In recent years, the number of publications has multiplied and the number of researchers investigating GIs as a tool for rural development and socio-economic growth in inland areas has expanded considerably, demonstrating, with a scientific approach and method, the contribution they make in terms of achieving sustainability goals. 

Beyond the individual works offered by research teams operating in universities, in Italy and abroad, a Decisive impetus for networking and knowledge exchange between researchers and other stakeholders has certainly come from UN agencies, starting with the FAO, who have caught in the Geographical Indications a globally replicable development model, capable of contributing to the growth and self-sufficiency of even “marginal” geographical realities, often based on rather fragile family economies and devoted simply to the self-consumption of traditional products within their communities.

The possibility that such artisanal productions may allow organised groups of producers to equip themselves with internal rules and pursue the protection and valorisation, even outside their place of origin, of recognised trademarks (linked to the same products) by relying on “ad hoc” standards or legislative frameworks, has prompted FAO to stimulate reflection around GIs, foster the transfer of knowledge between stakeholders and communities, without neglecting to investigate their validity as a scientific model in parallel.

The following is a summary of the proposals, descriptions and abstracts of a selection of scientific research, from various sources, highlighting in particular the relationship between GI & Sustainability, This demonstrates the extent to which local quality production in itself expresses “sustainable content” and, conversely, how the implementation of integrated sustainability management systems enables PDO-PGI operators to improve the environmental, social, economic and governance performance of their companies.

The proposed selection of scientific papers was ideally grouped by prevailing themes highlighting particular aspects of sustainability expressed by GIs or factors that need to be considered (and governed) for GIs themselves to develop their full potential in contributing to the transition to sustainable food systems.

The proposed studies close with a last grouping dedicated to the dairy chain.

Consortia, governance strategies and indicators for GI sustainability

1. Search title: “The Geographical Indication Pathway to Sustainability: A Framework to Assess and Monitor the Contributions of Geographical Indications to Sustainability through a Participatory Process”.”

• Authors: Emilie Vandecandelaere, Luis Fernando Samper, Andrés Rey, Ana Daza, Pablo Mejía, Florence Tartanac and Massimo Vittori (FAO and oriGIn)
• Publication/Source: https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/c7b61289-8c58-4a81-aa9f-2b3f04fde0e9/content
• Publication date6 July 2021
• AbstractGeographical Indications (GIs) are widely considered to contribute to sustainability (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations - FAO, 2009; 2017), if established and managed correctly. Although the literature does not always agree on the positive effects of GIs in all dimensions of sustainability (e.g. economic, social and environmental), there is evidence that the involvement of GI producers in a sustainability strategy can maximise their contribution to the different components of sustainable development. FAO and oriGIn developed the sustainability strategy for GI (SSGI) to support GI producers and their associations, enabling them to adopt a participatory and place-based approach to generate progress and concrete results. In this regard, a original research for the creation of a framework and database for the selection and use of sustainability indicators relevant to GIs. Several SSGI principles guided the work through an iterative process of reviewing, selecting and improving relevant indicators, while the Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture (SAFA) provided the framework for alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other widely used and recognised sustainability frameworks. Thanks to this work, it was possible to characterise a database of 372 robust and relevant sustainability indicators for GIs, in order to facilitate their use by practitioners. The study emphasises the importance of the grassroots approach and the participatory and inclusive process as the key to empowerment and the ability to develop alliances. It also focuses on action and the need to strengthen internal and external communication. The results of the research constitute the premise for the study and definition of a standard sustainability certification scheme for Italian PDO PGI product chains (similar to Equalitas certification in the wine sector) promoted by Origin Italia.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchgovernance, economic, social, environmental and good communication practices.

2. Search title: “Study on the sustainability of small and medium-sized IGs”

• Authors: AREPO - Association of European Regions of Produce of Origin
• Publication/Source:

https://www.arepoquality.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/study-on-the-sustainability-of-sm-gis_executive-summary_it.pdf

