Search

Welsh Leeks to be protected

Welsh Leeks

Welsh Leeks have become the latest addition to the UK Geographical Indication (GI) Scheme, which protects the name, authenticity and characteristics of regional products.

Shoppers will be able to clearly see a logo on the label showing they are buying the real thing, and producers will benefit knowing that others cannot imitate them.

The protection applies to all verified products sold in Great Britain as ‘Welsh Leeks’ and is expected to be a boost for the industry.

National Symbol

Leeks have been a national symbol for Wales for centuries. Their protection is part of the UK GI scheme, which also protects renowned British produce such as Cornish clotted cream and Scotch Whisky and helps consumers know they are buying high quality, authentic products.

As the newest addition to the UK GI scheme, protecting a product’s name, characteristics, authenticity, and origin, Welsh Leeks will be traceable from field to fork, tracked throughout their growing, harvesting and sale.

There are now 92 UK produced GI products: 81 agricultural and food products, six wines and five spirit drinks.

As well as their distinctive strong peppery taste and vibrant green colour Welsh Leeks are known to grow on harder, sometimes stony soil, including in coastal areas of Wales.

Brexit Dividend?

The UK Geographical Indication Scheme is very similar to the EU’s protected designation of origin scheme which serves the same function. Similar schemes in both the UK and EU cover products produced in specific areas or produced in similar ways. Applications for protected status will need to be considered by the EU before Welsh Leeks are protected there.

Food and Farming Minister Mark Spencer said: “Leeks have been intertwined with Welsh culture for centuries. But not only do they crop up again and again as national symbols throughout the nation’s rich history – they are a delicious part of the national cuisine across the whole country. By protecting them as a UK Geographical Indication, we can make sure shoppers know what they have on their plate, and producers are protected and can take full credit for their work.”

Parliamentary Undersecretary in the Wales Office, Dr James Davies, said: “The farming and food sector are incredibly important in Wales, and we are rightly recognised for our high-quality produce. Shoppers will now be able to easily identify the iconic Welsh leek with its distinctive taste, giving Welsh leek producers an advantage, and helping them to expand and grow their businesses.”

We are thrilled that Welsh Leeks have been granted the GI status. The leek has long been synonymous with Wales and it is fitting that its distinctive look, taste and flavour have now been recognised and protected.

In receiving this status, Welsh Leeks join a long list of products from Wales enjoying protected status. This recognition of the quality of the food we produce here in Wales will be very important as we look to grow markets for our products.

NFU Cymru President Aled Jones

Huw Thomas, CEO at Puffin Produce, who applied for Welsh Leeks to be designated as a GI, said: “The Leek is an iconic emblem of Wales – we are incredibly proud to be able to grow Welsh Leeks and the GI status is hugely important to promote the quality and heritage behind this majestic crop.”

Final Thought

Protected status for iconic produce has proven to be a boon since it’s introduction in 1992. While they are somewhat distorting of markets where applied carefully they help to maintain some of the richness of culinary culture and defend against complete homogenisation which globalisation can bring.

While the welsh leek is an obvious candidate for selection, iconic for Wales, important to farmers and sought after by consumers, it is important that we are sparing in the application of protection. If overused, the GI scheme could well experience diminishing returns. If everything is special, then nothing is.

Photo Credit: John Hughes

Share

Related Topics

Latest

Trump’s Ukraine Deal: What It Means for the UK

Donald Trump’s latest diplomatic manoeuvres have sent shockwaves through Europe. With plans for direct peace talks with Vladimir Putin, the former US president appears willing to push Ukraine into territorial concessions. But what does this mean for the UK? From military strategy to diplomatic alliances, Britain now faces a critical test of its role in European security. With NATO unity at stake and Ukraine’s sovereignty hanging by a thread, the UK must decide whether to step up or risk being sidelined.

Labour’s £350 Million Housing Boost: Will It Solve the Crisis?

Labour has announced a £350 million investment to boost affordable housing and tackle rogue landlords. Sir Keir Starmer, in Buckinghamshire, unveiled plans for 100 new towns, calling it the largest housebuilding drive since the post-war era. While welcomed, concerns remain over planning and labour shortages. Will this be a true housing revolution or just a temporary fix?

Video Features

Health and Social Care Reforms: Facing the Challenges, Building the Future

Revolutionising Healthcare Diagnostics: A Call to Arms

NHS & Life Sciences: Harnessing Innovation For Global Health

Screening and Diagnostics: Advancing the Frontiers of Healthcare

Subscribe to our newsletter for your free digital copy of the journal!

Receive our latest insights, future journals as soon as they are published and get invited to our exclusive events and webinars.

Newsletter Signups
?
?

We respect your privacy and will not share your email address with any third party. Your personal data will be collected and handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Never miss an issue by subcribing to our newsletter!

Receive our latest insights and all future journals as soon as they are published and get invited to our exclusive events and webinars.

Newsletter Signups
?
?

We respect your privacy and will not share your email address with any third party. Your personal data will be collected and handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Never miss an issue by subcribing to our newsletter!

Receive our latest insights and all future journals as soon as they are published and get invited to our exclusive events and webinars.

Newsletter Signups
?
?

We respect your privacy and will not share your email address with any third party. Your personal data will be collected and handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Newsletter Signup

Receive our latest insights as soon as they are published and get invited to our exclusive events and webinars.

Newsletter Signups
?
?

We respect your privacy and will not share your email address with any third party. Your personal data will be collected and handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.