A Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) is one of three European designations to promote and protect names of quality agricultural products and foods. The PGI covers agricultural products and foodstuffs closely linked to the geographical area. At least one of the stages of production, processing or preparation takes place in the area.
Beef and lamb from the region which is produced in accordance with the registered specification will be eligible to carry the PGI logo. It will be badged as West Country and promoted on the basis of its rearing environment, helping differentiate the product on the shelves.
In the context of the PGI, the West Country includes Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Dorset and Wiltshire.
To use the PGI, beef and lamb from the West Country must be produced in accordance with the relevant specification document, which can be found here.
Simply put, the animals need to have been born, reared and finished in one of the counties listed and fed a forage-based diet. They can, though, be slaughtered elsewhere.