EU Promotes British Food

The move – which sees an increase in funding from £51 million across the EU to £165 million in 2020 - aims to promote the high quality of Europe’s agricultural products in fast-developing countries such as China.

To date, over 60 food items produced in the UK have gained EU protected status.

Graham Watson, South West Liberal Democrat MEP said, “This new scheme will give Westcountry farmers, fishermen and brewers the opportunity to bring a taste of the South West to the world. I was pleased to see last year an EU-funded trade mission to Japan and South Korea to promote our very own West Country Farmhouse Cheddar.

“The European Parliament has today ensured that traditional products with European protected status like Cornish pasties will be given extra funding to boost their exports and win over new customers abroad.”

The Westcountry products receiving the boost include West Country Farmhouse Cheddar, Cornish pasties, Somerset cider brandy, Gloucestershire perry, Cornish clotted cream, Gloucestershire old spot pork and Fal oysters.