Vernet's beef with Brussels

Published on Tuesday 27 November 2007 00:16

THE jargon on Brussels appears to expand by the day, but PGI (protected geographical indication) is one that the Scottish red meat industry is very proud to have been awarded as long ago as June 1996.

In essence PGI is integral to the Scotch brand meaning that every item of beef and lamb displaying the saltire must have been "born, reared and processed in Scotland".

Later today in Brussels, Laurent Vernet, the head of marketing with Quality Meat Scotland, will address a meeting which will be attended by Mariann Fishler Boel, the EU agricultural commissioner, to explain the considerable benefits of PGI status.

Speaking yesterday to The Scotsman, Vernet commented: "As an industry body we have taken every opportunity to maximise the benefits of having this status for Scotland's cattle and sheep producers.

"The event in Brussels will bring together a number of people from all over Europe who have an interest in the future of community protection of agro-food products. I anticipate that Scotland's experience will be extremely relevant."

Vernet, who hails from France, is widely regarded as having an immense knowledge of the EU food industry.

He added: "We are happy to be playing a critical role in the ongoing debate on the future of PGI status. We look forward to ensuring that any decisions taken help to safeguard the interests of the Scottish industry behind our world- famous brands, Scotch beef and Scotch lamb."