The European Commission today [Friday] presented a proposal to improve protection for geographical indications and designations of origin for unique agricultural products and foodstuffs which are eligible because of the place they come from and the traditional way they are produced.


“Prosciutto di Parma, “Roquefort” cheese or “Bayrisches Bier” two examples of these products. By giving all WTO members the right to object to registration of these geographical names, the proposal would improve the recognition on international markets. The Commission further proposes to add wine vinegar to and withdraw mineral water from the list of products eligible for protection.


Welcoming the proposal, Franz Fischler, Commissioner for Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development said “The EU produces a range of high-quality and speciality foodstuffs. Better protecting their geographical indication from pirating or unfair competition will not only help to better inform consumers world-wide. It will also encourage producers, who can be safe in the knowledge that their produce receives its legitimate world-wide recognition.”


To find out more, click here.


To see a list of protected products, click here.

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