On the Gower peninsula in Wales, lamb grazing with samphire, wood sorrel and sea lavender is the first British food to be protected after Brexit.
The UK’s Independent Geographical Indications Program marks products in specific regions to prevent them from being damaged by imitators elsewhere. The program aims to replace the previous EU-wide program.
Gower Salt Marsh lamb is produced with knowledge and skills dating back to the Middle Ages. Lamb born, raised and slaughtered from the South Wales. Approximately 3,500 lambs are raised in the marshes every year.
Dan and Will Pritchard from Weobley Castle Farm produce Gower salt marsh lamb. They said: “We are the third generation Pritchard raised in this amazing place, which means that we have perfected the way we raise lamb over the years. Currently, we produce about 1,000 lambs every year-responsible for the entire process of making meat with unique local flavors of crabapple and sea lavender.
“This recognition means that the reputation of our regional products is protected. It helps us promote traditional agricultural practices and eliminate non-genuine products.”
The protection system in the United Kingdom-including specialty products such as the traditional Bramley apple pie, as well as products related to specific regions-already includes more than 5,000 products from all over Europe that were originally protected by the EU program, such as Melton More Bray pie, Jersey Royal potatoes and champagne.
However, Gower’s salt marsh lamb, and any future products listed under the new British plan, will only be protected from counterfeit products in England, Wales and Scotland. In England, Wales and Scotland, producers of lamb and any other products that want to be added to the list must apply for separate protection in the EU, which involves more costs and paperwork.
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The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Geoprotection Foods (APPG) initiated a consultation in May to solicit the views of British food and beverage producers on the new plan.
Applications currently in progress include Sussex wine, Dundee cakes and New Forest ham.
Food Minister Victoria Prentis said: “I will encourage producers from all over the UK to apply for the scheme so that we can celebrate and protect more high-quality local products and ensure that they receive the recognition they deserve. “
