Development of Geographical Indications in Romania

The project has led the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) to adopt a public stand on the Geographical Indication and to promote this instrument as part of its rural development strategy. Through the project, we helped to intensify the dialogue between MARD staff, civil society (through NGOs) and the private sector (through agricultural representatives and processing companies). The initiative also allowed MARD to develop an evaluation network to address the Geographical Indication certification issues and to solve the problems of the registration process. One of the most important aspects was to make MARD aware of bureaucratic bottlenecks and build practical solutions. The workshops organized within the project allowed MARD staff to have a better overview of the Geographic Indication. We have also contributed to building the capabilities of ADEPT staff to address the Geographic Indication topic when working with manufacturers or producer groups. In addition, the project brought together producer groups with MARD and ADEPT. Through our studies, we have sought to understand consumers’ expectations of traditional foods and products, in general, as well as the protected designation of origin. All this information has been presented and discussed in detail with the interested producers. Finally, the most advanced products in terms of marketing strategy and registration at the end of the project were “Smoked Danube mackerel” – “Scrumbie afumată de Delta Dunării” and “Bran Cheese in Pine Tree Shell” – “Brânză de Bran în coajă de brad”.

Executive AgencyAGRIDEA AssociationPartnersADEPT Transylvania Foundation | Ministry of Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentContract NumberRA 7ComponentPredefined projectImplementation areaNationalThematic areaSustainable rural developmentImplementation period01.04.2013 – 31.03.2016Budget of the project (CHF)266,810Swiss Contribution (CHF)226,760Project websiteN/AExecutive Agency websitewww.agridea.ch