Irish potato given same status as champagne

Updated: 19:39, Friday, 27 January 2012

An Irish potato, the Comber Early, has been given special status protecting its name and linking it to where it is grown.

1 of 2The name Comber Early is now restricted to potatoes picked around Comber village
The name Comber Early is now restricted to potatoes picked around Comber village
2 of 2The Comber Early joins feta and champagne in earning PGI status
The Comber Early joins feta and champagne in earning PGI status

An Irish potato, the Comber Early, has been given special status by European law makers.

It means that the name New Season Comber Potatoes or Comber Earlies can only be given to those potatoes lifted from fields around the Co Down village.

The potato joins an elite selection of brands synonymous with a particular region that have earned Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.

Others include champagne, parma ham and feta cheese.

In Northern Ireland just one other product, Lough Neagh Eels, has been afforded PGI recognition.

Welcoming the decision Stormont's Minister for Agriculture Michelle O'Neill said that Northern Ireland "is justifiably proud of the quality of our locally produced food and it is encouraging to have our products recognised internationally".

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