A Pragmatic Approach to the Link to Origin: EU PDOS and PGIS for Registration, Innovation and Trade in Origin Products

The research analyses the specifications of EU and non-EU geographical indications (GIs) for agricultural products and foodstuffs registered in the European Union. In particular, it considers whether the difference between the legal requirements for Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) is reflected in the products listed in the EU GI Register. By way of a ‘pragmatic approach’, meaning a qualitative content analysis of GI specifications and interviews with producer groups, the research shows a blurred difference between PDOs and PGIs, highlighting its consequences for registration, innovation and trade. Through the discussion on the results of the empirical research, this dissertation aims at evaluating various options on how to draw a clear distinction between PDOs and PGIs. This is accompanied with policy recommendations aimed at increasing the clarity and understandability of the EU quality schemes for both agricultural and non-agricultural products, as part of the ongoing EU GI reform.