What is West Country PGI Beef?

As butchr. is based in the very heart of the West Country it makes logical sense that we should source from within our geographical area, it also helps that due to it’s location with the sea air washing the grass from all sides, some of the finest meat in the world is produced here.

The West Country Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for beef and lamb is a designation that recognizes the unique quality and characteristics of beef and lamb that are reared in the West Country region of England. This area includes the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Wiltshire. The PGI status is a form of intellectual property protection under European Union (EU) law, designed to protect and promote traditional and regional food products of specific quality, reputation, or other characteristics attributable to their geographical origin.

To qualify for the West Country PGI, beef and lamb must be born, raised, and finished in the designated area and fed on a diet that includes at least 70% grass and forage. This requirement ensures that the meat’s quality is directly linked to the specific environmental conditions and farming practices of the West Country, which are known to produce particularly flavorful and tender meat due to the region’s lush, grassy landscapes.

The PGI status not only helps consumers identify and trust the origin and quality of the products they are buying but also supports local farmers and economies by promoting the region’s agricultural heritage. It provides a way for producers in the West Country to differentiate their products in a crowded marketplace, potentially enabling them to command higher prices for their high-quality, regionally distinct beef and lamb.