Native Shetland wool is to receive protected status under a European Union scheme that already helps producers of Shetland lamb, Cornish clotted cream and blue stilton cheese, it was announced today.
It is the first time in the UK that a non food or drink product has gained Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) accreditation, which means sellers must provide proof of provenance and breed. The “Native Shetland Wool” designation, due to come into force on Monday 28th November, will give a guarantee to customers that they are buying the genuine, premium product from Shetland.