VALE of Evesham Asparagus has been awarded special protected name status by the EU – joining the likes of Melton Mowbray Pork Pies and Bakewell Tarts.
The famous green vegetable now has protected geographical indication (PGI) status, which means only asparagus grown in Wychavon, Malvern Hills and Stratford-upon-Avon district areas can be named Vale of Evesham Asparagus.
An application for protection was submitted three years ago and the asparagus went through a long process before being awarded the special name status.
Vale based firm West Growers first submitted the bid to the UK Government, which included proving the asparagus’ origin, before then being passed to the European Commission who made the final decision.
However, after the UK voted to leave the EU, a number of producers from around the UK have called on the Government to ensure the special status is continued in the wake of Brexit.
Evesham’s MP Nigel Huddleston said: “I am very pleased the uniqueness of Vale of Evesham asparagus has been recognised as a protected food name which puts it alongside Parma Ham, Melton Mowbray Pork Pies and Cumberland Sausages in special recognition status.
“The soil, micro climate and specialist growing skills of the Vale of Evesham combine to create a very distinctive asparagus that is widely praised. “This is well-overdue recognition that helps put the Vale of Evesham on the map,” he added.
