Department of International Relations – Geographical Indications (GIs)

Department of International Relations – Why have Geographical Indications at all? 1) They are a protective tool: they protect the producer from counterfeiting and the consumer from fraud. 2) They are a marketing tool. 3) They are a rural development tool. 4) They are a tool for economic justice.

Department of International Relations – Why? 1) They protect both consumer and producer They add value to and protect a demanding and determined approach adopted by producers. They provide the consumer with more detailed information on the origin and quality of the product (provenance, process, verifications carried out). They ensure that the product is traceable.

Department of International Relations – Why? 2) Promotion and a passport for export GIs promote products by raising the market profile of notorious, unique and high-quality goods. GIs highlight the authentic image of a defined region or locality of origin. GIs are recognised internationally.

Department of International Relations – Why? 3) A different approach to production Maintenance and revitalisation of the local rural fabric. Added value for products made according to traditional practices. Promotion of the national agricultural heritage and preservation of cultural traditions. Encouragement of biodiversity.

Department of International Relations – Why? 4) A tool for economic justice Potential GI abundance spread equally between countries of North and South. Protection provided by governments at less cost for producers.

Department of International Relations – What exactly is a Geographical Indication (GI)? A GI is the name of a region or locality and designates a product which originates in that region or locality. The GI, linked as it is to traditional practices, enjoys a high reputation. A GI cannot be created – it can only be recognised. It confirms the value of products which already exist.

Department of International Relations – What are GIs? Intellectual property rights The GI is a specific, distinctive intellectual property right. It is an intellectual property right recognised in 150 countries (WTO TRIPS Agreement) It is a collective right of use.

Department of International Relations – The WTO TRIPS Agreement recognises on an equal footing Copyright and related rights. Trademarks. Geographical Indications. Industrial designs. Patents. Layout-Designs (Topographies) of Integrated Circuits

Department of International Relations – WTO definition of GIs ‘ Geographical indications are indications which identify a good as originating in the territory of a Member, or a region or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographical origin’

Department of International Relations – GIs differ from an indication of provenance An indication of provenance simply provides information on the country or region from which the product comes, But it does not indicate any link between the place of origin and the characteristics of that product.

Department of International Relations – GIs: increasingly used around the world China: Long Jin tea, Maotaï, Shaoxin yellow rice wine, Xuan Weï ham. Vietnam: Nuoc Mam fish sauce from Phu Quoc A huge potential : Thaï jasmine Hom Mali Rice, Darjeeling tea (India), coffees (Indonesia, Kenya, Central America,…)

Department of International Relations – GIs in Europe In the EU, Geographical Indications relate to processed and unprocessed agricultural products. Two concepts: Protected Designation of Origin and Protected Geographical Indication (for products other than wines and spirits). Geographical Indications are protected under EU regulations.

Department of International Relations – Examples of GIs in Europe A sparkling wine: Champagne (France) A fortified wine: Port (Portugal) A cheese: Parmigiano Reggiano (Italy) Confectionery: Jijona (Spain) A vegetable: Jersey Royal Potato (United Kingdom) A meat product: Ardennes ham (Belgium)

Department of International Relations – GIs in France

Department of International Relations – GIs in France A long tradition: wine GIs PDO: corresponds to the French Appellation d ’Origine Contrôlée PGI: agricultural quality labels and official compliance certification specifying geographical origin.

Department of International Relations – GIs in France AOCs, vins de pays, labels with geographical specification GIs in Europe PDOs, PGIs & wine GIs GIs at international level WTO TRIPS Agreement

Department of International Relations – The Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) An old French concept; Implies a strong link between product and region or locality of origin; Necessitates production, processing and finalisation of the product in a defined geographical area; Compliance verified by the public authorities.

Department of International Relations – Examples of French GIs Spirits: Cognac, Armagnac Wines: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Languedoc local wines Cheeses: Roquefort, Reblochon Meat products: Bayonne ham Plant products: Baux Valley olive oil, Camargue rice Craft products: Puy lace

Department of International Relations – GIs in France: major economic importance 120,000 agricultural holdings involved. Annual net sales of EUR 19 billion. The biggest positive foreign trade balance in the agrifood sector.

Department of International Relations – GIs: added value for producers - examples Added value in price terms: all cheeses covered by GIs - on average 2 euro more per kilo. Comté cheese: 10% more paid for milk to producers. Bresse chicken: sells at a price 4 times higher than ordinary chicken.

Department of International Relations – GIs: how? Setting up the system Frame legislation. Determined, collectively-based approach. Commitment on the part of groupings of sector professionals (producers and traders). Definition of mandatory product specifications. GIs verified and approved by the authorities.

Department of International Relations – GIs: who does what? Government: –supplies the legal framework, –approves GIs, –verifies compliance. Producer groupings: –talk to government, –commit to the required approach, –help define the mandatory specifications to be met.

Department of International Relations – How? Managing Geographical Indications Verification of the mandatory specifications and products by a third party. Verifications carried out throughout the supply chain. GI products identified by a text or logo.

Department of International Relations – Presentation realised by: –Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Rural Affairs: 78 rue de Varenne Paris 07 SP Tél. : With the participation of: –Association for the development of international exchanges of food and agricultural products and technologies (ADEPTA) 41 rue de Bourgogne Paris Tél. :