PDO and PGI: Europe takes stock of the reform of geographical indications
Two years on from the revision of the legislation, EU Commissioner Hansen is launching a dialogue with producers’ organisations on the protection and promotion of quality labels
“Geographical indications are essential in helping consumers recognise and appreciate high-quality food, whilst enabling producers to promote their products more effectively. They play an important role in protecting traditional products that are closely linked to their geographical origin.” With these words, the European Commissioner for Agriculture today opened a discussion in Brussels with organisations and consortia safeguarding European PDO and PGI products, two years on from the reform of the system for protecting quality produce, in which Italia leads the way (not only) in terms of the number of designations. “I am looking forward to hearing today from stakeholders how the reform of GI policy has worked for them in practice over the last two years and – he added – to discussing how we can help resolve the practical challenges that still remain.” The main challenges concern, domestically, the proliferation of labels (with a few major PDOs accounting for the bulk of the total) and, externally, the challenge of reciprocity and protection in trade agreements.
The event brings together GI producers, civil society organisations, regional and public authorities, and other stakeholders to discuss the implementation of the legislative framework on geographical indications and possible ways of strengthening their competitiveness. The policy on geographical indications for agricultural products was updated two years ago. Today’s ‘dialogue’ will give participants the opportunity to take stock of the progress made since then and to exchange views on the practical issues that have arisen during implementation. In line with the Commission’s commitment to strengthening the EU’s competitiveness, participants will also discuss ways to increase the visibility and market recognition of geographical indications.
The implementation dialogues are high-level consultations launched by the Commission to improve the way in which European policies are put into practice, in close cooperation with the Member States and stakeholders. These dialogues form part of the Commission’s commitment to gathering feedback from society on the implementation and simplification of EU policies. As set out in the Commission’s Communication on Implementation and Simplification for the 2024–2029 term, all members of the College of Commissioners must organise these dialogues every year.
