Kvitsøylam Granted Protected Geographical Designation!

Kvitsøylam has officially been granted Protected Geographical Designation status. This prestigious recognition acknowledges the quality and tradition of sheep farming on Kvitsøy and provides the product with exclusive market protection.

A Milestone for Kvitsøylam

The Protected Geographical Designation status means that Kvitsøylam now has the same legal protection in Norway as PGI products in the EU. This designation ensures official recognition of the product’s geographical origin and guarantees that only lamb meeting the defined quality criteria can carry the Kvitsøylam name.

Kvitsøylam is known for its unique flavor, shaped by the island’s coastal grazing pastures and distinctive vegetation. Grass infused with salt, seaweed, and kelp contributes to tender and mild lamb meat, which has been highly valued for generations.

A Rigorous Process
The road to Protected Geographical Designation is a demanding process where producers have worked systematically to document the product’s unique characteristics and traditional origins.

This work has been carried out in close collaboration with Stiftelsen Norsk Mat. Sigve Skretting from TEAL has led the efforts, providing guidance, access to a food industry network, and handling the application process.

 

The designation was officially marked at the Agriculture Conference in Rogaland on March 17, where Kvitsøylam and TEAL were present to celebrate this milestone. County Governor Bent Høie presented the official plaque confirming Kvitsøylam’s newly achieved protected status.

A Significant Step for Local Food Production
Kvitsøylam is now the second product from Rogaland to achieve Protected Geographical Designation, following Fjellam frå Ryfylke, a process in which TEAL also played a key role. To receive this designation, strict requirements must be met regarding grazing practices, slaughter weight, and meat quality, ensuring that these products maintain high standards and remain truly unique.

There is growing interest in obtaining more such designations in Rogaland. The region boasts several products with strong traditions and distinctive qualities that could benefit from similar protection. Such schemes not only serve as recognition but also play a crucial role in ensuring quality, preserving traditions, and strengthening local food production.

We congratulate Kvitsøylam and its producers on this well-deserved recognition and exclusive status!

Flere nyheter