South Africa: Geographical Indications, a workshop from Italy
Cape Town - The Embassy of Italy in South Africa, in collaboration with the European Union Delegation in South Africa, Wesgro (Cape Town and the Western Cape province's tourism, trade and investment promotion agency) and the South African Department of Trade and Industry, on Monday hosted a workshop on the Protection and Promotion of Geographical Indications (GI).
The aim of the workshop was to create awareness of the benefits that can be derived from an effective protection and use of GIs in both South Africa and the EU for the development of small-scale, local and rural economies, especially in the agro-food sector, and for enhancing export opportunities and boosting international trade flows. A GI is a sign or a name used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, characteristics or a reputation that are exclusively or essentially due to its geographical location. GIs can be divided into two main categories covering agricultural products (food stuffs, wines, spirits) and non-agricultural products (industrial products). GI protection is necessary to ensure that local producers receive the benefits associated with their product quality. They are also intended to protect consumers against misrepresentation of the actual origin of a product.The EU has a long history of GI protection dating back to the 19th century.
South Africa does not have a history of protecting GIs and does not have specific legislation regulating the use of GIs. But under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union and the Southern African Development Community which came into effect in October 2016, the EU agreed to protect 105 GI names from South Africa. These include 102 wines that are closely aligned to the reistered wines of origin in South Africa plus three non-wine agricultural products - Karoo meat of origin, Rooibos and Honeybush teas. In the protocol, South Africa also committed to protect 251 GI names from the EU. These include well-known GIs such as "Feta" from Greece, "Aceto Belsamico di Modena" from Italy and "Roquefort" from France. Pier Giovanni Donnici, ambassador of Italy, said South Africa and Italy - both exporters of agri-food products renowned for their quality and tradition - stand to benefit equally from the promotion and strengthening of the GI system."GIs play a role in protecting consumers, boost our economies, perpetuate local culture, protect and imrove knowledge and prevent our products from being imitated," said Donnici.
Tim Harris, Wesgro CEO said, "Harnessing the value of GI systems can have significant benefits for rural development in the Cape and South Africa. GIs add value to products and promote the origin and heritage of the products. South Africa abounds with unique and high quality agricultural and traditional products that evoke the rich heritage of our country's diverse regions.
"GI systems are a way in which to capture the emotions, natural attributes and unique production methods that make our products special. GIs can bring value to a region, not only by generating jobs and additional income for producers, but also by promoting the region as a whole and stimulating tourism, wine tourism, and gastronomy."The workshop - which explored the international regulatory framework and enforcement of GIs, its contribution to economic growth and rural development, and ways to develop strategies to add value and promote GIs - included discussions led by Elio De Tullio, an expert from the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forrestry; Professor Filippo Arfini from Parma University; and Christina Miranda Gozalves, agriculture and rural development, EU.