Good news for potato growers in County Down, Northern Ireland – a potato grown there under the names “Comber Early” or “New Season Comber” has received Protected Geographical Indicator Status from the European Union. This means that only potatoes that are grown in selected fields around the village of Comber may use the name when marketing the produce.
Agriculture and rural development minister at the Stormont parliament, Michelle O’Neill, said, “New Season Combers/Comber Earlies are famed for being the earliest local potato to be harvested and for their unique characteristics,” she said. “We are justifiably proud of the quality of our locally produced food and it is encouraging to have our products recognised internationally. PGI registration is good news for the local economy and will help local growers to market New Season Combers domestically and further afield and protect against imitation. It will also build consumer confidence in this product by providing reassurance of its provenance.”
