AYRSHIRE’S new potatoes could soon have their identity protected under European law.
The UK government has applied for the county’s new potatoes and the “Ayrshire earlies” brand to be granted Protected Geographical Indicator (PGI) status by Brussels.
The proposal was put forward by a growers’ group based in Girvan.
If successful, Ayrshire new potatoes would join more than 70 UK food and drink products with PGI status. These include Arbroath smokies and Stornoway black pudding.
Only three other types of potato in the UK, including the Jersey Royal, already have the status.
In November, applications were also lodged for Dundee cake and Forfar bridies to be protected.
The Ayrshire application went through a Scottish government consultation last year, without objections.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article