European institutions, national governments, and agri-food organizations converged in Siena on December 6 for the 7th European Forum on Food Quality, where EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen announced a dedicated 2027 European Action Plan for PDO and PGI agri-food, wine, and spirit products. The initiative, unveiled at the Qualivita Forum, is intended to strengthen the economic, cultural, and strategic role of Geographical Indications (GIs) across the EU.
Organized by Fondazione Qualivita together with oriGIn, oriGIn Europa, Origin Italia, oriGIn France, Origen España, and Qualifica-OriGIn Portugal, the event gathered high-level institutional participation, including Italy’s Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, France’s Annie Genevard, and Spain’s Luis Planas.
A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR RURAL EUROPE
Commissioner Hansen called GIs “the foundation of rural Europe,” noting that the upcoming 2027 plan will provide new investment lines and regulatory tools to ensure the full implementation of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. He stressed that the plan aims to expand the economic and cultural value of GIs, strengthen exports and improve consumer understanding of certification systems. “GIs are a cornerstone of European excellence, and we must strengthen their value and recognition,” Hansen said. “The Action Plan will support exports, enhance promotion and increase consumer awareness of certifications. We will also boost visibility with retailers and launch dedicated campaigns, a GI award, and stronger international safeguards.”
The Commissioner reaffirmed that working with producers—“the true protagonists and driving force of European GIs”—remains central to the plan’s success.
The EU’s Geographical Indications system currently includes 3,485 registered products, representing roughly €80 billion in value and accounting for 16% of total EU agri-food exports.
A SECTOR MOBILIZED AROUND STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
At the Forum, European GI organisations presented the Green Paper titled “The Future of Geographical Indications,” which outlines eight strategic priorities for the sector and was formally delivered to the Commissioner alongside the Memorandum of Siena. The paper received explicit support from the three agriculture ministers present.
Massimo Vittori, Director of oriGIn, described the paper as “a fundamental tool to address emerging global complexities, in a context of multilateralism crisis, which is the very foundation of the international GI system.”
Mauro Rosati, Director of Fondazione Qualivita, emphasized its broader strategic meaning: “The book is a contribution to the European Action Plan and offers a vision of a new polycentric Europe, rooted in local territories.”
MINISTERS CALL FOR STRONGER PROTECTION AND GLOBAL RECOGNITION
Italy’s Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida argued that defending GIs is not protectionism but a strategy: “Defending Geographical Indications is not protectionism; it is the future. We must engage the world to ensure the value of products tied to our territories and identity is recognized.”
French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard highlighted the fragility of GI heritage: “Geographical Indications are a precious but fragile treasure… In the face of usurpation, health challenges, and climate change, we must act with determination.”
Spain’s Minister Luis Planas Puchades underscored the sector’s national economic weight: “In Spain, GIs generate €8.4 billion annually, involve over 330,000 farmers and nearly 8,000 agri-food companies. We must strengthen protection while ensuring international recognition.”
INDUSTRY LEADERS WELCOME THE 2027 PLAN
Statements from GI Consortia across Europe reflected a shared call for decisive action.
- Riccardo Deserti, President of oriGIn, praised the plan as “excellent news,” demonstrating “coherence and foresight” in unlocking the potential of the GI economy.
- Charles Deparis, President of oriGIn EU, argued that although GIs are a European success story, “their potential is still underused,” stressing the need for an EU-wide plan to “boost recognition and grow the GI family.”
- Cesare Baldrighi, President of Origin Italia, welcomed the Commission’s openness to sector demands and called for stronger efforts on international markets and legal protection.
- Cesare Mazzetti, President of Fondazione Qualivita, framed GIs as a “key technical asset for competitiveness, traceability and resilience” across rural Europe.
- Teresa Pais Coelho, Executive Director of Qualifica-OriGIn Portugal, said GIs are “instruments of territorial intelligence for a sustainable future,” stressing the need for protection and dissemination.
- Federico Moncunill, Secretary General of Origen España, called the Green Paper a “significant milestone,” reminding policymakers that GIs remain a strategic pillar despite global instability.
- Dominque Chambon, Delegate of oriGIn France, urged Europe to protect a “virtuous system” that embodies effective territorial agricultural policy.