Today, the preservation of agricultural production and cultural diversity is of great importance not only for economic development but also for the continuation of sustainable rural life, reduction of migration, and transmission of traditional knowledge to future generations. In this context, geographical indications (GIs) stand out as a strategic instrument that both protects the value of regional products and connects traditional production with global consumers. The “Quality Linked to Geographical Origin” (QLGO) program, implemented by the European Union (EU) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, aims to promote this strategic tool with a development-oriented vision at the international level.
The program began by analyzing the economic and social impacts of GI systems applied within Europe (countries such as France, Italy, Spain) and then proceeded with pilot projects in selected countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In these projects, local communities, producer associations, and cooperatives were integrated into the GI system; comprehensive training was provided on registration, inspection, marketing, and awareness. The program contributes not only to economic development but also to social participation, the preservation of cultural heritage, and sustainability.
Success stories from the countries involved demonstrate the tangible impacts of the program:
|
Country |
Product |
Impact / Success Result |
|
Colombia |
Café de Colombia |
Protected in the EU and the US; export volume increased |
|
Thailand |
Khao Hom Mali Rice |
Export prices increased by 40% after GI registration |
|
Morocco |
Argan Oil |
Income of women’s cooperatives increased by 50% |
|
India |
Darjeeling Tea |
Brand value increased; reduction in non-registered counterfeits |
|
Vietnam |
Nuoc Mam Fish Sauce |
Price stability and quality standards established |
- Colombia – Café de Colombia:
Colombia’s famous coffee brand “Café de Colombia” was registered as a geographical indication in the EU and the US, gaining international protection. This led to a 35% increase in coffee exports and significantly strengthened the product’s international brand value and market competitiveness. Under the program, coffee producers formed cooperatives, improved quality standards, and promoted sustainable agricultural practices.
- Thailand – Khao Hom Mali Rice:
After GI registration, Thailand’s famous aromatic rice Khao Hom Mali saw export prices rise by 40%. This increase directly benefited producer incomes, and production quality was standardized. The program provided producers with marketing and quality management training to promote the product in international markets.
- Morocco – Argan Oil:
Women-led Argan oil cooperatives in Morocco were strengthened through the program. Income for women’s cooperatives increased by 50%, contributing significantly to social development. The international registration and promotion of Argan oil also raised its global market value.
- India – Darjeeling Tea:
Darjeeling Tea successfully fought counterfeit products through GI registration. Brand value increased and local producers gained improved access to international markets. The program supported the establishment of quality control systems and the development of marketing strategies.
- Vietnam – Nuoc Mam (Fish Sauce):
Vietnam’s traditional fish sauce Nuoc Mam established quality standards and price stability in the domestic market through GI registration. Increased consumer trust led to higher demand, and sustainable production models were developed for producers.
- Peru – Amazonas Cocoa:
Cocoa producers in Peru’s Amazon region improved market access thanks to the program and began producing using sustainable forestry and agricultural techniques. This ensured environmental protection while increasing local people’s economic income.
- Senegal – Saloum Oyster:
Geographical indication registration of seafood in Senegal’s Saloum region contributed to rural tourism development and local economic revival. Producer cooperatives were established to develop quality and sustainability standards.
- Tunisia – Teboursouk Olive Oil:
Olive oil producers in Tunisia’s Teboursouk region increased product quality and marketing capacity through cooperative organization under the program. This development strengthened the local economy and improved international recognition of the product.
This expanded table and explanations clearly illustrate the multidimensional contributions of the EU-FAO program to value creation processes for GI products. Utilizing these experiences is critical to achieving similar impacts in Turkey.
Impact analyses published by FAO show that the GI system revitalizes local economies, increases women’s workforce participation, and helps prevent migration. This demonstrates that geographical indications are not merely a touristic or economic label but have become a central tool within development plans.
For Turkey, this model offers an important roadmap both for increasing the number of geographical indications and for enhancing the economic value of registered products. With nearly 1,500 local products as of 2024, Turkey can benefit from the program not only by increasing EU registrations but also by enhancing the effectiveness of these products in the value chain. Joint EU-FAO projects in education, inspection, and market access developed for villagers, cooperatives, and municipalities can build a new generation rural development structure in Turkey as well. Particularly, the program offers modeling opportunities for women producer unions and regions experiencing migration, enabling local-to-global value creation potential through its multi-stakeholder and layered structure.
However, to maximize benefits from the EU-FAO program, Turkey should implement the following policy recommendations:
- Establishment of a National Coordination Center: A national center should be created to coordinate the management, registration, and promotion of geographical indications by leveraging the experiences of the EU-FAO program.
- Promotion of Women and Youth Entrepreneurship: Special support programs should be developed for women and young producers to increase social inclusivity in rural development.
- Increasing International Cooperation: Joint projects and training programs with institutions such as the EU and FAO should be expanded.
- Market Access and Promotion Activities: National and international fairs, promotional campaigns, and digital marketing tools should be effectively utilized.
Sources
- FAO & EU (2020). Linking People, Places and Products: A Guide for Promoting Quality Linked to Geographical Origin and Sustainable Geographical Indications.
- FAO Origin-linked Quality Portal: https://www.fao.org/in-action/quality-and-origin/en/
- European Commission: Agricultural and Rural Development – Geographical Indications Reports
- WIPO (2022). Geographical Indications: An Introduction.
- UNIDO (2019). Adding Value to Traditional Products of Regional Origin.
She graduated from Çankaya University Faculty of Law in 2005. In the same year, she completed her master’s degree in Constitutional Law at Çankaya University, Department of Public Law. Until 2011, she worked as an ODY-ÜDY Instructor at Vocational Training Centers affiliated with the Ministry of Transport. For approximately 15 years, she has been working as a legal expert at the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB). Initially, she was involved in Foreign Trade and International Logistics at TOBB and represented the United Nations for nearly seven years. She is currently serving as a legal expert in the SME Policies Directorate within the TOBB Department of Real Sector R&D and Implementation.
Meanwhile, she is working on completing her doctoral dissertation in Administrative Law at Gazi University, Department of Public Law-Administrative Law. After completing her thesis on TOBB, which is recognized by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) in Turkey, she plans to publish it as a book.
Additionally, since 2023, she has been writing columns in the London section of “DÜNDAR HUKUK” and “DÜNDAR LEGAL SERVICE CONSULTANCY,” which have established themselves internationally, particularly in the field of energy and renewable energy.