Allister continues to press promotion of regional speciality food products
19 April 2006
"Further to my representations to DARD about the need to avail of EU provisions facilitating the promotion of regional specialities and produce, I am pleased to have received a letter from Lord Rooker indicating possible progress.
While there are presently no Northern Ireland products registered, LMC has made an application to have Northern Ireland beef registered as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and a similar application in respect of lamb is being prepared. In addition up to 18 companies within NI, covering a range of Ulster food products, have expressed an interest in this European system of food protection. DARD has engaged a Food and Drink Marketing consultant to work with interested parties and assist with the protracted application process.
I trust that this effort will continue and that we will indeed see Ulster produce attain the protected accolades which would assist promotion. I, therefore, encourage both the food companies and DARD to persist with this effort."
