Geographical Indications for Food Symposium

31 May 2018, Washington, DC - FAO North America in collaboration with the World Food Law Institute (WFLI) and the American Society of International Law hosted "Geographical Indications for Food Symposium: Exploring Local Origin, Community Development, and Intellectual Property Rights" at the premier Cosmos Club. The symposium was the conclusion of a series of roundtable discussions that provided an analysis of the legal, policy and social aspects of geographical indications (GI).

According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, a geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place.  

Vimlendra Sharan, Director of FAO North America, welcomed participants and highlighted the significance of the symposium, which serves as an opportunity to advance the discussion on geographical indications at a tool for rural development by linking foods to their local origin as well as cultural and traditional context. The Symposium was moderated by Marsha Echols, Director of the WFLI, who noted that the annual Symposium aims to use international law as an instrument in a pursuit of goals.

David Muls, Senior Director of the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Department of Trademarks, Industrial Designs and Geographical Indications, commenced the symposium with a keynote address. He noted that the interest in geographical indications is increasing globally, and emphasized that policy coherence is needed to make geographical indications more traceable, predictable and transparent.

Florence Tartanac, Senior Officer of FAO’s Market Linkages and Value Chains Group under the Nutrition and Food Systems Division (ESN), presented the key findings from the recently launched report, Strengthening Sustainable food systems through geographical indications: An analysis of economic impact.

The presentation was followed by a panel discussion on the impact, benefits, and costs of GI implementation featuring Fabio Parasecoli (New York University), Ernesto Tavoletti (University of Macerata), and Florence Tartanac (FAO). Panelists highlighted the trade-offs that GIs face.

From Maryland Crabs to Maine Lobsters, Jim Smith, Executive Director of American Origin Products Association, underlined that the purpose of geographical indications is to ensure an economic incentive for producers to invest in products that they have an economic advantage in producing. The session continued with three different international case studies presented by Alberto Hart of the Embassy of Peru, Sylvain Maestracci of the Embassy of France, and Takuma Nakagawa of the Embassy of Japan.

Wes Rist from the American Society of International Law, moderated a discussion on U.S.-based case studies of foods with specific origins. The discussion featured Glenn Roberts, founder of Anson Mills, which leads production of certified organic Carolina Gold rice. Wendy Brannen, Food & Agriculture Marketing Expert, shared the story behind Georgia’s Vidalia® sweet onions. Sarah Roller, Partner at Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, highlighted distinctive approaches of marketing food products based on the geographic origin in the US, including “Made in U.S.A”, and Geographical Certification Marks.

The symposium concluded with shared lessons on how GI products can be a pathway towards sustainable development for rural communities, especially in developing countries. It also showcased different instruments used by countries when exploring the origins of food products.