EU recognition for 'Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb'

Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb has been granted Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status under the EU's system for protected food names.

The rhubarb is grown in an area known as the 'Rhubarb Triangle' between Bradford, Wakefield and Leeds.  The rhubarb stalks, or petioles as they are technically known are grown and harvested by candlelight using traditional methods which result in sweet, tender pink rhubarb.

The PDO status means that the public will now be certain that product marked as Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb is of the expected quality and flavour.  To use the mark producers must not only be located in the designated area, but will be extensively audited, ensuring that traditional production methods are maintained.  Full details of the 'Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb' PDO, including a description of the product and its history can be found here.

There are three categories of names that can be protected: PDO (protected designation of origin), PGI (protected geographical indication) and TSG (traditional speciality guaranteed).

PDO - covers agricultural products and foodstuffs which are produced, processed and prepared in a given geographical area using recognised know-how.

PGI - covers agricultural products and foodstuffs closely linked to the geographical area.  At least one of the stages of production, processing or preparation must take place in the area.

TSG - highlights traditional character, either in the composition or means of production.

The system aims to encourage diverse agricultural production, to protect product names from misuse and imitation and to help consumers by giving them information concerning the specific character of protected food products.

Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb is the latest UK product to be added to the list of legally protected names and joins the likes of Cornish Clotted Cream, Jersey Royal Potatoes, Swaledale cheese, and Orkney beef.  Appleyard Lees expects that recognition of the Yorkshire product will come as a welcome boost for the twelve local producers in the Rhubarb Triangle, as well as serving as a reminder that the intellectual property system recognises the value in tradition and reputation alongside the value in innovation.