• Publication date: May 2022
• AbstractThe study stems from the request of some AREPO member regions to examine the sustainability of small and medium-sized GIs. More specifically, it stems from the study commissioned by the European Commission (EC) entitled “Study on the economic value of EU quality systems, Geographical Indications (GIs) and Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSGs)”. The research carried out highlights the great potential of the GI sector, confirming its positive impact as a tool for rural and territorial development. The positive impact is mainly related to increasing producers' income, developing a labour-intensive sector, encouraging production diversification and supporting promotion. The study also emphasises positive externalities, such as the preservation of traditions, cultural reinforcement, the structuring of an active social network, coordination between producers and other actors in the chain, the creation of governance structures, the encouragement of tourism, territorial marketing, the protection of intellectual property rights, the encouragement of fair competition for producers, the preservation of landscapes, etc. However, negative elements emerge from this study and the literature analysed, showing significant sectoral disparities. Disparities are mainly highlighted at the economic-production level and concern disparities between Member States (MS), regional disparities and also disparities within production categories and sectors. Data on economic output serve as indicators of the existence of gaps in certain mechanisms. These data are useful to identify possible areas for action. Therefore, the study aims to examine the inhomogeneity of supply chain systems on different levels, to understand the reasons that undermine the sustainability of GI supply chains (especially small and medium GIs) and to investigate why some GIs become unproductive over time. In concluding the study, AREPO's objective is to provide guidelines and policy recommendations on possible strategies to implement and support sustainability in the round for small and medium-sized GIs. In light of the results of the research conducted, AREPO proposes the following recommendations Strengthen producer groups; streamline bureaucratic procedures; implement a definition of sustainability to be referred to in European legislation; increase the availability of administrative and statistical data on the PDO/PGI scheme at EU and Member State level; invest in GI research; support the potential of GIs in other related areas; continue to support the promotion policy of GI products; create an exchange forum on GIs; provide adequate support for digitisation; increase education and awareness of the GI system; stimulate the publication of tailor-made regional and local guides as training material for the different actors in the supply chain; strengthen the exchange of good practices and information between the different actors in the system; active communication campaigns; strengthen governance at all levels; promote the integration of voluntary measures on environmental sustainability.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researcheconomic, social, environmental, governance.

3. Search title: “The economic, environmental and social performance of European certified food”.”

• Authors: Valentin Bellassen, Marion Drut, Mohamed Hilal, Antonio Bodini, Michele Donati, Matthieu Duboys de Labarre, Jelena Filipović, Lisa Gauvrit, José M. Gil, Viet Hoang, Agata Malak-Rawlikowska, Konstadinos Mattas, Sylvette Monier-Dilhan, Paul Muller, Orachos Napasintuwong, Jack Peerlings, Thomas Poméon, Marina Tomić Maksan, Áron Török, Mario Veneziani, Gunnar Vittersø, Filippo Arfini (authors from various universities)
• Publication/Source:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921800921003037?via%3Dihub

• Publication date5 October 2021
• Abstract: to check whether foodstuffs certified by the EU - in this case organic and with Geographical Indication - are more sustainable than a conventional benchmark, researchers have developed 25 indicators covering the three pillars of sustainability. The original data were collected on 52 products at farm, processing and retail level, allowing the estimation of approximately 2000 indicator values. The most surprising aspect is that, in the sample analysed, certified foods outperform their non-certified counterparts in most economic and social indicators. With regard to the main environmental indicators - carbon footprint and water footprint - their performance is similar. Although certified food is more expensive than 61%, the extra performance per euro is comparable to classic policy interventions to improve food sustainability, such as subsidies or taxes. Overall, the results legitimise recent initiatives through standards that cover broader sustainability aspects.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchenvironmental, social, economic, political governance.

4. Search title: “Le rôle potentiel des indications géographiques dans les transitions agroécologiques : extension du cadre IAD/SES”

• Authors: Armelle Mazé, Virginie Baritaux, Mathilde Geay-Galitre, Etienne Polge, Marie-Odile Nozières-Petit (authors from various universities and research institutes)
• Publication/Source:

