Protection of the names of Agricultural Products & Foodstuffs
Information Session Athlone 21 May 2012 - Click here (pdf 354Kb)
A European system for the protection of the geographical names of certain foodstuffs (which have a tangible link to the geographical area after which they are named) was established under Council Regulations 510/2006 and 509/2006. Protection afforded under the system is absolute and extends to translations of the name, evocation, misuse or imitation.
Since 1992, the European Union has developed a scheme to identify and protect the names of quality agricultural products and foods as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) for products with a strong link to the defined geographical area where they are produced or as PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) for agricultural products and foods linked to a geographical area where at least one production step has taken place. Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG) emphasise the products traditional composition and traditional mode of production (proven usage on the domestic market for at least 25 years).
The scope of the schemes is strictly limited to agricultural products and foodstuffs where a link exists between the characteristics of a product or foodstuff and the defined geographical area. The defined geographic area can be the name of the region, specific place or in exceptional circumstances, a country used to describe an agricultural product or foodstuff. E.g. Imokilly Regato
Traditional geographical or non-geographical names designating an agricultural product or a foodstuff can also be considered. E.g. Feta
"Waterford Blaa"/ "Blaa" PGI Application
The product covered by the Waterford Blaa/The Blaa/Blaa Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) is a soft doughy white bread roll clearly identified by the white floury top on the product and is made from preservative free strong bakers flour, table salt, compressed yeast, dough conditioner and water.
A national objection procedure was initiated in 2011 where anyone with a legitimate interest could examine and lodge an objection to the application of "Waterford Blaa" / "Blaa" by Friday, 23rd of December 2011.
The application has been examined and modified to reflect the results of the consultation.
- Waterford Blaa Technical Specification (pdf 2,122Kb)
- Waterford Blaa Summary Specification (pdf 226Kb)
EU Products
There are more than 1000 names of agricultural products registered as PDO/PGI across the EU. The register of these names and indications is maintained centrally by the European Commission.
Click on the following link to view the current list of applications throughout the EU:
http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/quality/door/list.html
An objection to the proposed registrations can be sent to the Food Industry Development Division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Kildare Street, Dublin 2., Email: Geographicalindications@agriculture.gov.ie, Fax: (01) 6072038. Objections must be forwarded in writing within the stated time limits.
General information
For more general information about the scheme please see the EU official website:
http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/quality/index_en.htm
Or contact
Food Industry Development Division,
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine,
Agriculture House,
Kildare Street,
Dublin 2,
Email: Geographicalindications@agriculture.gov.ie, Fax: 01 6072038.
