Local and regional authorities play a crucial role in supporting the recognition and development of Geographical Indications (GIs) within their territory. Their involvement ensures that local products gain legal protection, economic value and cultural recognition. The new EU GI regulations (notably for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products, and for craft and industrial products) introduce several new or clarified opportunities and responsibilities that strengthen local and regional authorities’ intervention in the GI institutional ecosystems. The new EU regulations grant more formal recognition to local and regional authorities in the GI ecosystem.
The objective of the study is take stock of support from local and regional authorities for the development of GIs, and assess the implementation of the new regulations; and to provide recommendations on how local and regional authorities could better support the recognition and development of geographical indications in their territory. The methodology combines literature review, stakeholder consultation through a questionnaire and case studies of local and regional policies to support GI development.