https://hal.science/hal-04845244v1

• Publication date18 December 2024
• AbstractFor more than a century, the development of Geographical Indications (GIs) has played an important role in the dynamics of territorial development in France, as well as in the preservation of local agricultural products and culinary specialities, in a context of modernisation and intensification of agriculture and standardisation of foodstuffs initiated after the Second World War. Geographical Indication production systems are localised approaches based on terroir, i.e. the specific combination of human knowledge and culture, techniques and the local natural environment. A key dimension of GIs also resides in their specific models of collective action and self-organisation of actors (in particular through Defence and Management Organisations, BODs), which may or may not be a lever to facilitate collective learning and knowledge transfer. The project GingKo aims to examine the different strategies developed by GI systems in the context of the agro-ecological transition (evolution of specifications, production systems and practices, environmental or organic co-certification, etc.), as well as the specific socio-economic challenges of GIs towards more sustainable socio-ecological systems. The French researchers' proposal aims to extend Ostrom's (2009) IAD/SES framework by defining GIs as knowledge commons. Given the importance of the ”evidence-based approach” in establishing the specific link to terroir, GI systems offer a particularly interesting field study to analyse the interactions between natural commons and knowledge commons and the importance of the concept of territorial or ecological embeddedness. As some scholars suggest, the analysis of transitions requires process-oriented modes of enquiry that can be understood as the description, analysis and explanation of the what, why and how of a certain sequence of individual and collective actions. Therefore, a dynamic application of the IAD/SES framework to GI systems is suggested, focusing on their governance systems and agroecological practices to examine processes and identify potential levers for agroecological transitions. To trace these transition processes, the authors propose to adopt a trajectory modelling approach from secondary data and a mixed method inspired by the quantified narrative method that allows them to understand and describe changes over time. This approach allows them to identify situations of action, actors involved and associated outcomes, as well as to identify changes in the components of the GI. By analysing SES dynamics over time, it is possible to understand the causal relationships between ongoing processes and the economic and social dynamics surrounding GI, influencing both their environment and the development of more resilient systems.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchenvironmental, socio-economic, governance.

5. Search title: “The efficient path of the Consorzi di tutela to manage territorial risks and protect the quality of GIs”

• Authors: Chiara Colamartino, Anna Rita Dipierro (LUM Giuseppe Degennaro University)
• Publication/Source:

https://ricerca.lum.it/handle/20.500.12572/22272

• Publication date1 January 2024
• AbstractThe market for agri-food products holding PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) designations is characterised by companies interconnected with the territory. Collaboration between enterprises frequently takes place through cost reduction and benefit sharing. To achieve this, the consortium form has been widely exploited in the Italian context. Italy is also known for its high quality products, vocation for cooperation and high adaptability to territories subject to hydrogeological disruption. This study assesses the level of efficiency of Italian companies in consortia, It states that in the input-output process there is the influence of two external factors: the physical risk of the location of the companies and the vocation for cooperation. Scores were calculated using Data Envelopment Analysis for 600 Geographical Indication companies. The scores were aggregated according to the Consortium they belong to. The study examined 50 Consortia over the period 2011-2020, claiming that tradition and an attitude of cooperation motivate the level of efficiency of the agri-food industry in line with the historical regional context of these organisational forms. Geographical concentration and proximity emerge as common elements for GI businesses, providing implications for policy-makers and new opportunities for future research.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchsocio-economic, governance.

Environment and climate change

6. Search title: “Can Geographical Indications promote environmental sustainability in food supply chains? Insights from a systematic literature review”.”

• Authors: Silvia Falasco, Paola Caputo, Paola Garrone (Politecnico di Milano)
• Publication/Source:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095965262400547X

• Publication date16 February 2024
• AbstractThe study aims to show how Geographical Indication food products are related to environmental sustainability through a systematic review of existing literature on the subject. First, the relevant publications are analysed and classified with reference to the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The results show a contradictory picture regarding the positive and negative implications of GI production for the different components of environmental protection (e.g. SDG 9 or SDG 12). Secondly, the literature review identifies four GI characteristics (i.e. production specifications, producers' environmental awareness, the role of institutions and the link to the territory) that can mitigate environmental pressures, when present. Finally, after analysing the evolution of European GI legislation, policy proposals are made. In particular, in order to improve the environmental sustainability of GI products, explicit environmental objectives should be introduced in the production specifications of Geographical Indications, while strengthening producers' awareness, multidimensional cooperation and connection to the territory.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchenvironmental, economic, supply chain governance, good communication practices.

7. Search title: “Environmental effects of geographical indications and their influential factors: A review of the empirical evidence”.”

• Authors: Marja Zattoni Milan and Ademir Antonio Cazella (Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Brazil)
• Publication/Source:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666049021000724?via%3Dihub

• Publication date9 October 2021
• AbstractThe study explores the relationship between agri-food GIs and environmental sustainability, based on an integrated review of the scientific literature. In theory, GIs for agri-food products are recognised to favour more sustainable production systems and are part of a set of strategies to counter the notion of food as a commodity and to promote territorial development. From a systematic search, 28 studies with empirical evidence of GI performance were selected and analysed. The study identified 16 positive and five negative environmental effects, with the positive effects prevalent in the Global North and the negative effects more common in the Global South. Six factors favouring the emergence of positive effects were also identified. Ultimately, what emerges from the study of Geographical Indications is that they can be important elements in land-use planning strategies aimed at conservation. On the other hand, not enough information was found on the holistic performance of GIs in the Global South.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchenvironmental, supply chain governance.

