LUC was commissioned by the Countryside Agency (now Natural England) for this research project. The three key aims of the research were to:
• Identify locality foods that assist in conserving and enhancing landscape character.• Promote the value of these foods and create a greater awareness of them. • Potentially seek protection for these foods under the EU protected food name scheme.
The study was divided into two distinct phases. In the first phase we identified a list of 123 locality foods, which, through their processes of production, create clear landscape benefits that could merit protected food name status. This phase included a review of the relationship between food production and landscape character in England over the last 50 years.
In the second phase, we shortlisted the key locality foods in a number of Joint Character Areas (JCAs) across England, which make or could make a significant contribution to the protection and enhancement of that landscape. We then went on to review whether the selected products have the potential to be registered for PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) or PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status.
LUC then outlined the extent of geographical coverage of these identified products and developed criteria for production and process methods against which the identified products could be judged by the EC. This included recommendations for the most appropriate mechanism for ensuring that their continued production conserves and enhances landscape character (such as producers being part of the Environmental Stewardship Scheme or under organic certification).
The research also determined whether the product accords with food name status criteria considering region, history, knowledge, provenance, marketing and quality.
To read the report click here
