(TDB) - The UK will introduce its own geographical indication (PGI) and protected designation of origin (PDO) schemes in event of no-deal Brexit, a government guidance note has revealed.

In a guidance note published earlier this week, Defra said the independent scheme would “broadly mirror the current EU regime and be no more burdensome to producers”, it said.

Protections will be similar to those currently enjoyed by UK GI producers, with all 86 given new UK GI status automatically.

However the UK would no longer be required to recognise EU GI status, thought EU producers would be able to apply for UK GI status. 

The note also allayed concerns over “all-island” Irish-made products: “After March 2019, irrespective of the outcome of negotiations, Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream and Irish Poteen, which are GIs that can be produced anywhere on the island of Ireland, will continue to be fully protected in the EU as well as the UK.”