An initiative to establish a Protected Geographical Indicator (PGI) for lemons has the full backing of producers in Spain.

Growers hope the 'Limon del Mediterraneo' will stave off competition from non-EU countries. It will cover production in Murcia, Malaga, Alicante and Almeria, as well as other EU producer countries.

Angel Garcia Lidon, managing director of Murcia's regional agricultural authority, commented: 'The idea is to encompass not only Spanish lemon production but also fruit grown in Italy and Greece. This will serve to highlight the superior taste and organoleptic quality of our lemons and help differentiate our product from fruit grown in third countries such as Morocco, Egypt and South Africa.' It is hoped the PGI will be in place for the 2004 season.

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