8. Search title: “Are We Adapting to Climate Change? Evidence from the High-Quality Agri-Food Sector in the Veneto Region”.”

• Authors: Dana Salpina, Francesco Pagliacci (University of Padua)
• Publication/Source:

https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/18/11482

• Publication date13 September 2022
• AbstractAdaptation to climate change is an issue of growing concern for the agri-food sector, especially for Geographical Indications (GIs). Agri-food GIs are deeply rooted in the concept of terroir, whose key aspects may be altered by climate change. In this context, Understanding whether and how actors involved in the production of agri-food GIs are adapting to climate change is crucial, as well as highlighting the role played by economic incentives or subsidies in the implementation of adaptation measures. To answer these questions, the research focuses on the case of the agri-food sector in the Veneto Region. Firstly, a sub-sample of agrifood GIs is identified. Secondly, a mixed approach is implemented, including 14 in-depth semi-structured interviews with key informants and two focus groups to analyse the effects of climate change and the implementation of adaptation measures. Different levels of concern regarding the effects of climate change are observed. Similarly, the implementation of adaptation measures varies greatly with the type of GI (e.g. animal-based or plant-based), cropping system (annual or permanent) and altitude of production areas (e.g. mountains or plains). Furthermore, several groups of barriers to adaptation are outlined, including behavioural, socio-economic, policy and governance-related, informational and structural barriers. Several recommendations are suggested: recognition de jure of the current functions of some Consortia and Producer Organisations, the extension of adaptation strategies beyond the GI system through cooperation and institutionalised networks, and the development of knowledge delivery systems based on participatory approaches.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchenvironmental, social, economic, supply chain governance.

9. Search title: “Adapting the designated area of geographical indications to climate change”.”

• Authors: Loïc Henry (Université Paris-Dauphine)
• Publication/Source:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ajae.12358

• Publication date24 November 2022
• AbstractThis article examines the Relocalisation of agricultural supply of Geographical Indication (GI) products as an option to adapt to climate change. The author develops a framework that links the delimitation of the GI product's production area to the distribution of specific geographical characteristics and their influence on product quality and corresponding comparative advantages. The model can then study how the GI production area responds to climatic changes in production conditions. The model developed shows that the GI production area may expand marginally with worsening production conditions due to climate change, but may disappear in the case of more severe degradations. This opportunity for GI relocation depends on achieving a careful balance between mitigating climate-induced yield losses and quality degradation, but is also threatened by the political-economic barriers that regulate the redistribution of GI rents. Overall, the study aims to open new avenues of research on the extent to which localism, authenticity and constancy, principles that have contributed to the success of GIs, influence their adaptation to climate change.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchenvironmental, economic, supply chain governance.

Local development and innovation

10. Search title: “Geographical Indications and local development: the strength of territorial embeddedness”.”

• Authors: Riccardo Crescenzi (London School of Economics and Political Science), Fabrizio De Filippis, Mara Giua, Cristina Vaquero-Piñeiro (University of Roma Tre)
• Publication/Source:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00343404.2021.1946499

• Publication date29 July 2021
• AbstractCan Geographical Indications (GIs) promote local economic development in rural areas? This scientific article explores the impact of GIs that identify and valorise agri-food products closely rooted in their territory of origin. The analysis of Italian wine protected by GIs through an innovative dataset and by means of models of propensity score matching e difference-in-differences makes it possible to compare the local economic development trajectories of rural municipalities that have been assigned GIs with the corresponding dynamics of a counterfactual group of similar municipalities without GIs since 1951. Rural municipalities with GI experience population growth and economic reorganisation towards non-agricultural sectors, often involving higher value-added activities.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchsocio-economic, governance.

11. Search title: “How do local factors shape the regional adoption of geographical indications in Europe? Evidences from France, Italy and Spain”.”

