Local Lib Dem Euro MP expresses delight at Yorkshire rhubarb decision

10.18.06am GMT Fri 26th Feb 2010

The Liberal Democrat Euro MP for Yorkshire and the Humber, Diana Wallis, has said she is 'absolutely delighted' that traditionally grown Indoor Yorkshire rhubarb has received Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status from the European Commission.

"I am absolutely delighted that traditionally grown Indoor Yorkshire rhubarb has received PDO status from the European Commission.

"Anything where Yorkshire products get such an accolade has to be welcomed.

"It is great news for the people behind this because I know just how much effort must have gone into this. It goes a long way towards protecting their livelihoods.

"In terms of food and drink the region has a very positive story to tell. However I do wish that a lot more of these applications were going through. Problems in the system seem to have frustrated people from making applications in the first place and from making re-applications."

Notes:

Traditionally grown Indoor Yorkshire rhubarb is the 5th product in the Yorkshire and the Humber region to get either PDO/PGI status. The others are:

Traditional Grimsby smoked cod ; Traditional Grimsby smoked haddock (PGI)

Swaledale cheese ; Swaledale ewes´ cheese (PDO)