'No substitute' for iconic Scottish produce

Measures to protect Scotland's iconic produce from cheap imitations were on the menu at a key conference in Perth today.

At a conference organised by the Scottish Agricultural College and paid for by the Scottish Government, experts and industry representatives from as far afield as Italy gathered to discuss the benefits of Protected Food Name (PFN) status.

Attendees included Charles MacLeod butchers and the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association – currently considering applications for Stornoway Black Pudding and Lorne Sausage respectively – and Quality Meat Scotland.

The European PFN scheme provides legal protection from imitation on a geographical or traditional recipe basis and has helped boost the profits of many of those who have successfully applied.

Opening the conference, Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said:

“Scotland's food and drink industry has, in the main, been bucking the trend of the recession and continues to be one of our main success stories. Scotland is also home to some of the highest selling protected foods in Europe – including Scotch Beef and Scottish Farmed Salmon – which accounted for around £700 million ex-farm sales last year.

“But there is clearly scope to do even more to protect our excellent reputation. By raising greater awareness of the benefits of PFNs we can provide protection from cheap imitations, and give our companies a marketing edge over competitors from overseas.

“We stand ready to provide expert advice and support to those considering a PFN application, and in addition to today's event will be working with Scotland Food and Drink, the Scottish Agricultural College and others to build on this momentum and develop a plan of action supporting PFNS throughout 2010 and beyond.

“Scotland has massive potential to take advantage of the PFN scheme. Consumer interest in local food has never been greater, and we have our first ever national Food and Drink Policy.

I would urge all food producers and organisations to consider whether your product fits the bill and sign up for Scotland's food revolution.”

Andy McGowan, Quality Meat Scotland's Head of Industry Development, said:

“Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb holding protected status has more than proved its worth over the years and helped set us apart from our competitors. It's particularly highly regarded on the continent as a sign of superior quality and has helped us build valuable export sales.

“We would recommend other traditional Scottish foods investigate and apply for PFN status as, for a land with such a wide range of unique and special foods, we don't use these schemes to the utmost. Compare our seven protected food products, including Scotch Beef and Lamb, with Portugal, which has twice the population of Scotland, but more than 10 times the number of protected foods.

“With the changes in labelling regulations throughout the EU coming into effect, the PGI label is on course to increase in its importance as a sign of national food identity and a true guarantee of tradition, quality and provenance.”

In 1993 EU legislation came into force which provides for a system for the protection of food names on a geographical or traditional recipe basis. The scheme highlights regional and traditional foods whose authenticity and origin can be guaranteed. Under this system a named food or drink registered at a European level will be given legal protection against imitation throughout the EU. There are currently nine in Scotland: Shetland Lamb; Orkney Beef; Orkney Lamb; Scottish Farmed Salmon; Scotch Lamb; Scotch Beef; Arbroath Smokie; Teviotdale Cheese (not in production); Bonchester Cheese (not in production).

In addition a number of PFN applications are currently being considered by producers. These are; Stornoway Black Pudding, Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese and Scottish Wild Salmon. An application for traditional pasture reared beef has already been submitted by a number of parties, including QMS. We continue to provide advice and guidance to potential applicants.

There are over 800 PFNs registered across the EU, with Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Germany accounting for around 90 per cent of all PFNs. By volume and value, Scotland has some of the largest PFNs in the EU, in particular high value products such as Scotch Beef and Scottish Farmed Salmon, accounting for around £700 million ex-farm sales.

The system for registration of products takes a minimum of two years for an application to receive approval. Application for registration must come from producers – the Government cannot apply on behalf of producers, although it can support and facilitate producers through the application process.