• Authors: Leonardo Cei, Gianluca Stefani, Edi Defrancesco (Universities of Padua and Florence)
• Publication/Source:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306919221001500

• Publication date12 October 2021
• AbstractThe spread of Geographical Indications is rather heterogeneous within the European Union. Some areas have a high number of registered GI products, while others make little use of this policy instrument. In the study, it is investigated the relationship between various environmental and socio-economic factors and the degree of GI utilisation at regional level in the three main countries in terms of registered GI products: Italy, France and Spain. To this end, an infrequency model was implemented that allows two sets of parameters to be estimated. In this way, it is possible to estimate the effect of each factor on two measures: the probability of observing a new GI registration in a region and the variation in the intensity of protection. The results show that conditions of marginality, such as the presence of disadvantaged areas or the remoteness of an area, the propensity of producers to cooperate and the past tradition of registering GI products are the main determinants of the degree of protection sought through GI labels. This provides interesting conclusions on the effectiveness of the Geographical Indications policy in targeting less developed areas, as well as suggesting possible ways to further stimulate the use of GIs to protect local products.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchsocio-economic, environmental, governance.

12. Search title: “Geographical Indication as a Strategy to Revive Small-Scale Agriculture: Evaluating Prospects for Geographical Indication Commodities as a Value-added Mechanism for Sustainable Agriculture”.”

• Authors: Gianni Petino (University of Catania), Jeffrey Wilson, Angela Babb, Donata Napoli (Academy of Fine Arts Palermo), Carl Ipsen, McKenna Conway, Siddharth Das, Kamila Czebotar & Daniel C. Knudsen (Indiana University Bloomington)
• Publication/Source:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381117051_Geographical_Indication_as_a_Strategy_to_Revive_Small-Scale_Agriculture_Evaluating_Prospects_for_Geographical_Indication_Commodities_as_a_Value-added_Mechanism_for_Sustainable_Agriculture

• Publication date: June 2024
• Abstract: the purpose of the study is to convey the results of an investigation into the ability of Geographical Indications to increase the profitability of small-scale agriculture in the EU and the US and, consequently, to revitalise and support the small farming communities in which producers live. The EU has long adopted a policy of using GIs to differentiate its products in Europe and in the global economy. Consequently, much can be learned from the European experience. The US has relatively little background in this regard, but there are examples. The analysis begins by examining three cases in Sicily before moving on to those in the United States. The choice of Sicily as the location for the European investigation is both pragmatic (two of the authors hold teaching positions in Sicily) and practical, as the use of Sicilian examples offers a relatively short period of time in which to evaluate the effects of GIs. Unlike products from central EU areas, particularly France, Sicilian products have relatively recently been registered in the EU's list of official GI products. As a result, it is easier to understand their path to official registration and many of the individuals involved are still alive, allowing for interviews to understand the registration process in detail. In the survey on GI products in Sicily, scholars explicitly focus on six points: how are/were GIs organised? What criteria do they have to fulfil? What economic benefits do GIs offer? What social and cultural benefits do they offer (preservation of lifestyle, community development, etc.)? What disadvantages occur when GIs are organised? How resilient are they to climate change and periodic socio-economic shocks such as the Covid-19 pandemic? How could they be transferred to other non-EU countries and, in particular, the US? After examining three Sicilian GIs in detail, the analysis moved on to what is happening in the US. In the US, GIs exist in two forms: American Vinicultural Areas (AVA), governed by the US government under the supervision of the US Treasury Department, and those such as Florida Oranges and Washington Apples, which are jointly governed by USDA market regulations and US trademark law. The article examines both of these systems. Finally, the possibilities of a potential historical product, persimmons from the Indiana Uplands, are analysed. The analysis concludes by glimpsing positive prospects for a wider adoption of GIs in the US as well, due to the multiple benefits they bring to different territories (among others: price increases to the extent that the wealth produced is redistributed to local economies; increasing employment in agriculture, with female participation and quality work for the entire workforce; quality and quantity control exercised by protection consortia to maintain PDO or PGI status; resistance to climate and pandemic shocks). GI, the research concludes, is not a panacea, but it could be a tool to revitalise the US rural economy.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchsocio-economic, environmental, governance.

