Tenth International Conference on Food Studies

Abstract

Geographical indications (GI) are a mechanism of intellectual protection of products linked to the orign. In the European Union, two types of GI are used: the Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO), and the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). Both the PDO and the PGI are the result of the interaction of human and environmental elements, combined with the geographical environment, giving particular characteristics to the product. The objectives of the PDO/PGI scheme are to increase the income of the rural area, decrease the rural exodus, and preserve the landscapes and biodiversity. The European GI system has been the subject of several studies; nevertheless, a study that shows the level of engagement of the Consortiums of Spanish GI facing the environmental sustainability indicators has been conducted. The current project is integrated by two methodological sections; the first part is integrated by a Q-Methodology application to the Spanish GI Consortium, while the second part analyses the environmental discourse of each Spanish GI. The methodology applied a sample of different PDO and PGI Spanish products integrate the case study. The preliminary results highlight the environmental importance link to the GI product and certification, showing the interest to preserve local varieties and brands, and taking care of environmental problems associated with agricultural and livestock practices. To conclude, the results suggest an interest of the agents of the GI into environment issues; however, neither pro-environment communications strategies oriented to the consumer, nor index of environmental sustainability of the PDO or PGI scheme, were carried out.