ENJOY AND HELP PROTECT OUR REGION'S BEST DURING BRITISH FOOD FORTNIGHT

10.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 25th Sep 2007

West Midlands LibDem MEP Liz Lynne has called on consumers to take the time to enjoy local specialities, many of which have now been recognised and protected by the EU.

Her comments come as British Food Fortnight, an annual celebration of local and national produce supported by farmers, producers, the catering industry, educational institutions and others, gets underway around the country.

Speaking today, Liz Lynne, said: "British Food Fortnight is an excellent way to support local farmers and producers and to try something different. We must remember that we can be green and eat healthy varied diets just by taking a little time to see what is available on our doorstep."

"In the European Parliament my colleagues and I have been working to ensure that local produce such as Staffordshire cheese and Herefordshire and Worcestershire cider and perry can be given protected status and my hope is the events of British Food Fortnight will help to highlight these and many of the other fantastic foods our region does best."

"Protecting these regional delicacies prevents cheap imitations, ensuring they will continue to be enjoyed in years to come and also helping protect jobs in rural areas. I will continue to work to help local produce gain EU protected status and would encourage more producers to come forward so this can be achieved. If any constituents feel a product should be recognised and protected I would encourage them to contact my office via lizlynne@cix.co.uk, or the event organisers, to see what can be done."

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Across the region, regular events are taking place over the next two weeks as well as throughout the year to promote local produce. Upcoming local events include food fairs in Stone (Staffs), Shrewsbury (Salop) and Stratford (Warks), the Malvern Autumn Fair, and food workshops as part of Solihull Arts Festival (details via the websites below). Many of these are supported by Heart of England Fine Foods, which represents food producers across the region.

Across seven member states, including the UK, it is estimated that geographical indicators add a total value of around £3.5 billion a year."

More information on British Food Fortnight can be found at http://www.britishfoodfortnight.co.uk/.

More information on Heart of England Fine Foods can be found at www.heff.co.uk.