities should support them. It’s a great opportunity for the whole area.”

Notes to editors

  1. There are 38 products currently registered in the UK, including Melton Mowbray Pork Pies, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese and Whitstable Oysters which serve as major tourism draw cards for their home regions.
  2. For more information on the EU Protected Food Name Scheme visit:
    www.defra.gov.uk/foodrin/industry/regional/foodname/products/index.htm .

End

Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
Out of hours telephone 020 7270 8960

Public enquiries: 08459 335577
News releases available on our website:
www.defra.gov.uk
Defra's aim is sustainable development

Page published: 10 September 2009