The famous Pembrokeshire early potato is in danger of losing its Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status post-Brexit.

In 2013, the Pembrokeshire early potato joined the elite ranks of champagne and Parma ham when it was awarded PGI status by the European Commission.

Only potatoes originating in the county can be called a Pembrokeshire early potato.

But doubt has been raised over whether this branding can be applied to food produced in a non-European Union country.

At the recent Royal Welsh Show, Ruth Mason, NFU chief food chain adviser, said how PGI products would fit into the European Union framework for food products was unclear.

“We need to ensure that all the hard work that has gone into achieving PGI status is not lost after we leave the EU,’’ she told farmers at the NFU Cymru seminar.

It is possible for non-EU products to achieve PGI status, but equivalent protection will need to be passed into UK law before Brexit to ensure a smooth transition.

Pembrokeshire-produced lamb and beef also risks losing its PGI price premium post-Brexit.

It is estimated that for Welsh lamb, having PGI status provides the farmer with a premium of £1.70 a kilo above other types of lamb and is worth an extra £1m a year to the industry.

Welsh beef was awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status by the European Commission in November 2002 and Welsh lamb in July 2003.

PGI branding has helped to boost sales of Pembrokeshire-grown potatoes and exports of Welsh lamb and beef.

With uncertainty over future trade deals and the threat of tariffs, supply to the domestic market will have added significance going forward.

NFU Cymru’s livestock board chairman, Wyn Evans, told the seminar: “Retailers are going to be very important in the next few years, domestic consumption is going to be paramount.’’

He called on retailers to provide a “clear and transparent’’ commitment to sourcing UK products and dedicated shelf space for those.

But farmers must do their bit too, warned John Dracup, red meat procurement director at 2 Sisters.

“We need to ensure that the product delivers on the plate for the consumer every time,’’ he said.