I AM delighted to hear the European Commission has awarded animals born and reared in six counties in the south west Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.
To qualify for West Country branding, beef or lamb will have to come from stock born, raised and slaughtered in Devon, Cornwall, Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset or Gloucestershire.
The PGI status is so important for our farmers in the West Country and as the UK Spokesperson for Agriculture in the European Parliament I see this as a massive victory for our local farmers and is testament to the work that goes into rearing such high quality livestock.
This is a good day for South West Consumers and a great day for South West Farmers.
Julie Girling
Member of the European Parliament
South West England and Gibraltar
www.juligirling.com
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