Mr Fitzpatrick, hosting a celebration of foods with Protected Food Name status at Downing Street, urged more producers to stand up for their food and more consumers to support local produce.
The event showcases UK foods which have Protected Food Name status – a scheme which 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 event, Mr Fitzpatrick said:
“We produce excellent food in this country, but we’re not always great about speaking up about it.
“Local produce that is traditionally made, unique and authentic attracts people from all over the world for its taste and its quality – it’s good for local businesses and local communities. And that’s something that deserves protection.
“Through this scheme, we have a way to stand up for local producers and protect their products. So I’m calling on more British producers to get their food protected and for their communities to get behind them. It’s not something that can be done overnight, but it’s worth it, in terms of the protection it gives the producer and the opportunities it creates for their renowned products.
“Ultimately, I want to us to be up alongside France and Italy who among them boast more than 300 protected foods – our food is just as good, if not better, as any other European country’s. I want to see the UK’s regional foods on the world map.
“The EU Protected Food Name Scheme means farmers, producers and shoppers all know that the special foods we’re buying are authentic. And it protects all these small businesses that help keep our rural areas alive.”
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.
In addition, we have submitted 15 applications for protection to the European Commission.
For more information on the EU Protected Food Name Scheme visit: www.defra.gov.uk/foodrin/industry/regional/foodname/products/
(As reported by the Defra website)