Fifth Regional Consultation on Geographical Indications with a focus on sustainability - 20 November 2025
04/12/2025
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) brought together national and European organizations, producer associations, civil society and international experts for the Fifth Regional Consultation on Geographical Indications (GIs). This year’s event was dedicated to advancing the economic, environmental and social sustainability of GI systems in Europe and Central Asia. Geographical indications – quality labels that connect agricultural and food products to their place of origin – are increasingly recognized as powerful tools for rural development, the preservation of traditions and helping products stand out in the marketplace. Over the past decade, FAO has worked with countries across the region to strengthen legal frameworks, improve governance and raise awareness of the value of origin-linked quality products.
Forum Origin, Diversity and Territories 2025 - Role of origin-linked labels for the agroecological transition, in particular in mountain areas
18/11/2025
More than sixty specialists from 25 countries gathered from 12 to 14 November 2025 in Bramois (Switzerland) at the Forum Origin, Diversity and Territories 2025 to examine how Geographical Indications (GIs) and other origin-linked labels can advance the agroecological transition in mountain areas. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) played a key role, moderating a workshop on GI sustainability, presenting during the plenary synthesis, and contributing to the Forum’s policy guidance document. Through its active participation, FAO reiterated its continued commitment to promoting sustainable territorial development and origin-based approaches to climate resilience in mountain systems.
oriGIn Biennial Meeting 2025, Morelia (Mexico), 8-10 October
18/10/2025
The oriGIn Biennial Meeting 2025, organized in Morelia, Michoacán (Mexico) from 8 to 10 October, gathered over 650 participants from 35 countries to discuss Geographical Indications (GIs), with a strong focus on artisanal GIs and producer groups in Latin America. High-level participation included WIPO, EUIPO, OAPI and the Mexican Intellectual Property Office. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) played a central role by moderating the panel on the GI Agenda 2030, presenting its work on sustainable GI systems and engaging with GI groups and public authorities. FAO’s participation highlighted its commitment to international cooperation and sustainable development through origin-based quality schemes.
Celebrate FAO’s 80th anniversary by finding out more about FAO’s work on Geographical Indications
16/10/2025
Geographical Indications (GIs) are products made in a specific area using distinctive traditional know-how, such as Parmigiano Reggiano cheese from Emilia Romagna region of Italy. There are almost 9,500 registered products worldwide. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) sees GIs as key tools for sustainable development. They support local value creation, youth employment and gender equality. They also raise farmers’ incomes, protect cultural heritage and help conserve biodiversity. FAO supports countries in developing GI systems through legislative, technical and scientific assistance.
Mad for the "Madd de Casamance"
11/08/2025
For rural communities in Casamance, as elsewhere in the world, geographical indications offer a way to capture more value from traditional knowledge and resources while preserving the environmental and cultural systems that sustain them.
Expert Meeting on Geographical Indications (GI) – oriGIn – June 2025
15/06/2025
An International Expert Meeting on Geographical Indications (GI), organized by oriGIn (Organization for an International Geographical Indications Network), was held on 12 and 13 June 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. The aim was to bring together the international GI community (intellectual property lawyers, intellectual property offices, producer groups, institutions, GI operator federations, etc.) to discuss the latest developments and current challenges in the field. The event focused on several key themes for GIs: the implementation of international agreements on GIs, GI protection technologies, rights enforcement, traceability, communication, sustainability, as well as trademark applications conflicting with GIs. It provided an up-to-date overview of GI protection systems and the current issues linked to their development, while offering a cutting-edge perspective on practices and tools for GI protection. The FAO attended this meeting.
Worldwide Symposium 2025 on Geographical Indications (GI) – WIPO
03/05/2025
The Worldwide Symposium on Geographical Indications, organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), was held on 1 and 2 May 2025. This biennial event brought together public decision-makers, producers of products with geographical indications, and specialists in the field of GIs. It provided a platform for exchanging ideas and perspectives on the challenges related to the use and protection of GIs, while also delivering technical information and insights on recent developments in this area. The FAO took part and moderated the session on the sustainability of GIs, a topic in which it has been involved for many years.
International Conference in Rome Explores the Future of Geographical Indications through Innovation and Tradition
24/02/2025
In February 2025 in Rome, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) played host to the Second International Conference on Geographical Indicators (GIs), focused this time on the impact of innovations and tradition on sustainability. Co-organized by FAO and Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry (MASAF), the event gathered key players from across the globe. The collaboration also included CIRAD (the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development), the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI), oriGIn (Organization for an international network of geographical indications), oriGIn Italia and the Qualivita Foundation.
Held at FAO headquarters from 18 to 21 February, the Conference explored how tradition and innovation can work hand in hand to support sustainable development in GIs. More than 350 participants attended, including researchers, policymakers, producers, private companies, collective organisations and representatives from international bodies. Delegates came from 52 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas, highlighting the truly global reach of the discussions.
Key topics addressed included:
- Sustainable innovation: tackling the economic, social and environmental aspects of GIs and how they adapt to climate change;
- Governance and collective action: examining the role of producer organisations, certification schemes and marketing strategies;
- Policy and legal frameworks: exploring regulatory developments, GI protection and international cooperation;
- Technical specifications: investigating product standards and technical advancements.
The message emerging from the Conference was unequivocal: Geographical Indications must be embraced not merely as designations of origin, but as strategic tools for fostering inclusive and sustainable economic development, delivering tangible benefits across value chains and uplifting rural communities. They are a driving force behind the transformation of agricultural systems. To achieve this, GIs must be supported by strong public policies, particularly in the areas of value chain structuring, training, access to land, and investment.
With more than 18 years of dedicated engagement in supporting the sustainability of Geographical Indications, FAO continues to play a central role in the global effort to expand and strengthen the growing network of over 9,450 officially recognized GIs worldwide.
"Madd de Casamance" Registered as a Geographical Indication
30/06/2024
On 25 June 2024, the "Madd de Casamance" fruit received its certificate of registration as a geographical indication, presented to the Senegalese government by the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI). This makes the Madd the first Senegal's registered geographical indication. This registration marks a significant achievement for FAO, which has been supporting the process since the very beginning.
The "Madd de Casamance" is a wild fruit of the Saba liana, which grows in the forests of Casamance, Senegal's green lung. This fruit can be eaten on its own or, thanks to the expertise of its processors, as nectar, syrup or preserves (sweet, sweet-salty, sweet-salty-spicy). The local communities have a strong relationship with their territory and its products, and have a perfect knowledge of the ripening conditions of the fruit and the sustainable management of this resource. The Association for the Protection and Promotion of the Geographical Indication "Madd de Casamance” – APPIGMAC – counts over 900 members and consists of pickers/collectors and experienced processors.
