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Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb gains protected name status, more Michelin star recognition for Yorkshire, how local butchers impress, and why customers flock to Fodder.
Foreword by Jim Fitzpatrick, Minister of State for Food, Farming and Environment
Last November I was privileged to join the Traditional Grimsby Fish Smokers Group as they celebrated achieving Protected Food Name status.
I was struck by the enthusiasm of the producers as they described the skills and attention to detail needed to produce Traditional Grimsby Smoked Fish, using methods that are over 100 years old. The smoked fishcakes were the best fishcakes I’ve ever tasted!
The award of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) not only recognises the traditional nature of the product but also reinforces Grimsby’s long-established ties with the fishing industry. The PGI brings practical benefits as well, as it provides legal protection against inferior imitations.
Since then, we’ve had the good news that Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb – famously farmed in the Yorkshire Rhubarb Triangle between Wakefield, Leeds and Bradford – has been awarded Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.
This is a fitting result after the close co-operation between Defra, the Regional Food Group and most importantly the producers themselves. Now that rhubarb has been added to the list, Yorkshire can boast four protected food names out of a UK total of 41. With three more in the application stage, this is testament to the wealth of excellent food and drink being produced in the region, as well as to the skills and adaptability of local producers as they face the future.
In January we launched Food 2030 – the Government’s food strategy – which sets out our vision for a sustainable and secure food system for 2030, and the steps we will take to get there. I know that Defra officials have recently been in the region to discuss this strategy with stakeholders and we look forward to working with you.
We’re all aiming for the same goal – food and farming industries that are profitable, productive, and environmentally sustainable. Together, we can showcase Britain as a world leader in food production. We believe that everybody is entitled to safe, healthy, affordable food that is produced sustainably.
