Defense and management organization
7th European Food Quality Forum: EU announces plan to support GIs
INAO took part in the VII European Forum on Food Quality on December 5 and 6 in Siena, Italy. Organized by the Fondazione Qualivita and OriGIn, the event brought together defense and management bodies from France, Europe and the world, as well as administrations, to discuss the future of geographical indications (GI: PDO and PGI) at European level.
Geographical indications are a major component of European agriculture. In fact, 3485 European products benefit from a PDO or PGI. The sector represents 80 billion euros in sales and contributes 16% of total EU agri-food exports. A green paper on the future of geographical indications was presented at the forum. It proposes some strategic priorities for the development of the GI system in the coming years. Annie Genevard, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Food Sovereignty, spoke at the event in support of this initiative, accompanied by the Italian Francesco Lollobrigida and Spanish ministers Luis Planas.
A European plan in favor of geographical indications
Through various presentations, participants confirmed the central role of geographical indications for economic development, territorial cohesion and the protection of Europe's agri-food heritage. Christophe Hansen, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, announced the launch of a European action plan for geographical indications from 2027.
"GIs are a pillar of European excellence, and we need to reinforce their value and recognition. The GI 2027 Action Plan could focus on supporting exports, improving the promotion and protection of GIs, as well as research and training, and raising consumer awareness of certifications. We are convinced that the most effective strategy is to work with producers, the real driving forces behind European GIs."
Further information
- Fondazione Qualivita website: https://www.qualivita.it/
- OriGIn website: https://www.origin-gi.com/fr/