Argentina Exports First Kiwis with Geographical Indication Seal

By Estudio Chaloupka

The Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Argentina announced the first export shipment of kiwis with a Geographical Indication (GI) seal and an organic certificate to Spain.

The shipment, which corresponds to the Ecco Argentina Cooperative, from the Municipality of General Alvarado, is a significant milestone for the Argentine kiwi industry. The GI seal recognizes the unique quality and characteristics of the kiwis produced in this region, while the organic certificate guarantees that they have been grown and processed without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.

The export of these kiwis is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the cooperative's members, as well as the support of the Argentine government. The Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries has provided financial assistance to the cooperative, as well as technical assistance to help them obtain the GI seal and organic certificate.

The shipment of these kiwis to Spain is also a significant step forward for the Argentine agricultural sector. It demonstrates the high quality of Argentine production and the country's commitment to sustainable agriculture.

The GI seal and organic certificate are important intellectual property tools that can help producers protect their products and differentiate them from competitors. They can also help producers access new markets and command higher prices for their products.

The Argentine government is committed to supporting the development of the agricultural sector and helping producers to add value to their products. The export of these kiwis with a GI seal and organic certificate is a positive example of how the government is working to achieve these goals.

Geographical Indications and Appellations of Origin

Geographical Indications (GIs) and Appellations of Origin (AOs) are tools that make it possible to differentiate and distinguish the quality of a product related to its geographical origin. They also provide legal protection to the name, the product and the group concerned, and tend to promote rural development.

The potential of origin-linked products lies in their specific quality, which is the result of the combination of natural resources and local production techniques or practices related to history and culture. For example, the kiwis produced in the Municipality of General Alvarado have a unique flavor and texture that is due to the combination of the region's climate, soil, and farming practices.

It is important to highlight that GIs and AOs are tools that are not created, but recognized. This means that the quality of the product must already be there in order for it to be eligible for protection.

In Argentina, GIs and AOs are regulated by the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). The INPI is responsible for evaluating applications for GIs and AOs and issuing registrations.

Products that are registered with a GI or AO are eligible for a number of benefits, including:

-Legal protection against the use of the name by unauthorized third parties
-Access to preferential markets, such as the European Union
-Increased consumer awareness and demand

The export of these kiwis with a GI seal and organic certificate is a positive example of how GIs and AOs can be used to promote the development of the agricultural sector and protect the interests of producers.