Yorkshire rhubarb deserves EU protected status
Richard said: "The work Janet and all the rhubarb farmers in Yorkshire put in is simply extraordinary and the rhubarb they produce is recognised as the finest available by everyone from top chefs to local consumers.
"What's more the techniques accrued over generations of growers, and the location of the farms in Yorkshire - which ensures the right amount of frost, soil and rainfall - mean the quality of our region's rhubarb cannot be replicated. This is exactly why Janet has applied for the same protection that Champagne and Parma Ham enjoy so that consumers know that they are buying genuine Yorkshire rhubarb and it is protected from inferior products."
Richard added: "Rising temperatures are causing the growers some difficulties because rhubarb roots need frost, which was the reason behind last year's smaller harvest. By ensuring Yorkshire rhubarb receives this special status from the EU, the growers can make sure they get the price their superior rhubarb deserves."
- Traditional Grown Yorkshire Indoor Rhubarb is applying to the European Commission for a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, which protects products that are processed and prepared in a particular geographical area, with features and characteristics which must be due to the geographical area.
- The European Commission must make its decision by July this year, and if approved a period for formal objections will last six months before PDO status is confirmed.
- Swaledale Cheese is the only product from Yorkshire currently with PDO status. Wensleydale Cheese is also in the process of applying for PDO status.
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