The European Union is a pioneer in quality products like no other country - no one can fool us about the richness and diversity of our regional foods. Especially now, when European farmers are facing pressure and competition from cheap products from third countries, their traditional quality products must be protected.

The system of Geographical Indications (GIs) plays a key role in this, for the protection of agricultural products and wine there are Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indications (PGI), while for spirits there are Geographical Indications (GIs). Some well-known examples are Swabian spaetzle, Munich beer, Parmigiano Reggiano, champagne, Kalamata olives and Manchego queso.

The sustainability of these products should be strengthened in the actual legislative proposal. To better protect our resources and animal welfare, environmental measures and sustainable production should become part of the GIs. However, the standards for sustainability were largely watered down in the trilogue negotiations with the Council and Commission. There is a lack of uniform standards and independent controls. In addition, producer groups can set their own sustainability criteria, which could lead to greenwashing in some cases. This could also mislead consumers.

It is a missed opportunity to introduce more sustainability in protected quality products, but we are keeping at it!

See my speech in plenary here: