Latest news with #Geographical
Daily Record
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Recipe for the perfect Ayrshire new potatoes as fresh produce hits the shelves
Ayrshire New Potatoes, affectionately known as Ayrshire Earlies, have hit the shelves after coming back into season. Ayrshire foodies have been flocking to the supermarkets after the annual return of seasonal Ayrshire New Potatoes. Affectionately known as Ayrshire Earlies, the variety are Scotland's first potatoes of the year and are renowned for their distinctive "earthy, nutty and sweet flavour" with a "creamy yet firm" texture. Assigned Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, the Ayrshire Earlies are only grown by local farmers in the county's unique coastal soils. The Epicure breed of potatoes dates back to 1897 and it has become synonymous with Ayrshire potatoes for its unique flavour and frost resistance. To mark the launch of Ayrshire season, Scotty Brand are highlighting a traditional in a bid to showcase the best of these early potatoes. For the perfect Ayrshire New Potatoes Boil the whole potatoes for 15 minutes or until tender, drain and then throw them into a large bowl. Add a dollop of butter and sprinkle with salt - try Wee Knob of Butter's Truffle & Black Pepper alongside Blackthorn Scottish sea salt flakes for a uniquely Scottish flavour. Serve and enjoy the delicious simplicity of Ayrshire potatoes. Scotty Brand works closely with Drew Young from Girvan Early Growers to produce Ayrshire Potatoes. Drew Young is a generational farmer with both his sons now integrated into the family farm. A spokesperson for Scotty Brand said: "Scotty Brand, Scotland's trusted name in fresh, local produce, is delighted to announce the arrival of the much-anticipated Ayrshire season, marking the start of the Scottish potato harvest with its celebrated Ayrshire New Potatoes. "The region's mild climate, warmed by the Gulf Stream, and the use of seaweed fertilisers from local beaches, create the perfect growing conditions for these premium spuds. This coastal influence allows for earlier planting and harvesting, making Ayrshire New Potatoes available from May to July—a highlight of Scotland's food calendar. "At Scotty Brand, we believe that eating with the seasons is essential for taste, nutrition, and sustainability. "Scottish produce, grown in its natural season, is fresher, more flavourful, and has a lower environmental impact. Ayrshire New Potatoes are a perfect example of how seasonal eating connects us to Scotland's rich agricultural heritage and supports local farmers."
The Hindu
23-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
GI application filed for Balanagar Custard Apple
Balanagar Custard Apple, a custard apple variety that grows wild in three districts of Telangana, has been pitchforked for a Geographical Indications tag on Monday. A filing with the Geographical Indications Registry shows the application number 1569 filed on behalf of three farm-based organisations, including a farm produced company, an agriculture cooperative society, and horticulture university. 'We identified the uniqueness of the variety by analysing the micro and macro nutrients found in the custard apple that is grown in five mandals of Mahbubnagar, three mandals of Rangareddy and three mandals of Vikarabad. Because of the rocky terrain and weathering, the nutrient profile of the Balanagar custard apple is different,' said Saidaiah Pidigam of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University. The scientific documentation of the fruit's unique agro-morphological characteristics shows how its cultivation in a non-commercial manner in areas that are not irrigated marks it out. 'Irrigation and use of fertilizer makes the custard apple insipid. As the Balanagar variety grows in only rain-fed areas, its flavour profile is robust,' informed Saidaiah Pidigam. The application was filed by GI practitioner Subhajit Saha of Resolute4IP on behalf of Pomal Farmer Producer Company Limited, Balanagar Farmer Producer Company Limited, and The Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society, with funding support from NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development). 'The GI tag is expected to provide legal protection, strengthen brand identity, and open premium domestic and international market access for the Balanagar Custard Apple,' informed Mr. Saha.
Powys County Times
23-06-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Welsh Government urged to act on massive loss of abattoirs
WALES' diminishing local abattoir infrastructure has been highlighted to the Welsh Government. Several organisations, including the Farmers' Union of Wales have written to the Government raising the critical issue. The letter, addressed to Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, has been co-signed by eight organisations, including Nature Friendly Farming Network, North Wales Wildlife Trust, Pasture for Life, Plantlife Cymru, Rare Breeds Survival Trust, RSPB Cymru, the Sustainable Food Trust and the Farmers' Union of Wales. In 1990 there were 58 red meat abattoirs in Wales, whereas today there are just 15, with nine being small-medium, and five of these being classed as small. Even fewer are able to provide all of the services farmers need to sell directly to local consumers, such as butchering, packaging, processing small numbers of animals, multi-species animals, having organic certification, and the ability to deal with horned animals, or those 'over thirty months' (OTM). This issue puts Welsh farmers' ability to sell and distinguish their products from imports produced to lower environmental and animal welfare standards at risk. All co-signatures of the letter highlighted the role of grazing livestock for the management and enhancement of priority habitats across Wales, from peatlands to salt marshes, species-rich grasslands to heathlands, ffriddoedd and 'Celtic Woodlands'. Farmers' Union of Wales president Ian Rickman said: 'The FUW has been clear that if the Welsh Government wants to promote a 'circular economy' and ensure Welsh produce produced to high environmental standards can be marketed as such, then the abattoir infrastructure is an essential enabler. "The fact that Australian and New Zealand lamb imports have increased