WTO backs 'Irish' regato
The WTO has confirmed that the EU system of protection of 700 geographically unique foods complies with its regulations.
Dairygold's Imokilly Regato cheese from Co Cork, Timoleague Pork and Pudding Processors' Brown Pudding also from Co Cork, and Irish Seafood Producers Group's Clare Island Salmon from Co Galway, are the only holders of "Protected Geographic Indication" (PGI) in Ireland.
Geographical indications are designed to ensure that EU exports do not face unfair competition from competitors outside the region of origin where traditional methods of preparation were first developed. Before a food can be certified as PGI, it must be a true local food, originating from a particular region, and possessing a particular style that flows in part from the area.
Roquefort cheese and Parma ham are two of the more famous examples which the EU wanted to protect.
The US led an attack on the EU's geographical indications through a legal challenge in the World Trade Organisation. The EU responded by opening up the system and allowing non-EU countries to have their delicacies registered in Brussels alongside European foods.
However, the US, joined by Australia in the legal challenge, is unhappy that in return for the EU registering Idaho potatoes or Florida orange juice, for example, the US would have to recognise the entirety of Europe's ever-swelling catalogue of protected names.
But the Geneva-based WTO has now confirmed the rights of the holders of Europe's geographical indications.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Mariann Fischer Boel said: "I am very pleased with this outcome and look forward to working together with all WTO members to strengthen the protection of quality agricultural production."
Peter Mandelson, Commissioner for Trade, said that the WTO decision confirmed that geographical indications were both legal and compatible with existing trademark systems.
"This WTO decision will help the EU to ensure wider recognition of its geographical indications and protection of regional and local product identities, which is one of our goals in the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations," he said.
