The EU Protected Food Names SchemeOverview and application processApplying for PDO/PGI for Fish and

Shellfish

44th Annual ConferenceFishmongers’ Hall, London

Introduction – EU Agricultural Product Quality Policy

• Scheme rolled out throughout Europe in 1993

• Based on the Appellation d’origine contrôlée system (AOC)

• In order to protect food and drink on a geographical or recipe basis + to protect against misuse and imitation

Regulations laying down the basis for the EU PFN Scheme

•EC Regulation 1151/2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

Covering protected designation of origin PDO, protected geographical indication PGI and traditional speciality guaranteed TSG

• Currently 52 UK PFNs

• Around another 40 in the pipeline

Protected Designation of Origin PDO

Protected Designation of Origin

• Products are produced, processed and prepared within a particular area

Karp Zatorski (Poland)

Phú Quóc (Thailand)

• Products are either produced or processed or prepared within a particular area

盐城龙虾Yancheng Long Xia (China)

Acciughe sotto sale del Mar Ligure (Italy)

Protected Geographical Indication PGI

• Products are not determined by geography

• Traditional method or recipe of importance

Traditional Farmfresh Turkey

Pizza Napoletana

Mozzarella

Traditional Speciality Guaranteed TSG

Products suitable for protection

• Most foods intended for human consumption such as:

Meat Meat productsCheesesHoneyOils and fatsFish, molluscs and crustaceansFruits, vegetables and cereal productsBeer and beverages made from plant extractsBread, pasta, pastries, cakes and confectionery

Other products suitable for protectionPDO - PGI

• Cotton

• Cork

• Essential oils

• Flowers and ornamental plants

• Hay

• Mustard paste

• Natural gums and resins

• Salt

• Wicker

• Wool

TSG

• Pre-cooked meals

• Chocolate and other food

preparations containing cocoa

• Soups and broths

• Prepared condiments

• Ice cream and Sorbets

Who can apply for registration?• Producer groups

• Individuals (for PDO, PGI) if:

local and traditional methods usedgeographical area has characteristics

which differ from neighboursproduct characteristics differ from

similar products

• Other producers can use a registered name ifthe inspection body agrees their productconforms to the registered specification.

Application Process

• Member States and the EU Commission have the responsibility of assessing product applications

• UK National Consultation – 8 weeks

• EU Assessment of Product Specification – 6 months

• EU Consultation – 3 – 5 months

• Registration in Official Journal

• 20 days after posting of Registration in OJ product can legally use name and associated logo

Benefits of PDOs, PGIs and TSGs“It is the quality rather than the quantity that matters.” Seneca

ProtectionStrong protection as set out in Article 13(1) of

Council Regulation 1151/2013

Registered name protected against:

a) Any direct or indirect commercial use of the name

b) Any misuse, indication or evocation

c) Any other false or misleading indications as to the provenance,origin, nature or essential qualities of the product

d) Any other practice liable to mislead the public as to the true origin of the product

Protection against unlawful use of protected names

Member States shall take the steps necessary to stop unlawful use of PDOs/PGIs/TSGs.

USE IT OR LOSE IT

The Producer

• Gives protection to the registered name

• Gives a premium price privilege

• Stand out from the crowd!

• Registered products are required to carry the EU symbol which identifies products as traditional and authentic.

Retailers and Caterers

• Satisfies consumers’ needs of provenance

• Proof of authenticity

• Point of difference among similar products

• Price premium can also be enjoyed

The consumer

• Proof of heritage, regionality, place of origin

• Proof of tradition, skill-base, know-how

• Proof of speciality, tastes, flavours

• Guarantees the genuine article

Isle of Man Queenies

Lough Neagh Eels

Traditional Grimsby Smoked Fish

Arbroath Smokie

Whitstable Oyster

Cornish Sardine

Scottish Farmed Salmon

Scottish Wild Salmon

What next for PFNs in the UK Sea World?

Fal Oyster

Applying for PDO status

Selsey Lobster

Applying for the PGI status

...and here are a few of the applications the UK currently have in the pipeline:•Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese –PGI•Fenland Celery – PGI•Lakeland Herdwick Lamb – PDO•Traditional Bramley Apple Pie Filling - TSG

Thank you

Irene Bocchetta

Food Policy Unit

Defra