Rome / Online -  FAO, the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, together with Indigenous Peoples' organizations, launched a new publication which aims to answer a fundamental question: what enabling mechanisms can allow Indigenous Peoples' products into markets to a preferential system that recognizes and values Indigenous Peoples' beliefs, culture and identity and their contribution to sustainability? The publication analyses examples of labelling and certification schemes developed by Indigenous Peoples' biocultural products in different regions of the world. It provides an essential building block to enable Indigenous Peoples to continue to be innovators of sustainable markets in favour of biodiversity and nutritional security. Through the compilation of eleven case studies from different regions, FAO, the Alliance of Bioversity, and CIAT explore several models that can contribute to Indigenous Peoples' self-determined economic development and the sustainable marketization of their products. These cases are portrayed in the publication Labelling and certification schemes for Indigenous Peoples' foods. Generating income while protecting and promoting Indigenous Peoples' values recently launched. 

#LiveNow Book Launch: Labelling and certification schemes for Indigenous Peoples' foods https://t.co/apXXEBljIi

— FAO Indigenous Peoples (@FAOIndigenous) September 12, 2022

"Indigenous Peoples are not against the market, but they have stated that what is important is that their products have access to markets that respect their values, cosmogony, culture and relationship with Mother Earth", said Fatouma Seid, FAO's Deputy Director for Partnerships and UN Collaborations.

"Labelling and certification schemes are an important bridge to connect Indigenous territories and rural areas with markets. They can facilitate Indigenous Peoples in organizing themselves for the commercial part of the value chain, using adequate technologies, and leveraging consumer preferences. Furthermore, they allow consumers to make more informed choices," stated Benjamin Davis, Director of the Inclusive Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division at FAO.

"Labelling and certification can help Indigenous Peoples' food producers protect their traditional products, their knowledge and methods of production from exploitation by others. They provide a valuable tool for economic benefit to global and regional markets, and they add value by giving consumers confidence that the products they buy have predefined standards. This publication is essential for empowering Indigenous Peoples. By bringing together the knowledge and experience of Indigenous Peoples, we can learn how these tools can be used to benefit their communities," expressed H.E. Anthony G. Simpson, New Zealand's Ambassador to Italy and the Rome-based UN agencies. 

Practices and schemes for Indigenous Peoples’ foods Labelling and Certification

"Having a specific quality label for Indigenous Peoples' food is essential to benefit all the communities and increase their financial autonomy and formal recognition. A geographical indication to emphasize a particular food heritage linked to a territory is also an opportunity for Indigenous Peoples," added Florence Tartanac, Senior Officer Food & Nutrition Division at FAO.

The Hua Parakore is the first Indigenous verification system. It is a system from the Māori people in New Zealand. This system, established in 2010, is based on the wisdom and cosmogony of the Māori people. "This system belongs to all tribes of Aotearoa and is a three-year verification system that promotes the re-establishment of native trades. It is considered Hua Parakore's excellence. Through this process, Indigenous People's knowledge and narratives are supported and encouraged. People are learning together. Many intergenerational activities are happening, and we are reclaiming parts of our history and knowledge that previously had gaps," expressed Moko Morris, Māori people, New Zealand soil and Health Association/Hua Parakore food producer. Moko explained how Labelling and certification schemes for Indigenous Peoples' food and products do not only bring economic benefits to communities, but also contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, the strengthening of social and cultural fabrics, and the empowerment of women.

Karen Mapusua from the Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community (POETCom) based in Fiji explained that the Organic Pasifika guarantee scheme is a participatory model based on the needs and structure of Indigenous Peoples. It gives several opportunities to Indigenous farmers in the Pacific region, such as social inclusion and empowerment, while simultaneously creating a synergy between traditional knowledge and modern science. "One of the essential elements of this system is the communities' organic pledge, which speaks to the idea of custodianship and care of the land," added Karen Mapusua. 

In addition, Mathew John, Director of the Keystone Foundation, shared the experience of honey hunters from the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in Tamil Nadu, India. He highlighted that this scheme has also contributed to raising consumer awareness of the different characteristics of food and products that come from honey hunters and communities, including having a different colour each month, understanding the time and efforts to produce them, and appreciating the values of communities and producers.

FAO, through the coordination of different teams, including the Nutrition Division, the marketing team and the Inclusive Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division, will continue to work with organizations and Indigenous Peoples to generate greater knowledge and support the development of appropriate public policies to promote adequate labelling and marketing schemes for Indigenous Peoples' products and food.

“I thank everybody who made this publication possible. During the UN Food Systems Summit, Indigenous Peoples managed to tell the world that their food systems are game changers for sustainability and resilience. So let us hope that this small book can also help to contribute to fight food insecurity,” concluded moderator Yon Fernandez-de-Larrinoa, head of FAO’s Indigenous Peoples Unit.  

Read more: 

- Watch the recording

- Publication: "Labelling and Certification Schemes for Indigenous Peoples' Food"