Government hosts seminars about EU geographical indications

The Department of Agriculture will hold seminars to explain the European Union’s proposal to protect regional food names based on their origin, such as feta or gruyere, known as geographical indications (GIs).

The EU is currently in free trade agreement negotiations with Australia and has proposed the protection of GIs as part of the negotiations. Producers of wine, olives, animal products, plant products, cheese, brandy and spirits are encouraged to attend the seminars to find out how to object to a GI.

Feedback from the seminars will aid the government in its discussions with the EU on why the proposed protection of certain terms will impact Australian farmers and businesses. Attendees and producers are encouraged to provide extensive information and perspectives about the EU’s proposal, so the government can represent them during the negotiations.

The next seminar will be in Nowra on Friday, 27 September 2019. All subsequent seminar dates and times are listed in the table. Those unable to attend a seminar are urged to make a submission online or to email au-eufta-gis@agriculture.gov.au.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Monkey Business