Geographical Indications Law in Réunion (France)
Reunion Island Vanilla Obtains PGI ...
Réunion, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, has a well-established framework for protecting Geographical Indications (GIs), particularly for agricultural and food products.
🇫🇷 Legal Framework for Geographical Indications in Réunion
In Réunion, GIs are governed by French national law and European Union regulations. The Institut national de l'origine et de la qualité (INAO) is the primary body responsible for overseeing these protections. INAO administers various quality and origin signs, including:
Appellation d'Origine Protégée (AOP): Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP): Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
Label Rouge: A quality label for products with superior characteristics
Agriculture Biologique (AB): Organic farming certification
These designations are recognized both within France and across the European Union, ensuring that products meet specific standards related to their origin, production methods, and quality.
🌿 "Vanille de l'île de La Réunion" – A PGI Success Story
The most prominent GI from Réunion is Vanille de l'île de La Réunion, which was granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status by the European Commission in 2021. This recognition highlights the unique characteristics of Réunion's vanilla, attributed to its volcanic terroir, specific climatic conditions, and traditional cultivation and processing techniques
The PGI covers the eastern municipalities of Réunion, including Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Suzanne, Saint-André, Bras-Panon, Saint-Benoît, Sainte-Rose, Saint-Philippe, and Saint-Joseph. Key production methods include:
Manual Pollination: A technique discovered in 1841 by Edmond Albius, allowing vanilla orchids to be pollinated by hand, a method still in use today.
Curing Process: Involves scalding, sweating, drying in the sun and shade, and aging in closed wooden boxes for at least seven months to develop the pods' full aromatic profile.
These practices ensure that the vanilla produced is of high quality, with a distinctive flavor and aroma that sets it apart from other vanilla products.
🛍️ Other Notable GIs in Réunion
While vanilla is the most recognized GI from Réunion, the island also produces other agricultural products that may be eligible for GI protection. These include:
Café Bourbon Pointu: A rare and aromatic coffee variety grown in the highlands of Réunion.
Rhum de la Réunion: Rum produced from sugarcane grown on the island, with several distilleries adhering to traditional methods.
These products benefit from the island's unique climatic conditions and traditional production methods, which contribute to their distinct qualities.
🔍 How to Apply for GI Protection in Réunion
Producers in Réunion seeking to obtain GI protection for their products should follow these steps:
Form a Producer Group: Collaborate with other local producers to form an association that represents the collective interests.
Develop a Specification Document: Create a detailed document outlining the product's characteristics, production methods, and the link to the geographical area.
Submit Application to INAO: Present the specification document to INAO for evaluation and approval.
Undergo Verification Process: Participate in audits and inspections to ensure compliance with the established specifications
Obtain GI Certification: Upon successful verification, receive the GI certification, allowing the use of the protected name.
For more detailed guidance, producers can consult the INAO's official website or contact the local Chamber of Agriculture in Réunion.
📌 Conclusion
Réunion's commitment to protecting its agricultural heritage through Geographical Indications ensures that products like Vanille de l'île de La Réunion maintain their quality and authenticity. These protections not only preserve traditional knowledge and practices but also enhance the marketability of local products both within France and internationally.
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