Both the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status and the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status have been established by E.U. authorities in their effort to protect and highlight the diversification present in production quality characteristics of agricultural products and foodstuffs across different European regions. Three different but closely related goals were the main focus of that effort: a better balance between demand and supply of agricultural products across the E.U, substantial support to the income of producers active in PDO and PGI regions, where normally working conditions are quite demanding, and the protection of the consumer from misleading marketing campaigns.
The concept
Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 of 20 March 2006 essentially protects the names of products whose specific character is determined by their geographical origin. When a natural food product originating from a specific geographical area consistently exhibits superior quality characteristics which over the years, are acknowledged by expert panels as unique to the region of origin of that product, then that product is qualified for the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status alternatively. The origin of the product is indicated as part of its name. Importantly, exclusive quality features found in a PDO or PGI region are attributed to both environmental ( e.g. unique microclimate and soil conditions) and human factors (e.g. traditional production processes, local expertise) present there.
How is PDO different from PGI?
PDO- covers agricultural products and foodstuffs which are produced, processed and prepared in a given geographical area using recognised know-how[1].
PGI- covers agricultural products and foodstuffs closely linked to the predetermined geographical area. All three, or at least one, of the stages of production, processing or preparation take place within that specific region.
Consumers’ benefits from the PDO and PGI quality marks
The official authorities’ recognition of PDO and PGI traditional products, regulated by E.U., serves a double key function within the often fraudulent modern food information environment. Primarily, it makes available to the consumer clear, credible and verified information regarding the origin of PDO/PGI food-products, greatly enhancing the traceability of the product purchased. Secondly, PDO and PGI certification guarantees that the entire production process of those food-products not only complies with particularly high quality standards, but also bears a number of unique properties (environmental factors and regional, traditional expertise) that contribute to the special character of the product purchased. All in all, buying an EU quality product labelled PDO/PGI guarantees not only its quality but, equally important, its authenticity, allowing the consumer to have full confidence in her purchase.