East Midlands MEP emphasises importance of regional food

East Midlands Conservative MEP Emma McClarkin has today welcomed a new report on gastronomy, emphasising the importance of regional food and produce, which she helped to amend.

The report examines the policies of EU Member States with regard to the cultural and educational aspects of gastronomy. The report examines the importance of gastronomy as a form of artistic and cultural expression, as well as dealing with gastronomy as an element of tourism policy, given that eating out is often an essential part of a holiday or trip.

Amongst other things, the report emphasises the need to create awareness of the diversity and quality of the regional food and products that are the basis of Europe’s gastronomy.

Miss McClarkin said:

“I’m very proud of our region’s gastronomic heritage. The East Midlands has many delicious dishes, for example the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie, Stilton Cheese and the Lincolnshire Sausage, as well as many ingredients exported across Europe and the world by our farmers and food producers.

“The amendments I put forward stressed that gastronomy is important in promoting the hospitality sector of local economies, as well being a strong cultural export for the EU and individual Member States.

“We also shouldn’t forget that gastronomy has a particularly high value when it comes to tourism and jobs. I highlighted the important trade element of selling our local and regional ingredients and produce to other EU countries, as well as to countries outside the EU.”