Ayrshire Earlies have become the latest fresh produce item to apply for Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.
The application was lodged by Scottish grower group Girvan Early Growers and covers potatoes grown in the west Scottish region of Ayrshire, which are harvested from the beginning of May until the end of July, before the lifting of maincrop potatoes.
The latest date for sales of the PGI product to final consumers is the last day of July, according to the application.
Many Ayrshire Earlies are grown from an ‘Arran’ variety, as well as the Epicure variety. Other modern varieties may be used as Ayrshire New Potatoes / Ayrshire Earlies as well as traditional ones.
If successful, Ayrshire Earlies will join fellow protected name potatoes including Jersey Royals (PDO), Comber Earlies (PGI), and Pembrokeshire Earlies (PGI).