13. Search title: “Geographical Indications and Innovation: Evidence from EU regions”.”

• Authors: S. Stranieri, L. Orsi, I. De Noni, A. Olper (University of Milan)
• Publication/Source:

https://air.unimi.it/handle/2434/957520

• Publication date: April 2023
• AbstractUnderstanding the relationship between the diffusion of Geographical Indications and innovation in the agri-food sector is a relevant area of research that has not yet been adequately addressed in the current literature. The contribution of the authors of the study aims to fill this gap by investigating the extent to which the spread of GI products in EU regions influences technological innovation. This issue is therefore investigated through a neo-Schumpeterian distance-to-the-frontier model, according to which the relationship between GI diffusion and innovation is non-monotonic and depends on the distance of firms and local systems from the technological frontier. To test this intuition, the scholars construct an original longitudinal dataset that includes information on GIs and agri-food patents in 265 EU regions over the period 1996-2014. Using different evaluators and different proxies for innovative activities, it is shown that the spread of GIs influences innovative activities, depending on the region's distance from the technological frontier. In other words, GI diffusion slightly reduces innovation and growth in regions close to the technological frontier, but stimulates it in regions lagging behind. These results have important policy implications.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchsocio-economic, governance.

14. Search title: “Managing the tradition and innovation paradox of the agribusiness industry: the impact of the network on operating, financial and social performance”

• Authors: Andrea Rey, Giovanni Catello Landi (University of Naples Federico II); Francesco Agliata (University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli), Mavie Cardi (University Link Campus Rome)
• Publication/Source:

https://www.emerald.com/jic/article-abstract/24/6/1447/226564/Managing-the-tradition-and-innovation-paradox-of

• Publication date28 June 2023
• AbstractThe study aims to investigate the role of the network in managing the tradition-innovation paradox in the agri-food sector. In particular, it aims to demonstrate that agri-food companies can innovate through tradition by joining a network, to capture how intellectual capital (IC) is created, shared and transformed. The authors approached the study using the conceptual framework of social capital, considering the network a determinant of social capital, which enhances the organisation's ability to share, create and utilise knowledge. Subsequently, the authors also used the extended spatial strategy theory. They also drew empirical evidence from companies belonging to the Consorzio della Pasta di Gragnano IGP (Consortium). Finally, the authors used a quantitative approach, carrying out a panel data analysis. The results suggested that consortium membership had a positive impact on the operational performance, financial performance and business environment of consortium members. Therefore, being part of a network helps companies to innovate in a traditional sector. The authors argue, among other things, that policy makers should implement new reforms that facilitate the formation of networks, especially in socio-economic contexts with high unemployment.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchsocio-economic, governance.

15. Search title: “Terroir takes on technology: Geographical indications, agri-food innovation, and regional competitiveness in Europe”.”

• Authors: Stefanella Stranieri, Luigi Orsi, Federico Zilia, Ivan De Noni, Alessandro Olper (University of Milan, Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia, LICOS - Centre for Institution and Economic Performance, KU Leuven, Belgium)
• Publication/Source:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0743016724001724

• Publication date1 August 2024
• AbstractIn the agri-food sector, companies and local systems can utilise both GIs and technological advances as key strategic assets for growth in many European regions, but the combined contribution of GIs and innovation activities to the economy of European regions is still little studied. The study aims to understand how Geographical Indications and agri-food innovation influence the competitiveness of agriculture and the food industry in European regions and how these strategies interact. To achieve this goal, a longitudinal and original dataset was organised, including data on GIs and agri-food patents from European regions between 1996 and 2014. The data on Geographical Indications and agri-food patents come from the eAmbrosia and OECD RegPat databases, respectively. Results show that Geographical Indications have a positive and significant impact on regional competitiveness, while the effect of agri-food innovations is controversial. The implications of these findings in terms of policy design are further discussed.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchsocio-economic, governance.

Market and consumers

16. Search title: “Do Territories with Geographical Indications Trade Better?”

• Authors: Mara Giua, Luca Salvatici, Cristina Vaquero-Piñeiro (Roma Tre University), Roberto Solazzo (CREA)
• Publication/Source:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40797-024-00269-3

• Publication date21 March 2024
• AbstractSpecifically, the study focuses on the’Impact of the European GI system on the export dynamics of the wine sector of Italian municipalities. The results suggest that GIs have a positive impact on wine export performance. Furthermore, the positive impact of GI extends to the entire agri-food sectorTaking similar non-GI municipalities as a reference, the GI municipalities experienced a greater increase in the value, volume and unit value of exports in both the wine and agri-food sectors as a whole. The positive impact concerns both extra-EU and intra-EU trade flows and is confirmed for both rural areas and municipalities belonging to regions with weak institutions.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchsocio-economic, governance.

