Post by David1982 on Mar 14, 2010 14:11:24 GMT
LEGAL MOVES designed to protect Scottish wild salmon from cheap imitations took a major step forward yesterday.
A final application for the product to be registered as a Protected Geographical Indication under the EU protected food names scheme has been issued for consultation.
The latest development comes after concerted efforts made by the Salmon Net Fishing Association of Scotland.
Representatives have been working in tandem with Scottish Government officials to try to ensure the product joins the likes of French Camembert and Greek feta cheese on a list of products officially recognised by the EU.
The purpose of PGI is to protect the reputation of regional foods and eliminate the unfair competition and misleading of consumers by non- genuine products, which may be of inferior quality or of different flavour.
The legal protection sought by the salmon net fishing association would cover Scottish wild salmon caught across the whole of Scotland. It does not, however, cover processed or smoked wild salmon.
Rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead is pleased to see the bid moving forward.
“Scotland’s food and drink industry is, in the main, going from strength to strength,” he said.
“Moves to replicate the success of the likes of Scotch beef and Scottish farmed salmon—which both enjoy protected status—are to be welcomed.
“Scotland is already home to some of the highest selling protected foods in Europe, but we are still only scratching the surface and can make even more of the fantastic produce on our doorstep.”
Mr Lochhead is urging more Scottish producers to consider a bid for EU protection.
“We have huge potential to build on our reputation as a land of food and drink,” he said.
“We recently organised a seminar to raise awareness of the benefits of protected status and are providing expert advice and support to those considering future applications.”
George Pullar, director of Usan Salmon Fisheries Ltd, believes EU protection would make a huge difference. “We are delighted that Scottish wild salmon is being considered for this prestigious and much sought after accreditation,” he said.
“Achievement of this award would provide positive endorsement for this unique iconic Scottish product and traditional salmon netters. Scottish wild salmon represents the finest of Scottish produce, a fact recognised worldwide by both domestic customers and top chefs and restaurants.
“The fish themselves are captured in a sustainable manner, using environmentally friendly methods, before reaching the customer in pristine condition,” Mr Pullar said.
“Being a completely natural product, they are highly nutritious and represent the very best in healthy eating for the people of Scotland and our consumers abroad.”
A number of other PGI applications are currently being considered.
They include Stornoway black pudding, traditional Ayrshire Dunlop cheese and Lorne sausage.
Seen this story in the Dundee courier on Saturday.
what's everybody's thoughts on this?
A final application for the product to be registered as a Protected Geographical Indication under the EU protected food names scheme has been issued for consultation.
The latest development comes after concerted efforts made by the Salmon Net Fishing Association of Scotland.
Representatives have been working in tandem with Scottish Government officials to try to ensure the product joins the likes of French Camembert and Greek feta cheese on a list of products officially recognised by the EU.
The purpose of PGI is to protect the reputation of regional foods and eliminate the unfair competition and misleading of consumers by non- genuine products, which may be of inferior quality or of different flavour.
The legal protection sought by the salmon net fishing association would cover Scottish wild salmon caught across the whole of Scotland. It does not, however, cover processed or smoked wild salmon.
Rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead is pleased to see the bid moving forward.
“Scotland’s food and drink industry is, in the main, going from strength to strength,” he said.
“Moves to replicate the success of the likes of Scotch beef and Scottish farmed salmon—which both enjoy protected status—are to be welcomed.
“Scotland is already home to some of the highest selling protected foods in Europe, but we are still only scratching the surface and can make even more of the fantastic produce on our doorstep.”
Mr Lochhead is urging more Scottish producers to consider a bid for EU protection.
“We have huge potential to build on our reputation as a land of food and drink,” he said.
“We recently organised a seminar to raise awareness of the benefits of protected status and are providing expert advice and support to those considering future applications.”
George Pullar, director of Usan Salmon Fisheries Ltd, believes EU protection would make a huge difference. “We are delighted that Scottish wild salmon is being considered for this prestigious and much sought after accreditation,” he said.
“Achievement of this award would provide positive endorsement for this unique iconic Scottish product and traditional salmon netters. Scottish wild salmon represents the finest of Scottish produce, a fact recognised worldwide by both domestic customers and top chefs and restaurants.
“The fish themselves are captured in a sustainable manner, using environmentally friendly methods, before reaching the customer in pristine condition,” Mr Pullar said.
“Being a completely natural product, they are highly nutritious and represent the very best in healthy eating for the people of Scotland and our consumers abroad.”
A number of other PGI applications are currently being considered.
They include Stornoway black pudding, traditional Ayrshire Dunlop cheese and Lorne sausage.
Seen this story in the Dundee courier on Saturday.
what's everybody's thoughts on this?