A revamp of EU geographical quality labels could see local production, farm shops and farmers' markets recognised as well as a speedier application process for growers.
The European Parliament endorsed a new regulation last week that would see protected designation of origin (PDO), protected geographical indication (PGI), and traditional speciality guaranteed (TSG) schemes benefit from simpler registration procedures to encourage producers to apply and cut the application processing time from 12 to just six months. The time allowed for raising objections will also be reduced.
The parliament ensured that any group or association of food producers will be able to take measures to protect and promote the authenticity and reputation of their products. However it stopped short of allowing them the right to establish a system to manage volume or protected products and so adjust supply and demand. Spanish MEP Iratxe García Pérez was rapporteur for the regulation. She said: “The debate on supply management will continue as part of the discussion on Common Agricultural Policy reform.”
Other elements of the regulation include producers applying for a TSG label who will now have to prove usage on a domestic market for 30 years, up from 25 years. This new TSG scheme will safeguard recipes as well as traditional production methods.
And a new label to enable mountain producers to promote the added value of their products better will be introduced when the legislation comes into force with labels for island produce, and a new scheme for local farming and direct sales likely to follow in a year’s time.
Examples of fresh produce benefiting from the schemes already are Jersey Royal potatoes, which have PDO status, while Valencia citrus and Armagh Bramley apples both hold PGI certification.
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