17. Search title: “Geographical indications’ prices and marketing margins: the role of group size, longevity and production decisions”.”

• Authors: Francesco Bimbo, Alessandro Bonanno, Rosaria Viscecchia (University of Foggia and Colorado State University)
• Publication/Source:

https://www.emerald.com/bfj/article-abstract/125/1/286/41931/Geographical-indications-prices-and-marketing

• Publication date28 March 2022
• AbstractGI product labels aim to improve the income of farmers and processors. The study analyses how GI group characteristics and reputation (e.g. producer group size, longevity and production decisions) are related to prices at origin, final (consumer) prices and market margins. The authors use 8 years of annual data on the Italian extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) market with GI, comprising 46 EVOO with GI. The results show that the number of GI operators is correlated with consumer prices, while it is weakly correlated with prices at origin. The age of the GIs is not associated with higher consumer prices, while prices at origin are lower for older GIs than for younger ones. A higher olive/oil conversion rate of farmers is associated with lower prices at origin and consumption, while the degree of vertical integration is correlated with higher prices at origin and a higher share of market margins for producers. To the best of their knowledge, the authors offer the first empirical evidence of how the structural characteristics and production decisions of a GI group correlate with prices and marketing margins.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researcheconomic, governance.

18. Search title: “Applying blockchain to quality food products: a marketing perspective”.”

• Authors: Enrico Bonetti (University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”), Chiara Bartoli, Alberto Mattiacci (University of Rome 'La Sapienza')
• Publication/Source:

https://www.emerald.com/bfj/article-abstract/126/5/2004/1216189/Applying-blockchain-to-quality-food-products-a

• Publication date18 August 2023
• AbstractThe aim of this scientific article is to enrich the knowledge on the implementation of blockchain (BC) technology in the agri-food sector, providing an interpretative framework of the main marketing opportunities and challenges related to the adoption of BC for Geographical Indication products. The study adopts an exploratory qualitative research design through the cognitive mapping technique applied to the cognition of the different market actors involved in agri-food BC projects: farmers, distributors, companies and consulting firms. The research work presents a comprehensive analysis of the impact of knowledge-based marketing (BC) on different marketing objectives, including product improvement, brand positioning, consumer relations, market access and supply chain relations. It highlights the ability of BC to facilitate data-driven ecosystems within the agribusiness sector, involving supply chain actors and monitoring agencies. Furthermore, the study sheds light on the challenges (technological, collaborative, political, financial and organisational) associated with the implementation of BC in agribusiness marketing. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the relevance of BC in companies' marketing activities, particularly in the context of quality food products. It highlights the main areas of impact and effects and underlines the complexity of the phenomenon, which goes beyond its technical issues. In addition, it offers a systematic exploration of the challenges associated with the adoption of CB in marketing activities, thus contributing to a broader understanding of the implications of the adoption of CB in companies' marketing strategies. The practical implications of this work concern both GI companies and policy makers. The implications for companies relate to the market benefits associated with the implementation of BC, enabling further strengthening of market positioning, trust relationships within the supply chain and integration between physical and digital market channels. The study also systematises the challenges underlying the implementation of BC projects. The implications for policy-makers relate to the role they have to play in BC projects at the regulatory, financial and political levels.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researcheconomic, governance.

19. Search title: “The Impact of Protecting EU Geographical Indications in Trade Agreements”.”

• Authors: Daniele Curzi (University of Milan), Martijn Huysmans (Utrecht University)
• Publication/Source:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ajae.12226

• Publication date7 May 2021
• AbstractThe study examines whether the external protection of Geographical Indications through trade agreements has increased EU GI exports. The answer is important for trade policy, as the protection of at least some Geographical Indications has been a sticking point in recent trade negotiations. Detailed data on cheese exports, covering the period 2004-2019, are therefore used. The analysis uses the latest trade models that take into account the possibility of zero trade flows for certain goods. The scholars note that the legal protection of Geographical Indications in trade agreements generally does not lead to a significant increase in exports, beyond the general export-promoting effects of trade agreements. This finding should limit international fears that protected GIs may largely replace comparable products produced outside the European Union. However, although there is no significant effect in general, more detailed analyses reveal significant effects. In particular, higher quality Geographical Indications with higher market shares benefit from the increased external legal protection. On the basis of these conclusions, the EU may want to reorient its demands for the protection of geographical indications during trade negotiations.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researcheconomic, governance.

