THE MP for Mid-Worcestershire Nigel Huddleston has offered an official invitation to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to attend this year's British Asparagus Festival.

The event, taking place in the Vale of Evesham, began on April 23 to mark the start of asparagus season and events continue until June 21, including the annual 5k run, which Mr Huddleston plans to attend.

In the House of Commons recently Mr Huddleston extended the invitation to Michael Gove to attend.

Mr Huddleston told Michael Gove MP that Vale of Evesham asparagus is the only asparagus with EU protected geographical indication (PGI) status, and is just one of six UK fruit and vegetables to have a protected food name.

The Secretary of State thanked Mr Huddleston for raising awareness of the work that asparagus growers do to boost Britain’s agricultural exports, generating over £3.2 million. Mr Gove also promised to share some Vale of Evesham asparagus with Mr Huddleston at the earliest opportunity.

This response comes in addition to the assurances given to Mr Huddleston by the Government last year that it will ensure Vale of Evesham asparagus retains its PGI status post-Brexit.

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