EU Certificates of Origin and Geographical Indications

EU Certificates of Origin

• European Union has established schemes recognizing typical products from specific regions, both fresh and processed agricultural.
• Registration of products allows identification as either an "indication" or a "denomination" (denomination meaning "name").

Identity and Culture

• Recognition by the EU signifies that the product is integral to the cultural heritage and identity of the locality.
• Example: The Maltese ftira recognized by UNESCO in 2020 as a "World Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity."
• Similar product examples include orange varieties from Sicily.

Aims of EU Quality Schemes

• EU strives to protect names of products highlighting unique characteristics linked to geographical origin and traditional knowledge.

Traditional Products

• Importance of maintaining traditional methods: e.g., a painting from 1762 depicts qagħaq tal-għasel (honey rings).

Geographical Indications (GIs)

• Types of certification include:
  • Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
  • Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
  • Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG)

PDO (Protected Designation of Origin)

• PDO indicates strong ties with localities. All stages of production must occur in the specified region.
• Example: Capocollo di Calabria produced exclusively in Calabria from locally raised pigs.
• Other PDO examples: honey from the Islands of Sicily, notable for its distinctive qualities.

PGI (Protected Geographical Indication)

• Emphasizes a connection with locality but allows at least one production stage outside the locality.
• Example: Mortadella Bologna is produced in multiple regions including Emilia Romagna and Lombardia, with historical roots in Bologna.

Possible PGI Maltese Products

• Maltese bread and ftira could qualify for PGI due to the grains not being grown in Malta.
• Results in similar products being labeled incorrectly as Maltese when produced elsewhere, such as in Sicily.

TSG (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed)

• Focuses on traditional nature; majority of ingredients may not be local, yet methods define the tradition.
• Examples: Pizza from Naples, Mozzarella, and authentic Amatriciana use unique methods that link them to their origins.

Statistics on EU Certification

• As of April 2021, there were 1,493 products certified in the EU, including:
  • 647 PDO
  • 736 PGI
  • 54 TSG
• Country breakdown:
  • Italy: 313 certified
    detailed breakdown: 171 PDO, 139 PGI, 3 TSG.
  • France: 259 certified in total (113 PDO, 145 PGI, 1 TSG).
  • Spain: 203 certified (110 PDO, 89 PGI, 4 TSG).

Conclusion

• European certifications aim to enhance quality, protect heritage, and promote local agricultural products through legal recognition and protection of traditional products.