by 78 per cent, at the same time that farmers in Wales are struggling to sell their produce locally, makes no sense. "Such a situation undermines the efforts farmers are making to enhance biodiversity, nutritional value, and low carbon produce sold to Welsh consumers, as well as the integrity of Welsh Lamb and Beef's 'Protected Geographical Indication' status. Other issues facing abattoirs include 'animal by-products' which used to represent an income stream for abattoirs and contributed towards a circular economy, which are now an added cost due to disposal charges. Teleri Fielden, Farmers' Union of Wales policy officer added: 'Farmers in Wales are rightfully proud of our high animal welfare standards and the quality of life afforded to many grazing livestock. "While out of the farmers' control, short journeys to slaughter is part of this, as is access to casualty and emergency slaughter services. "However, there is only one slaughterhouse in Wales which has the 'contract' to receive BovineTB reactors, creating lengthy journeys and additional stress to both the animal and the farmer experiencing a bTB breakdown.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Proud day for artists: GI tag conferred on sitar and tanpura makers from Miraj
Kolhapur: Artisans from Sangli's Miraj, known for handcrafting traditional string instruments like sitar and tanpura were conferred the GI (Geographical Identification) tag on Friday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The ceremony, held in Vashi in Mumbai, brought together artisans, musicians, instrument makers, and representatives from music companies to celebrate the recognition. Geographical identification plays a vital role in safeguarding the interests of producers, consumers and the cultural heritage associated with unique regional products. It promotes authenticity, quality and economic growth while ensuring that traditional practices and knowledge are preserved for future generations. Miraj Musical Instrument Cluster was awarded the GI tag for Sitar, Soultune Musical Instrument Producer Company for Tanpura. The musicians, after the event, asserted that Miraj will be known across the world as music city exporting string instruments. Mohsin Mirajkar, Miraj Musical Instrument Cluster head, said: "Miraj city has a tradition of making string instruments since 1850. Miraj will get a different identity due to GI tags and it will be a boost for the city on the tourist map." "Nearly 25 families of hereditary sitar and tanpura makers continue to live in the Shaniwar Peth area of Miraj. Our sixth and seventh generation is now involved in crafting string instruments like tanpura, sitar, dilruba, sarangi, rudraveena, etc," he added. The recognition is a matter of pride for the certified GI tag holders. Mubin Mirajkar, Soultune Musical Instrument Producer Company chief, said: "The speciality of the wood and gourd and the quality achieved through modern craftsmanship have given the instruments global recognition, and now the GI tag." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Hupari Silver Craft under Chandi Karkhandar Association-Hupari (Kolhapur), Vasmat Haldi (Turmeric) under Hon Balasaheb Thackeray Haridra Research and training center, Nandurbar Amchur under AMU Aakha Ek Se Farmers Producer Company Limited, Nandurbar and Nandurbar Mirchi under Sewa Samiti, Nandurbar, Sawantwadi wooden craft under Sutar Samaj Hastkala Producer Company Limited, Sindhudurg were also conferred with Geographical Identification tag on Friday. Maharashtra state co-operation minister Babasaheb Patil was the chief guest of the event. Minister of state for cooperation Dr Pankaj Bhoyar, principal secretary (cooperation and marketing) Praveen Darade, co-operative commissioner and registrar of co-operative societies Deepak Taware, Nabard chief general manager Rashmi Darad were also present at the event.
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
GI tag sought for ‘Sivakasi Fireworks'
The century old fireworks industry in Sivakasi has now approached the Geographical Indications Registry seeking a tag. An application was filed by the Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers Association (TANFAMA) for 'Sivakasi Fireworks' under manufactured goods category. This particular application was filed by Advocate & IPR Attorney, P. Suganthi. Fireworks are made at factories and small cottages in villages across Sivakasi, Vemkottai, Virudhunagar, Sattur, Srivilliputhur and in some areas of Kovilpatti region. In India over 80% of fireworks are manufactured in this region. Its market size is about ₹6,000 crore which is growing annually at 10%. Sivakasi, as a dry region, has a climate that is ideal for firework manufacturing. 'There are many illegal units operating in and around Sivakasi as well as in other parts of India. Since we are the pioneers of this industry, we are seeking a geographical indication tag. Obtaining a GI tag will also help us get monetary support and we can start exports from here,' said a member of TANFAMA. IPR Attorney Gandhi said: 'Obtaining a GI tag for Sivakasi Fireworks will help curb duplicate crackers in the market.' Due to the illegal units, this industry witnessed a series of accidents such as explosions and fires that cause injuries and death over the years. According to details in the filing, Sivakasi fireworks are used in armed forces training. Some airports utilize Sivakasi rocket to repel birds to prevent bird strikes. Historical records show that when this industry commenced there were three companies – National fireworks (which made 1,000 round chain cracker), Kaliswari fireworks (made fire pots) and Standard fireworks (made Lakshmi bomb). Post independence, the growth was explosive. From three factories in 1942 the numbers went to 189 by the year 1980, with employment numbers jumping from 800 to over 75,000. By 2001, Sivakasi was home to over 450 factories and its market size was ₹.2,500 crore. Currently, there are over 1,000 units in this region. 'The next generation is currently reluctant to return and take over the fireworks business. Additionally, the industry is grappling with various challenges, including concerns about pollution. So, we are hopeful obtaining a tag will help us in some way,' another manufacturer in this region said.
