Irene Bocchetta EU Protected Food Names Manager Assisting Producers Apply for EU Protected Food Names

Overview of the EU Protected food name scheme Scheme rolled out in 1993 Scheme similar to Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC), To protect food and drink on a geographical or recipe basis Currently 39 UK PFNs 40+ in the pipeline

The Logos and what they mean Protected Designation of Origin Products are produced, processed and prepared within a particular area Protected Geographical Indication Products are either produced or processed or prepared within a particular area Traditional Speciality Guaranteed Products are not determined by geography but based on Traditional methods or recipe

What’s eligible for protection…? Most foodstuffs fit for human consumption including : eggs, honey, milk products, vegetables, cereals, spices, natural gums and resins, mustard paste Beverages made from plant extract, bread, pastry, confectionary, biscuits Also non food products such as : essential oils, cork, cochineal, wool, osier and baker’s wares

What makes a good application…? Things to consider before you start: Is the product unique, Is it different from similar products? Is the product name being misused? What is being protected and who does it belong to? The geographical area, a skill base, reputation – not just the product The product name stays with the land Others can share that name if they meet the specification The name should include the region, or specific place that is being protected Know your competitors and/or potential objectors Aim to win-win The scheme is not about putting others out of business The regulations are the same for everyone, yet every application is unique …

Application Procedure in the UK The Applicant Group (on occasion an individual) submits the Application form and supporting documentations to the relevant authority in either England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland The application must be transparent, clearly defined and will be made public. An Independent Inspection Body must be identified in the application A completed application must be finally assessed by Defra, it then enters a 12 week National Consultation period Final decision taken by Defra on eligibility of the application, if favourable, Defra submit the application to a 14 day appeal process Once any comments/objections have been resolved the application is submitted to the Commission.

Application Procedure in Europe The EU Commission have 12 months to examine an application, which can involve requesting further information from the Member State. This stage may also involve the Commission seeking advice from a Scientific Committee set up for that purpose. If the application is approved, it is published in the Official Journal (OJ) for six months during a European wide Consultation If the Commission rules that any objections made are admissible then there is a further period of six months in which the UK and the objecting Member State try to resolve the matter bilaterally If an acceptable resolution is found then the name is registered and published in the OJ If the objections are unresolved then the final decision on registering the product is taken by the EU Standing Committee

Who benefits? The Producers Gives protection Gives exclusive rights Gives a premium price privilege The retailers and caterers Consumer and need of provenance Proof of authenticity Point of difference among similar products Price premium can also be enjoyed The consumer Proof of heritage, tradition, speciality The genuine article

Take note as of 1 st May 2009 and 2010 New EU regulations take effect With effect from 1 May 2009, 'Protected Designation of Origin', 'Protected Geographical Indication', or ‘Traditional Speciality Guaranteed’ and/or the appropriate logo associated with the designation must appear on the product label (Article 12.2 of Council Regulation (EC) No 509/2006 for TSG products, and Article 8.2 of No 510/2006 for PDO/PGI products). Commission Regulation (EC) 628/2008 provides details of the Commission Regulation (EC) 628/2008 new symbol for PDO products regulation comes into effect 1 May 2010

Thank you Irene Bocchetta ADAS