Confusion over protected foods status ‘extremely alarming’

Deal or no deal, the importance of the continued recognition of Scotland’s world renowned food brands was yesterday spelt out to the new Defra Secretary of State, Theresa Villiers.

Scotland’s rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing said that the UK Government’s position on Protected Geographical Indicators (PGIS) which protect regional and speciality foods was unclear – with ministers giving assurances that they would maintain their status in apparent contradiction to written guidance from Defra.

Used to promote and protect the names of quality agricultural products and foodstuffs, such as Scotch Whisky, Ewing said that the apparent confusion over the issue was “extremely alarming”.

In a letter to the Defra secretary Mr Ewing said: “It is not enough to simply hope and believe that the EU will not take steps to remove existing UK GIS from their registers, especially if we are not to protect their GI products from Day 1 in the UK scheme.”

Ewing stated that the current stance was causing real uncertainty for producers and asked if any discussion had actually been had between the UK and EU, on the issue.

He said that the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee had also advised the Government to prioritise seeking a reciprocal agreement with the EU on GIS if agreeing an overarching withdrawal agreement was not possible. • Meanwhile following discussions with farmers at agricultural shows over the weekend, Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, Andrew Bowie said he would be contacting the new Ms Villiers, to ask how the UK Government would respond to the current crisis in the beef sector.

“Affordable food is important, but there is a crisis in the beef industry right now and it is only right that the government looks closely at what support it can offer,” said Bowie.