More than 200 stakeholders from across the European Union gathered in Brussels on June 25–26, 2025, to discuss the future of Geographical Indications (GIs)—a cornerstone of Europe’s food and agricultural identity.
Organized within the framework of the GI SMART project by oriGIn EU, EFOW, and AREPO, the high-level conference brought together producers, EU and national policymakers, regional authorities, and researchers committed to strengthening the GI system.
A Shared European Identity
European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, opened the conference by underscoring the significance of GIs in preserving Europe’s cultural and agricultural heritage. He noted that for over 30 years, the GI system has offered not just economic advantages to producers and rural communities but also contributed to safeguarding European identity. Hansen encouraged collaboration, innovation, and alliance-building to ensure that GIs remain relevant and internationally recognized.
A Polish Perspective on Priorities
Representing the Polish Presidency of the EU Council, Deputy Agriculture Minister Adam Nowak emphasized the role of GIs in supporting food security, sustainability, and rural development. He stressed that GI products help stabilize farmers' incomes, promote job creation, and foster the responsible use of natural resources. For Nowak, GIs symbolize the quality and tradition at the heart of the European agri-food sector.
Addressing the Challenges
Throughout the sessions, participants raised pressing concerns:
- Regional disparities in accessing GI status due to unequal resources.
- Legal and practical obstacles related to enforcement, especially in third countries and online markets.
- Limited consumer awareness about the meaning and value of GIs.
- Insufficient support for small-scale and young producers.
A recurring theme was the need to embed climate adaptation into the GI system and better integrate GIs into wine tourism and regional development strategies.
A Call for Innovation and Inclusion
Charles Deparis, President of oriGIn EU, highlighted the holistic benefits of GIs—economic, environmental, and cultural. However, he stressed the need for more effective legal protection and broader inclusion of producers, alongside greater consumer education.
Alessandro Beduschi, President of AREPO, reaffirmed the strategic role of regions and unveiled a new European survey that will monitor the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 on GIs. The survey, part of the GI SMART project, will collect insights to guide future legislative development. A new community platform was also launched to support continued stakeholder collaboration.
Building the Future Policy Framework
EFOW President Riccardo Ricci Curbastro closed the event with a powerful message: a resilient and well-funded GI policy is vital for safeguarding European food autonomy amid growing global challenges. He urged the European Commission to accelerate the release of the announced Action Plan on GIs and advocated for their central role in the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). According to Ricci Curbastro, 2026 must mark the concrete implementation of this strategy—developed in partnership with producers and stakeholders across Europe.
Source: Vinetur