Gower salt marsh lamb awarded protected status

Meat produced from lambs born and reared on the Gower Peninsula in south Wales has been awarded protected food status.

Gower salt marsh lamb is the first food in the UK to receive full protection and recognition as a protected designation of origin (PDO) since the end of the transition period following the UK’s exit from the European Union.

The meat gains its unique characteristics from the specific vegetation and environment of the salt marshes on the north Gower coastline, where the lambs graze over long distances for more than half of their lifetimes.

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It is a seasonal product, available from June until the end of December. 

Gower salt marsh lamb has joined the club of the UK’s most iconic products, such as Scotch whisky and Wensleydale cheese.   

Verified producers can now use the geographical indication (GI) logo on their product.

Dan and Will Pritchard, from Weobley Castle Farm, produce Gower salt marsh lamb.

“We are the third generation of Pritchards to farm in this amazing location, which means we’ve perfected our way of rearing lamb over the years,” they said.

“We currently produce about 1,000 lambs a year – taking care of the whole process to create meat with a unique, local flavour of samphire and sea lavender.

“This recognition means the reputation of our regional product is protected, and it helps us promote traditional agricultural practices and eliminate non-genuine products.”

There are now 17 Welsh items that enjoy the coveted GI status, ranging from traditional Welsh Caerphilly cheese, Welsh laverbread, Halen Mon, Welsh lamb and Welsh beef to Denbigh plum.

Iconic products

Secretary of state for Wales, Simon Hart MP, said this recognition enables inclusion of these iconic products in celebrations of Welsh food and drink. 

“Guaranteeing the authenticity of Welsh food and drink helps cement our reputation for quality, both at home and in new international markets,” he added.

The government says new post-Brexit trade deals will open doors for British agriculture and allow food and drink businesses to sell their produce around the world.

Defra and the Department for International Trade are working with partners such as the NFU, NFU Cymru, Farmers’ Union of Wales, the AHDB and the Food and Drink Federation to deliver support for farmers and food producers through the Open Doors programme, which offers free advice and support to potential exporters.