BREAKING NEWS: This Just Leeked

It has been a difficult leek for Wales, losing to Iran last week and to its English neighbours, which has seen them knocked out of their first World Cup in 64 years. However, it is not all doom and gloom. The Welsh leek has been a national symbol for Wales, for centuries. It is believed that the patron saint of Wales, St David, told Welsh soldiers who were fighting the Saxons in similar armour, to wear a leek on their helmets so one another could tell friend from foe.

Finally, the Welsh leek is the third Welsh produce to be granted protection by the UK GI scheme. The UK GI scheme guarantees a product’s characteristics or reputation, authenticity and origin. It protects the product name from misuse or imitation. Other forms of British produce which are protected are Scotch Whisky and Cornish clotted cream.

Puffin Produce CEO, Huw Thomas said, “’The leek is an iconic emblem of Wales – we are incredibly proud to be able to grow Welsh Leeks and the GI status is hugely important to promote the quality and heritage behind this majestic crop”.

Lesley Griffiths, the Minister of Rural Affairs also said: ”This is great news today and I congratulate all those involved in gaining this prestigious award for Welsh Leeks. Leeks are a historic symbol of Wales, known across the world, and I’m very pleased to see this product gain the recognition and prestige it deserves.”

Now the Welsh leek has its recognition, we wait patiently for the Daffodil to take its rightful place alongside.

Written by Tom Staveley – Solicitor