RFG helps Yorkshire rhubarb stake its claim and urges other producers to follow suit | News and Events from Regional Food Group for Yorkshire and Humber

26 February 2010 RFG helps Yorkshire rhubarb stake its claim and urges other producers to follow suit

Six years ago, RFG was tasked by Yorkshire Forward to find products which had the potential to achieve Protected Food Name status. Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb was chosen because of its heritage, the traditional methods used of handpicking the rhubarb by candlelight, and the significance of the Yorkshire Rhubarb Triangle between Wakefield, Leeds and Bradford.

Under the legislation, Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb will be given legal protection on its geographical recipe, highlighted to the consumer with an on product logo.

RFG Chief Executive Jonathan Knight says: “This is a great achievement for the region. Patience, persistence, meetings with the twelve key growers and a lot of effort on all parts has culminated in this fantastic result, which will help to confirm the unique Yorkshire Rhubarb Triangle as the home of Forced Rhubarb.

“We will continue to work with producers on submitting products to the PFN scheme, helping to put Yorkshire’s mark on the national and European food map.”

RFG has worked closely with rhubarb grower Janet Oldroyd of E.Oldroyd’s & Sons over several years. Janet says: “There were once 200 Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb growers and now there are 11. Achieving this status will help to avoid imitation of the product, safeguarding rhubarb production in the area and hopefully encouraging consumers to buy more locally produced rhubarb.”

Jonathan Knight continues: “There is a growing enthusiasm amongst consumers for high quality, genuine, regional produce. The number of PFNs granted in the UK is greatly behind other EU countries, and not for lack of eligible entries, especially in Yorkshire.

“We are currently researching products which could fit the criteria, and have recently investigated the origins of the Yorkshire Pudding in the special collections of the University of Leeds library. We are encouraging other eligible food producers to seek support.”

Several Yorkshire and Humber companies have already achieved the status, including Swaledale cheese, Grimsby Traditional Smoked Haddock, and Hawes-based The Wensleydale Creamery is currently in the application process for its Real Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese, which derives its distinct flavour and texture from a specific cheesemaking process and local ingredients.

Any companies in Yorkshire and Humber which would like more advice and guidance regarding Protected Food Name status criteria and eligibility should contact Regional Food Group on 01937 830354.

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