GIs toolbox

Bibliography

Guerrieri F., Governing governance: Collective action and rulemaking in EU agricultural and non-agricultural geographical indications (2023)

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Geographical Indications (‘GIs’) designate a product whose reputation, characteristics and quality are essentially due to their geographical origin. They are identifiers of ‘origin products’, immersed in a specific local natural and socio-cultural ecosystem. Local tangible and intangible assets and the associated reputation are nurtured over time, but they are also [...]

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Geographical Indications (‘GIs’) designate a product whose reputation, characteristics and quality are essentially due to their geographical origin. They are identifiers of ‘origin products’, immersed in a specific local natural and socio-cultural ecosystem. Local tangible and intangible assets and the associated reputation are nurtured over time, but they are also vulnerable to erosion. GIs encourage stakeholders to codify arrangements (product specifications) as a response to this problem.
The importance of collective action issues in GIs has been demonstrated by interdisciplinary scholarship. However, it is mostly considered extraneous in the legal discourse and in policy prescriptions at the European level. Through a transdisciplinary approach this work combines comparative legal and case study analyses, illustrating the diversity of the protection and valorisation strategies of French and Italian agricultural and non-agricultural origin products.
Inspired by the theory and diagnostic frameworks of Elinor Ostrom’s and colleagues for analysing human cooperation for the sustainable governance of tangible and intangible commons, it explores the potential of the conceptual proximity between GIs and the commons reframing key aspects of GI legal theory and embracing the collective action perspective. The analysis of how actors’ interactions in rulemaking for product specification design affects the outcomes, reveals that the interpretation and implementation of national legal rules at the pre-registration and registration phases are not harmonised in Europe. Empirically grounded findings flag legally relevant collective action issues in GI settings and support suggestions for coherent policy transitions, measuring implementation feasibility and avoiding panaceas.

Habli, K.; Dumitras, D.E.; Schmitt, E.; Maglietti Smith, I.; Barjolle, D. Circular Economy in Mountain Value Chains: The Case of Three PDO Cheeses. Foods 2023, 12, 3954 (2023)

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The circular economy (CE) has shown promise for achieving several of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, replacing the linear system and reducing negative impacts on the environment. This research aims to assess the effective adoption of CE principles in three cheeses with geographical indication (GI) through an analysis of [...]

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The circular economy (CE) has shown promise for achieving several of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, replacing the linear system and reducing negative impacts on the environment. This research aims to assess the effective adoption of CE principles in three cheeses with geographical indication (GI) through an analysis of the practices identified in their respective value chains. Qualitative interviews show the persistence of historical practices that preserve the heritage behind the product, maintain autonomy in relation to external inputs and save energy or make intelligent use of by-products. Radical adoption of CE principles requires innovation to reduce the use of new inputs and greenhouse gas emissions. GI food products are generally not constrained by standards beyond those set by law, but their specifications can be modified, while respecting practices consistent with the link to the terroir. However, the remoteness of small businesses in deep rural areas, far from research centers, is slowing down the transfer of knowledge and the adoption of the latest technologies, particularly in mountainous areas. More participatory research and innovative initiatives are needed to ensure the transition to a circular economy for traditional mountain products, which are strongly linked to local culinary traditions and cultural identity.

Depeyrot, Jean-Noël & Midler, Estelle & Sengel, Salomé. (2023). Performances of dairy farms under geographical indications. (2023)

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The aim of geographical indications is to ensure better remuneration of the farmers committed to the corresponding specifications, through market differentiation resulting from better consumer information. For several years, it has been envisaged to mobilize them for the agro-ecological transition. However, their performance remains little studied. This note analyzes the [...]

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The aim of geographical indications is to ensure better remuneration of the farmers committed to the corresponding specifications, through market differentiation resulting from better consumer information. For several years, it has been envisaged to mobilize them for the agro-ecological transition. However, their performance remains little studied. This note analyzes the performances of dairy farms under geographical indications on three axes: economic, environmental and animal welfare.

FAO, Promoting sustainability through the registration of geographical indications – Guidelines for public authorities to examine applications. Rome (2023)

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It aims to provide guidance for public authorities in examining requests for the registration of geographical indications while advocating for public institutions to support the creation of enabling environments for GIs to contribute the development of sustainable food systems.

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It aims to provide guidance for public authorities in examining requests for the registration of geographical indications while advocating for public institutions to support the creation of enabling environments for GIs to contribute the development of sustainable food systems.

FAO, Using geographical indications to improve sustainability – Lessons learned from 15 years of FAO work on geographical indications. Rome, 2023 (2023)

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It presents best practices and lessons learned drawn from the implementation of a comprehensive approach to GIs for over 10 years. The policy guidance provided through the brief highlights the importance of endogenous interventions that put local producers at the centre of geographical indications processes, as well as the need for [...]

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It presents best practices and lessons learned drawn from the implementation of a comprehensive approach to GIs for over 10 years. The policy guidance provided through the brief highlights the importance of endogenous interventions that put local producers at the centre of geographical indications processes, as well as the need for public institutions to play a key role in the implementation of geographical indications approaches.