Published Wednesday, 25 January 2012
The humble spud is Northern Ireland's second product to be registered and joins the likes of delicacies such as the Lough Neagh Eel, Champagne, Parma Ham and Feta Cheese.
It means crops harvested from the fields of Comber and the surrounding area are given legal protection against imitation throughout the EU.
No other product can be sold as 'New Season Comber Potatoes' or 'Comber Earlies'.
Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill has welcomed the announcement.
"New Season Combers/Comber Earlies are famed throughout the north or Ireland for being the earliest local potato to be harvested and for their unique characteristics," the Sinn Féin minister said.
"We are justifiably proud of the quality of our locally produced food and it is encouraging to have our products recognised internationally.
"PGI registration is good news for the local economy and will help local growers to market New Season Combers domestically and further afield and protect against imitation. It will also build consumer confidence in this product by providing reassurance of its provenance."
PGI legislation came into force in 1993 and provides for a system for the protection of food names on a geographical or traditional recipe basis.
The scheme highlights regional and traditional foods whose authenticity and origin can be guaranteed.
Angus Wilson, of the NI Potato Stakeholders Forum, called it a "real achievement" for local farmers to have secured protected status.
He said: "This EC recognition will allow the industry to market Comber Earlies with renewed confidence, particularly in the domestic market, and may also encourage some producers to seek to develop markets further afield.
"It is a real testament to New Season Combers that within an island known for potatoes, they can be identified as having unique characteristics."