Protection for SW meat?

PLANS TO create a new south-west brand for red meat have stumbled due to EU regulations on protected geographical indications (PGI).

Meat South-West, funded by the Regional Development Agency and EBLEX, had hoped to create a West Country meat brand, but will now have to apply to the EC for a south-west PGI.

“We are fairly confident that we will establish a south-west brand, but it could take anything up to two years to establish a PGI,” said chairman Miles MacPherson.

But Bill Harper, south-west chairman of the National Beef Association, was not so sure.

The NBA had over £4000 profit from last year‘s inaugural Beef and Growing Cattle Event, which had been earmarked to develop a regional brand.

“But, realistically, it is a far bigger project than we can take on with a few grand,” said Mr Harper.

Instead, he plans to invest the money in a new event in September targeting the catering industry.