Rhubarb success puts focus on cheese claim

THE news that Yorkshire forced rhubarb is to be given protected food name status has put all eyes on Brussels to see if Real Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese will be afforded a similar honour.

The Yorkshire rhubarb delicacy has been awarded Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status by the European Commission, prohibiting anyone growing it outside the region from calling it that.

The victory was ensured chiefly by the county’s Regional Food Group who were instrumental in the successful application.

Its chief executive Jonathan Knight said: “This is a great achievement. Patience, persistence, meetings with the 12 key growers and a lot of effort on all parts has culminated in this fantastic result, which will help to confirm the unique Yorkshire rhubarb triangle as the home of forced rhubarb.”

Regional Minister for Yorkshire Rosie Winterton said she hoped the news would encourage those who had never tasted the Yorkshire delicacy to try it.

The Wensleydale creamery at Hawes will find out if their PDO application has been successful later this year. Log on to www.realyorkshirewensleydale. co.uk to lend your support.

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