Post-Brexit Support for British PFNs

She has described the protection of iconic British foods as an “extremely important issue” following the decision to leave the EU, which may lead to foods such as Stilton and Melton Mowbray Pork Pies losing their PFN status across Europe.

The status guarantees place of origin and authenticity for certified products; 74 British food and drink products are currently protected by the scheme.

Elizabeth Truss, Environment Secretary said, “Now the British people have made the decision to leave the EU, the Great British food unit is even more important.

“We already have missions planned to the Gulf, China and Japan to open more markets for fantastic British food, and I’m going to be increasing the resources into the Great British food unit to make sure that we turbo charge our efforts to export more British food right around the world.”

Dr Matthew O’Callaghan OBE, chairman of UK Protected Food Names Association said, “I am delighted the Secretary of State has reacted so quickly to producers’ concerns about potential loss of Protected Food Name Status for our products. She has, more than any other recent Secretary of State for Defra, been at the forefront of promoting our food heritage and protected products.

“It will be a relief to many producers to know that this will now be a Government priority over the coming months and the UK PFN Association looks forward to working with her Department on developing the scheme.”

Image: Keen’s Cheddar