The project puts forward a universal model for the protection of the Denominazioni of origin (Dop) and Geographical indications (Igp): the basic idea is that of opening the community market to those third countries who are ready to protect European food products, registered in the Dop and Igp records. All WTO member countries would have the “right to object”, that is of protest, against the registration of a denomination; this right should be recognised in the EU by the countries who undersign the reciprocity agreement.

This initiative, organised by the European commissary for agriculture, Franz Fischler, intends to prepare for WTO negotiations, concerning the debate on the International protection of geographical indications of foods, the number of which should be extended.

In protected denominations products that could be included are also wine-based vinegars, whereas the registration of the names of mineral waters would be excluded, seeing the difficulties arisen for the existence of authentic denominations  and similar ones for different waters, and fantasy names; the denominations that are already registered should be suppressed after a transitory period.

(Photo: quality control Prosciutto di Parma)

March.2002

WTO
European Union