According to news reports, Welsh growers are campaigning for Welsh leeks to be given a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in order to boost demand and reputation.
If successful, it would grant leeks grown in the principality the same legal protection as Cornish pasties, Stilton cheese and Melton Mowbray pork pies.
Matthew Thomas, of Pembrokeshire-based Puffin Produce told the press that, “Welsh leeks are different to other leeks grown in the UK, so we would like Welsh leeks to have the PGI to put Wales on the map and for our leeks to be seen in a positive manner.”
He added that Welsh leeks grow more slowly, have a stronger flavour and a ‘vibrant flag’ which is used in national dishes such as Welsh cawl. “The more things we have for our national identity – whether that be a daffodil or a leek – is very important and we need to protect the status. It is all part of our culture and history and the more we do the better it can be.,” he said.
Food historian Carwyn Graves told the BBC, “Leeks go back a lot longer than people would expect. Many countries have got plants symbolising them and some of those date back a few hundred years, but the Welsh leek may date back to the very first origins of Welsh nationhood.”
The move has also been backed by leek growers in other parts of the country. Lincolnshire grower and chairman of the British Leek Growers Association, Tim Casey added, “We are very happy for Welsh leeks to get the PGI status and for the national symbol of Wales to be celebrated in this way. Anything that increases demand for leeks is good for us.”
Glyn Roberts, president of the Farmers Union of Wales, said PGI status would further increase awareness of Welsh produce. “PGI status is more important now than it has been because we are in a global market and the food we produce in Wales is second to none,” he added.