On 20th and 27th January, the Delegation of the European Union to Canada and Food & Beverage Atlantic are organising a series of webinars on Protected Geographical Indications (GIs) and their value-added for producers, exporters and consumers. On this occasion, the major findings of the H2020 Strength2Food project will also be presented by the Strength2Food coordinator Matthew Gorton from Newcastle University Business School.

The webinars, which aim at highlighting the many advantages of GIs and promoting this unique – though still little-known – approach among Canadian stakeholders, will bring together both producers and producer associations to provide concrete examples of GIs in Canada and Europe. Not only will their experience allow to assess the pros and cons of GIs, but it will also promote the discussion on the future opportunities offered by GIs in the framework of the EU-Canada Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA), especially because in the Atlantic Provinces no GI has been registered yet.

In a context characterised by the need to protect products that are unique in terms of their origin and local identity, the Strength2Food’s coordinator Matthew Gorton from Newcastle University Business School will present the Strength2Food project’s key empirical results and recommendations on how to improve the effectiveness of GIs.

The outcomes of the H2020 project can play a crucial role in inspiring the future projects and understanding the potential and opportunities of the GI regimes, since there has been an increasing interest on the topic. On the one hand, producers are willing to gain recognition for their know-how; on the other hand, consumers have become more concerned about food quality and sustainability of agricultural production.

Check the agenda below and register here to join the event on 20th and 27th January!

 

Webinar 1: Geographical indications as a policy tool for sustainable economic development in Atlantic Canada: what prospects?

20 January 2021, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm AST (9:30 am – 11:00 EST / 15h30 – 17:00 CET)

(Plenary session: 40 mins – Discussion: 45 mins)

  • What are GIs and why are they embraced by producers and policy makers?
  • What are the opportunities and policy and legal challenges related to a GI regime?
  • What is the current state of play in terms of labelling strategies for food products in Atlantic Canada?
  • What is the relationship between GIs and rural development?

Webinar 2: Geographical indications from farm to table: what is the value added?

27 January 2021, 10:00 am – 11:30 pm AST (9:00 am – 10:30 EST / 14h00 – 16h30 CET)

(Plenary session: 40 mins – Discussion: 45 mins)

  • Pros and Cons of a GI regime: why bother? Producers’ perspective.
  • What are the main steps of establishing a GI regime?
  • What are the benefits for consumers?
  • How are GIs beneficial for local and international trade? Importers’ perspective.
  • What are the benefits and challenges of GIs for marketing and branding?