UK: Protection for asparagus to continue after Brexit

Last week, Nigel Huddleston MP questioned the British Food Minister, George Eustice, on the future status of protected foods after the UK’s departure from the European Union. He was aiming in particular at the Vale of Evesham Asparagus, currently given protected geographical indication (PGI) status by the EU.

This PGI is one of three European designations created to protect regional foods against imitation throughout the EU. Huddleston asked the minister whether PGI status will still be recognised post-Brexit. Eustice said that it is the government’s intention to transfer the existing legislation.

Eveshamjournal.co.uk quoted Huddleston as saying: “I was delighted to hear the minister confirm that it is his intention for the existing PGI designations to continue to be recognised post-Brexit and know that this will be welcome news to many of my constituents too.

The granting of PGI status by the EU can make a real difference to regional products like Vale of Evesham Asparagus by boosting brand recognition and sales.”