West Country Farmhouse Cheesemakers

On 7th August, the Food and Farming Minister Jim Fitzpatrick played host to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar at the first EU Protected Food Names Roadshow held at 10 Downing Street.

This was an opportunity for West Country Farmhouse Cheesemakers and other Protected Food Names such as Scotch Beef and Lamb, Arbroath Smokies, Welsh Lamb, Cornish Clotted Cream, Whistable Oyster, Bishops Finger and Spitfire, Stilton Cheese and Beacon Fell Lancashire Cheese, and the latest Protected Food Name - The Melton Mowbray Pork Pie, along side the soon to join members of Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb, the Cornish Pasty and Cornish Sardines, to showcase their products to some VIPs.

Attending the event were a range of media including Olive magazine, BBC radio, BBC's Economic Gastonomic chef and co-founder of healthy fast-food restaurant group LEON Allegra McEvedy , and even the Prime Minister's Head of Strategy enjoyed some of our handmade-on-the-farm Cheddar!

Speaking at the event Mr Fitzpatrick said: “Local produce that is traditionally made, unique and authentic attracts people from all over the world for its taste and its quality – it’s good for local businesses and local communities. And that’s something that deserves protection.

“Through this scheme, we have a way to stand up for local producers and protect their products. So I’m calling on more British producers to get their food protected and for their communities to get behind them. It’s not something that can be done overnight, but it’s worth it, in terms of the protection it gives the producer and the opportunities it creates for their renowned products…I want to see the UK’s regional foods on the world map.

“The EU Protected Food Name Scheme means farmers, producers and shoppers all know that the special foods we’re buying are authentic. And it protects all these small businesses that help keep our rural areas alive”

Janet Oldroyd spokesperson for the Yorkshire Rhubarb Triangle Growers was invited to say a few words on behalf of all the PFN producers. Janet spoke of how her family have been growing this temperamental crop for 5 generations, and why she decided to apply for protection, because as she says “we were not the first BUT, I am determined we shall not be the last!” Janet had some advice for prospective producers considering taking advantage of the European scheme to protect their product; “Don’t be daunted – there is help out there. Without the help and advice of Irene Bocchetta and ADAS, this application would never have been made. But be patient it’s a long process”.