Champagne,
Colombian Coffee, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Rioja wine, Darjeeling tea and
Tequila are products that are deeply rooted in a given geographical and
cultural environment. The unique quality and characteristics of such products
depend fundamentally on their geographical origin by virtue of natural factors
such as: climate, soil composition, environment, as well as traditional
production techniques and know-how. They are the so-called Geographical
Indications (GIs).
GIs have been recognized by
policy makers in both developed and developing countries as a potential
mechanism to assist (primarily) the agricultural sector by reducing supply
competition for traditional products while raising their quality. As part of a
grant project (SAMCERT - Strengthening Smallholders’ Access to Markets for Certified Sustainable
Products), IFAD is currently implementing a pilot initiative to support the
establishment of three GIs (for cocoa, coffee, and pepper) in Sao Tome and
Principe (STP). The objective is to strengthen market access for IFAD targeted
producers, facilitating the development of a “trade approach” for STP
agricultural products and ensuring that they are not commercialized as
undifferentiated commodities, but as goods that are linked to a well-defined
geographical and cultural area.
A
delegation from STP visited IFAD on 25 and 26 March 2015. During the first day,
a workshop was held at IFAD headquarters to share the experience in setting up
GIs for cocoa, coffee and pepper. IFAD’s country programme manager for STP, Mr
Andrea Serpagli, started by highlighting the fact that this is IFAD’s first
experience with setting up a GI. Mr Michele Maccari, SAMCERT coordinator,
presented the approach the project followed in establishing a GI. Emphasis has
been put on three areas of work: communication, technical assistance and policy
dialogue. Working in a participatory manner has proven to be key. Ms Ester Olivas Caceres, GI Senior Lawyer
Specialist, gave an overview of what GIs are and the different steps that have
been taken to set up a GI in STP, after which Ms Antonia Dos Santos Neto, GI consultant,
talked about the achievements and challenges encountered so far. Reaching
common understanding amongst the involved communities has required a lot of
time and effort. Finally, a representative of the “Consorzio del Parmigiano
Reggiano”, a well-established Italian GI, talked about the challenges of
effectively managing a GI, the long-term benefits for those directly involved
and its impact on the territory it refers to.
On 26
March, the delegation visited the territories of Sabina, between Rome and
Rieti, where Sabina Protected Designation
of Origin (PDO) olive oil is produced. Discussions were held with the
Consortium that is dedicated to the protection of PDO Sabina oil and
supervision of the proper use of the PDO. The consortium is responsible for monitoring
compliance with the product specification, ensuring the quality and
authenticity of the product Sabina PDO and protecting, enhancing and promoting
Sabina PDO olive oil through conferences, studies, participation in exhibitions,
fairs and tastings. During this encounter open discussions were held on the
opportunities and challenges in setting up a GI. Moreover, a possible future
collaboration between the consortium and cocoa cooperatives in STP was
discussed. To be continued!
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