Policy Insights - EU quality policy for the benefit of farmers and consumers

Food and drink producers may ask for their product's name to be protected under the EU system of quality schemes for geographical indications (GI)/traditional specialities guaranteed (TSG). Geographical indications protect the names of products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities and reputations that are due to that origin, while TSGs highlight the traditional aspects, such as the way the product is made or its composition, without being linked to a specific geographical area.

More than 3 500 products are now protected by the GI system. Together, their diversity succeeds in improving consumer choices as well as providing positive impacts on profits along their quality-checked value chains - including economic, social and environmental benefits for producers. What’s more, geographical indications are integral to the EU’s policy on intellectual property and they may support international trade negotiations. They can protect local value at global level, prevent fraudulent use of protected product names, and preserve the reputation of quality EU agri-food and drink products.

CAP funding can be used by farmers and food enterprises to support the development, marketing and promotion of products under the quality schemes. The article offers insights about recent and upcoming policy development and ends with a focus on communication, including videos that have been used to showcase GIs as well as podcasts that raise awareness about the GI policy and its developments - such as European Commission’s Food for Europe podcast series that showcased GIs' value throughout the EU food system and GIs seasonal relevance.