Gower salt march lamb is the first product to be protected by the UK’s post-Brexit Geographical Indication (GI) scheme.
The Guardian reports that the specialty Welsh lamb will be protected by the new programme, which marks out products from a particular region to prevent them being undermined by copycats.
This replaces a previous EU-wide scheme, which continues to protect well-known products like Champagne and feta cheese.
Geographical character
Meat produced from lambs born and reared on the Gower Peninsula have now gained full protection and recognition as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), the government confirmed.
Producers were able to demonstrate that their meat’s characteristics are essentially and exclusively due to the particular location of its production.
Food minister, Victoria Prentis, said: “I would encourage producers from all around the UK to apply to the scheme, so that we can celebrate and protect more of our excellent local produce, and ensure it is given the recognition that it deserves.”
Buy British
According to the Express, officials expect GI protection to play a greater role in the future as the UK strikes trade deals with countries around the world.
DEFRA and the DIT are said to be working closely with key stakeholders to ensure their goods are protected overseas in new deals.
"We want people, at home and abroad, to be lining up to buy British,” said Prentis.
Trade deal concern
However, the Independent reports criticism from the Best for Britain chief executive Naomi Smith that the government’s new trade deal with Australia threatens to undermine food standards in the UK and expose British farmers to competition from cheap meat.
“Welsh lamb farmers would probably take stronger protections for their livelihoods over a new watermark for their packaging,” she said.
Up next
GI applications currently in process include Sussex wine, Dundee cake and New Forest pannage ham, according to the Guardian.
Cumberland sausages, Stilton cheese, Cornish clotted cream and Scotch whisky are among other famous protected food names in the UK.