ADAS wins contract to protect British food

The contract will see the consultancy assisting British producers with the legal protection of regional and traditional food and drinks which have a unique heritage, character and reputation. Protected Name Status can be awarded to food whose authenticity and origin is guaranteed to avoid imitation within the EU. Applications for protection have previously been handled by Food From Britain (FFB). ADAS is welcoming Irene Bocchetta from FFB to a permanent position at ADAS, who will bring with her specific expertise of the scheme, consultation procedures and requirements of EU legislation. Bocchetta will lead a team of ADAS food and marketing consultants working with food producers, food groups and public sector organisations to promote the scheme and assist producers with their applications. Rosemary James, sector manager for Regional Government at ADAS, explained: "We are delighted to have won the contract and look forward to welcoming Irene and the expertise that she brings. The EUPFN scheme has a vital role to play in the protection of unique British products, many of which contribute significantly to a region's reputation and tourist appeal, and gives recognition to the high quality food produced across the UK. "We have developed a detailed knowledge of the commercial realities of the food sector and supply chain, along with a comprehensive understanding of the links between regional food producers and the environment. Through the relationships we have built at ADAS we have the ability to work with stakeholders at all levels and to deliver the promotional aspects of this scheme." Prior to this ADAS conducted a scoping survey for FBB in preparation for the development of a 'British Food Directory', which identified over 1,200 regional foods and products for inclusion in the directory. The study was used as support for the EUPFN application process and identified more than 40 products which had the potential to apply for Protected Name Status.