UK’s Jersey breeders welcome Defra decision
16/11/2010

On 16th November Defra announced that it has rejected the application from the Jersey Milk Marketing Board to register Jersey Butter with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).

A successful application would have resulted in all butter described as Jersey butter, throughout the entire EU, having to be produced on Jersey Island. Putting that prospect in to perspective, the Island’s dairy industry has just over 20 farmers with less than three per cent of total EU Jersey cow numbers.

“We are relieved by the decision,” says Roger Trewhella, chairman of the Jersey & Guernsey Forum. “In countering the application, UK Jersey breeders and processors have had the support of breeders and organisations from across the world, including the World Jersey Cattle Bureau, itself domiciled on the Island.”

Defra’s announcement runs to 27 pages, clearly indicating how thorough it has been in its assessment.

Roger Trewhella adds: “We trust that the Jersey MMB, and those supporting them, will reflect on the damage any PDO restrictions would cause to the Jersey breed. There are other ways of enhancing the image and reputation of dairy products from Jersey cattle, that would fuel the growth of the breed in Europe and worldwide. We will welcome Jersey MMB’s contribution to such activities and sincerely hope that Island farmers will assist us in moving in this direction.”