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FUW president Emyr Jones (second from right) with breakfast event sponsors' representatives (from left) E.ON business account manager David Foode, Alun Davies and Dai Davies.[/caption]
The leading reputation of Welsh farm produce was highlighted by the Farmers' Union of Wales today as Farmhouse Breakfast Week 2013 (January 20-26) got underway.
Union president, Bala beef and sheep producer Emyr Jones, reminded consumers the European Commission's PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status, which protects the reputation of regional food products, was awarded to Welsh Beef in 2002 and to Welsh Lamb in 2003.
"PGI assures consumers that Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef have full traceability, recognising the origin and unique qualities of the product," said Mr Jones.
"Only PGI Welsh Lamb and PGI Welsh Beef are guaranteed to be sourced from lambs or cattle born and reared in Wales, which are fully traceable, and have been slaughtered and processed in abattoirs or processors approved by Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC).
"HCC is also responsible for the development, promotion and marketing of pork from Wales," added Mr Jones, who attended the union's 14th annual Welsh farmhouse breakfast at the National Assembly in Cardiff last week and joins Welsh peers at the House of Lords on Wednesday January 30 for an FUW-organised event to celebrate Welsh farm produce.
During last week's Assembly breakfast deputy agriculture minister Alun Davies said the event was aimed at promoting breakfast and showcasing the best of Welsh breakfast produce which is becoming a cornerstone of the Welsh food calendar.
“Food is a priority for the Welsh Government and we are supporting the industry to develop and move in positive new directions, embracing new technology and advancements in research and development to put Wales at the forefront of food production.
“Food production is an important part of the Welsh economy and Wales offers a variety of quality products and I hope all of our partners will support the Welsh Government’s drive to promote these, including encouraging our partners to procure local food wherever possible.”
HCC chairman Dai Davies thanked the deputy minister for launching HCC’s new DVD "Feeding the Future" which promotes careers in the red meat industry.
"This is a crucial year for farming, with CAP reform and changes to future RDP programmes on the way. But thankfully, in our deputy minister, we have a safe pair of hands in charge of food and farming here in Wales.
"He has worked hard not only here in Cardiff, but also in London and especially in Brussels where so many decisions that have a direct impact on the day to day life of ordinary farmers in Wales are taken.
"I hope that his approach to cut the best deal possible for farmers in Wales bears fruit."
From today breakfasts will also be held on a total of 10 farms in Caernarfonshire, Denbighshire and Flintshire and another at Bryncir livestock market’s cafe.
The Caernarfonshire breakfasts will be held on: Monday January 21 at Ty'n Hendre, Tal-y-bont, Bangor; Tuesday January 22 - Pant Eithinog, Penygroes; Wednesday January 23 - Glasfryn, Y Ffôr; Thursday January 24 - Bodwrdda, Aberdaron and Glyn Uchaf, Tynygroes, Conwy; Friday January 25 - Dylasau Uchaf, Padog and Caffi Anne's Cafe, Bryncir Mart.
Denbighshire breakfasts will be held on: Monday January 21 at Pontruffydd, Bodfari, Denbigh and at Ysgeibion Farm, Cyffylliog, Rhuthun and on Tuesday January 22 at Pen y Bryn, Maenan, Llanrwst.
The Flintshire breakfast will be held on Wednesday January 23 at Bach y Graig, Tremeirchion, St Asaph.
Anyone wishing to attend the farmhouse breakfasts should contact FUW's Caernarfonshire county office on 01286 672 541 or Denbigh and Flint county office on 01824 707 198.