WOULD YOU CLASS the Boxty – the popular potato based savoury pancake to be on par with French champagne or Italy’s Parma Ham?

This very question is up for debate tonight at a public meeting in Cavan this evening.

The meeting is being organised by Independent MEP Marian Harkin in response to approaches by artisan producers in Cavan and surrounding counties who have voiced interest in securing it EU ‘Protected Geographical Indication’ (PGI) status.

You may giggle, but it’s not inconceivable as the European Commission awarded the terms “Waterford Blaa” and “Blaa” a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).

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The campaign to have Blaas – a floury bap – protected took nearly two years, but they were successful last November.

Boxty could be the latest Irish specialty to join a long list on the Database of Origin and Registration, the European database of protected produce, which includes Clare Island Salmon, Irish Salmon, Connemara Hill lamb, Timoleague Brown Pudding Pudding and Imokilly Regato.

Food consultant Muiris Kennedy, who advised the Waterford ‘Blaa’ producers in securing the valuable EU ‘Protected Geographical Indication’ (PGI) status for their bread product, will lead discussion at tonight’s debate.

“This meeting will afford an opportunity to examine how small producers may group together in their common interest and ensure the best possible outcome from the new Artisan Food Co-operation Scheme. The discussion will also ensure that the producers of ‘Boxty’ are fully informed on the steps necessary to secure PGI status for that regionally produced food product”, Marian Harkin MEP concluded.

The public meeting will be held in the Cavan Crystal Hotel tonight at 7.30pm.

Related: The “Waterford blaa” is now a protected term>