27 May 2021 Online

Geographical indications for a territorial approach to the SDGs

In the context of the Food Systems Summit to be held in New York in September this year, CIRAD and FAO are organising an independent consultation on 27 May 2021, on the role played in these systems by geographical indications as a territorial approach to the SDGs.

A geographical indication label has benefits of a social, economic, dietary and identity nature, among others.

A geographical indication identifies products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to this origin. These qualities are the result of local natural and human factors. They are based on the knowledge, practices and traditions developed collectively by localised producers over time, and passed down from generation to generation. Geographical indications thus represent a public good.

Moreover, indicating the origin of a high-quality product adds value to that product. Placing social, cultural and environmental considerations at the heart of the value chain, these indications thus represent a sustainable development path for rural communities.

On 27 May 2021, ahead of the United Nations Food Systems Summit to be held in September, CIRAD and FAO are organising an independent consultation between scientists, experts, sector professionals and institutional partners.

Based on experiments and examples of geographical indications from all over the world, the participants will gather valuable information and significant recommendations for more equitable and sustainable food systems.

Four discussion topics will structure the dialogue, illustrating the many benefits of geographical indications:

  • Providing access to markets and promoting fair and equitable value chains to give local producers more power
  • Ensuring quality management, traceability and consumer protection
  • Protecting local natural heritage, the environment and biodiversity
  • Promoting cultural identity and guaranteeing the diversity of products and diets

The dialogue is organised with the support of OriGIn and the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI Suisse).