This is the position of Greece as expressed by its Trade Commissioner in Australia, Ms Katia Gkikiza, who spoke to The Greek Language Program of SBS Radio.
“There is a lot of publicity currently in Australian media for companies producing European products in question. This is a small subcategory of Australian producers. But, even in this highly projected case, European experience has shown us that the market has room for all products, both for authentic and expensive products and for the most economical imitations”, said Ms Gkikiza.
The interview with Ms Gkikiza is as follows:
Commissioner, firstly can you please explain what is the term, “Protected Designation of Origin”, PDO.
The term Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) is a term that characterizes certain food products and alcoholic beverages. It means that the product has been produced within a specific geographical area with particular characteristics (climate, terroir), it has been produced using specific raw ingredients, it has been produced with a specific traditional method (recipe etc). PDO products are always traditional products of high quality. The two key-words are “tradition” and “quality”. This is guaranteed by the European Union through a strict system of certification and control. PDO products always have a distinctive sign on their packaging (like a small red seal) with which the EU authorities guarantee that they have been produced according to the traditional standards.
A similar term is “ Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).
Yes, as you said, this is a similar term. Products of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) have the same strict quality specifications as the products of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) that we mentioned earlier. The only difference is that in the case of PDO products all stages of the production process take place within the indicated geographical area, while in the case of PGI products, it is possible that one stage of the production (the production of first ingredients for example) may be taking place outside this area. For example, Germany has a several century long tradition in the production of marzipan, which is made of sugar and almonds. Obviously, sugar is not sourced in Germany, it is imported from warmer climates. However, the marzipan recipe is closely connected to the German history and cuisine and, in this sense, it is considered a traditional German product. This is a PGI product. Just like PDO products, the PGI products have a distinctive sign on their packaging (in this case, a small blue seal) which guarantees to the consumer that they have been produced according to the traditional standards.
I would like now to dwell on the essence of this issue. Why is the EU, of course on behalf of its members-states, is projecting this request?
PDO and PGI products are an important part of the European food culture, a culture that emphasizes quality and tradition. It can be expected that we wish to share this positive experience with our international partners, such as Australia. In practice, the recognition of Geographical Indications (PDO/PGI) has a positive effect on consumers and producers alike. They benefit the consumer, because they ensure that the product he buys has indeed the quality features it claims. In addition they protect the consumer from imitation products that may try to exploit famous product names to attract buyers. They benefit the producer, because the guarantee they provide allows him to continue to produce quality products according to the traditions of his region and offer them to buyers who are in position to recognize their superior value. Without this guarantee, the producers of high quality traditional products would not be able to survive, because the current trend of the market favours cheap mass production.
There is the argument that if the EU’s request is met and this “ban” is imposed , then the Australian producers will be harmed. What is the argument that this will not be the case.
No, we do not believe that this will harm Australian producers. There is a lot of publicity currently in Australian media about local companies producing the European products in question. For example there is concern about the Australian producers of a cheese labelled as Feta. This is a small subcategory of Australian producers. But, even in this highly projected case, our experience has shown us that the market has room for all products, both for authentic and expensive products and for the less expensive imitations. It is important however that we are honest and accurate when we address the consumer and that we let him choose the product that better suits his needs, without misinformation and false claims. There is room for everyone. In addition, Australia has many local traditional products of superior quality. This market can be developed further. The recognition of Geographical Indications in the framework of the Free Trade Agreement between Australia and the European Union, will open many new opportunities for Australian producers. It will encourage them to look at their own products from this point of view. It will allow them to register traditional Australian products, and to offer them to the European market. It is an important market and its consumers have a high level of awareness for the value of Geographical indications.
Of course, this issue will continue to be of interest to us, but in conclusion, is there anything else you would like to add?
The public discourse around the recognition of Geographical Indications, of the PDO and PGI products, has a rather negative tone at the moment. This is a shame, because the perceived dangers are highly overstated and the expected benefits tend to be overlooked. From our part we take every opportunity to communicate with the stakeholders and the public in order to share our experience and put things in their right dimensions. Geographical Indications help develop a healthier food culture with a focus on quality traditional food. Geographical Indications benefit local communities in many different ways: they help save local traditions, they keep people in their homeland, they support local economy and they boost culinary tourism. All these things can happen in Australia too. And we hope that your audience can spread this message.
