Do The Design And Management Of The Geographical Indications Scheme Allow It To Be Effective

The European geographical indications scheme aims to protect the names of products whose characteristics are associated with the geographical area in which they are produced, and provides a potential economic opportunity for farmers and food producers. This report examines whether the scheme's control system is robust, and whether the scheme is attractive to producers and known to consumers. The audit concludes that clarification is needed on a number of issues concerning the scheme's control system, especially checks of product specifications and disallowed practices, and that a clear strategy is lacking to raise the awareness of both producers and consumers.