Introduction

PDO-PGI-TSG PRODUCTS

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG)

In 1992 according to the regulation 2081/92, the European Union first adopted the system for the protection of geographical indications and the designations of origin of agricultural products and foodstuffs and according to the regulation 2082/92 the rules on the certificates of specific character for agricultural products and foodstuffs. In 2006 to improve the system, the above regulations have been replaced by regulations (EC) 510/06 and (EC) 509/06 respectively, without changing their scope and feasibility.

By Regulation (EE)1151/2012 of 21 November 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs the above mentioned regulations ((EC)509/2006 and (EC)510/2006) are merged into a single legal framework. While in this regulation have been added and other quality schemes such as optional quality terms “mountain product”, “product of island farming” etc.

In accordance with the aforementioned regulations and under the reorientation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the farmers are encouraged to switch to forms of integrated rural development through the diversification of rural production. Furthermore, it is possible the producers (especially in disadvantaged and remote areas) to promote easily their products with special characteristics, achieving better market prices and thereby improving their income and on the other hand consumers to buy quality products with guarantees for the production, processing and geographic origin.

Definitions

Designation of origin
‘Designation of origin’ is a name which identifies a product:
(a) originating in a specific place, region or, in exceptional cases, a country;
(b) whose quality or characteristics are essentially or exclusively due to a particular geographical environment with its inherent natural and human factors; and
(c) the production steps of which all take place in the defined geographical area.

Geographical indication
‘Geographical indication’ is a name which identifies a product:
(a) originating in a specific place, region or country;
(b) whose given quality, reputation or other characteristic is essentially attributable to its geographical origin; and
(c) at least one of the production steps of which take place in the defined geographical area

Traditional Speciality Guaranteed Product
A name shall be eligible for registration as a ‘traditional speciality guaranteed’ where it describes a specific product or foodstuff that:
(a) results from a mode of production, processing or composition corresponding to traditional practice for that product or foodstuff; or
(b) is produced from raw materials or ingredients that are those traditionally used.

Competent Authorities for official controls

In Greece, since 1.6.2006, EL.G.O. DEMETER (former AGROCERT), has been authorized to grant certification to enterprises, to carry out controls in cooperation with the Directorates of the Rural Development of the Prefectures, to ensure compliance with the specifications, to certify the products in question as well as to keep a register of the enterprises approved for the usage of PDO and PGI indications.