FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ivan Butina
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
+1 (202) 340-9293
TTIP Negotiations: Why an Agreement on GIs Matters
On the Eve of the 9th Round of the TTIP Negotiations, U.S. & EU GIs Share the Same Aspirations
WASHINGTON, DC – A boost to sustainable agriculture and long-term jobs, as well as truthful information to consumers, are the main benefits that would results from an agreement on Geographic Indications (GIs) within the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). This emerged from a luncheon presentation organized by the Embassy of Italy in Washington, DC, the global alliance of GIs (oriGIn), the American Origin Products Association (AOPA), and the Italian Association of GI Consortia (AICIG).
The discussion was opened by H.E. Claudio Bisogniero, Ambassador of Italy to the U.S.: “Safeguarding GIs is a priority of the Government of Italy. The TTIP is an opportunity for a dialogue between the EU and the U.S. on appropriate and pragmatic solutions. The event we have put together, in collaboration with international organizations such as oriGIn and Italian (AICIG) and American (AOPA) associations, is intended to increase awareness of this matter, in particular, on the importance of bringing the U.S. consumer accurate information on the origins and manufacture of GI products.”
The panel confirmed how GI groups on both sides of the Atlantic share the same aspirations. Butch Weege, AOPA President, laid out his vision by stating that: “The large variety of American origin products represents a tremendous potential for the U.S. agricultural sector in terms of sustainable development. Meanwhile, producers in the U.S. stand to gain by reaching an agreement with the EU on GIs. Our producers need protection just like producers in the EU.”
The linkage between GIs, their protection, and sustainable agriculture was clarified by Patrick Kole, Vice President of the Idaho Potato Commission: “Sustainability is synonymous with successful agriculture. Creating value in agricultural products makes sustainability possible”, said Kole. “Product differentiation is an essential part of creating value without which there is no sustainability. Protecting unique products through fair and balanced Intellectual Property systems must be part of trade agreements moving forward.”
Pier Maria Saccani – Secretary General of AICIG – first explained the benefits that the system of protection, certification, and controls of GIs brought to the Italian agriculture, in particular in terms of sustainability. “From the point of view of Italian GI consortia – added Saccani – it’s essential to protect producers’ know-how and investments. At the same time, protecting GIs creates the conditions for consumers to make fully-informed decisions.”
“Creating stable jobs is one of today’s major challenges. Likewise, more and more demanding consumers demand truthful information about the origin and characteristics of products they wish to purchase. By showing that GIs have a crucial role to play on both sides of the Atlantic in responding to those challenges, today GI groups from the U.S. and the EU are sending a clear message to the negotiators: GIs in the TTIP must be looked at as an opportunity in terms of jobs, sustainable development and consumers’ protection”, concluded Massimo Vittori – oriGIn Managing Director.
Following the presentation and the Q&A session, participants enjoyed an exquisite lunch prepared with authentic GI products - Asiago, Idaho Potatoes, Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, Prosciutto di Parma, Speck Alto Adige and Wisconsin Ginseng - as well as a taste of GI wines and spirits - Chianti Classico, Napa Valley, Prosecco and Tequila.