20. Search title: “From knowledge to consumption: how consumers perceive food quality“.“

• Authors: Ilenia Bravo, Angela Carelli, Lucio Cappelli, Patrizia Papetti (University of Cassino and Lazio Meridionale)
• Publication/Source:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372628169_From_knowledge_to_consumption_how_consumers_perceive_food_quality

• Publication date: October 2022
• AbstractItaly is a country of great traditions and local customs, each region possesses peculiar typical characteristics, which determine different qualitative, sensory and organoleptic attributes in food products. This makes it possible to promote the growth of PDO and PGI certified brands, transforming it into an important production pole of “Made in Italy” food excellence. Food quality is linked to the sustainability of the agri-food system, a term that is increasingly used in various strategic documents, policies and development plans at international, national and local level: “Agenda 2030” (UN), Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Green Deal and “Farm to Fork” strategy; which also represent the attention and acquisition of greater consumer awareness, who want to be informed about the origin and nutritional composition of a food. This work investigates the behaviour of Italian consumers towards certified products through the administration of a survey. Observation of the results shows that 90% of respondents recognise certification logos and their main differences; while food safety is chosen by 62% of consumers to represent the concept of quality.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by research: socio-economic.

Labelling, traceability and food safety

21. Search title: “Adoption of Geographical Indications and origin-related food labels by smes - A systematic literature review”.”

• Authors: Hofmeier Marion, Menapace Luisa, Rahbauer Sebastian (Governance in International Agribusiness, TUM School of Management & TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich)
• Publication/Source:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772801323000064

• Publication date: February 2023
• Abstract: a regional supply of high quality food products is considered sustainable and desirable by consumers and policy makers. Geographical Indications and other labels of origin help to communicate the regional origin of foods to consumers. Nevertheless, the uptake of these labels by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food sector is low. Based on an extensive literature review, this study provides a synthesis of existing empirical findings related to the adoption of Geographical Indications and other labels of origin by small and medium-sized enterprises in the food sector. It presents a conceptual framework that reflects the adoption decision and lays the foundation for the identification of the obstacles these companies face. Adoption factors are divided into internal and external from the company's perspective. Internal factors include the personality of the CEO, company characteristics, economic aspects and strategic objectives. External factors are structured along the value chain into primary production, competitors, indirect marketing distribution channels (such as retail, wholesale and export) and consumers. Additional external factors capture the broader institutional context in which the company operates and include consortia and cooperatives, certification societies and government. The literature has identified the economic and marketing strategy aspects as critical factors for adoption, and evidence suggests that CEOs' altruistic motivations play an important role. Limited knowledge of Geographical Indications and other labels of origin and the effort required to obtain/use such labels were identified as a significant barrier to adoption. The scientific article concludes with recommendations for label licensees and, more generally, for policy makers. Better communication along the supply chain is needed to increase levels of label adoption.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchsocio-economic, governance.

22. Search title: “Does Traceability Lead to Food Authentication? A Systematic Review from A European Perspective”.”

• Authors: Maria-Eleni Dimitrakopoulou, Apostolos Vantarakis (University of Patras)
• Publication/Source:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/87559129.2021.1923028

• Publication date18 May 2021
• Abstractfood safety and quality are of increasing concern to both consumers and the entire food sector involved. The European Union has implemented specific legislation for food products in order to monitor their safety and quality, while protecting the culture, history and local economy of each country. Furthermore, Europe's heritage is being enriched with the establishment of quality schemes such as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). Europe's interest and concern for food safety is also demonstrated by the continued funding of the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme 5. Food traceability and authentication are inseparable parts of food safety and quality. This systematic review presents innovative research technologies used in Europe for food traceability and authentication and published in the period 2010-2018. In addition, information is provided on the method used, the country of origin, the type of food and the level of processing. The article offers a possible new approach to the combination of the existing definitions of traceability and food authentication with regard to the origin of food.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by research: socio-economic.

Nutrition

23. Search title: “Geographical Indications and their evolving role in sustainable diets: a comparative analysis with Fairtrade and Presidia Slow Food”.”

• Authors: Mariagiulia Mariani (University of Pisa), Barbara Pick (FAO-CIRAD), Aurélie Carimentrand (Université Bordeaux Montaigne)
• Publication/Source:

https://shs.hal.science/halshs-04987486v1

• Publication dateMarch 2025
• AbstractThe study examines the transformative role of Geographical Indications in promoting healthy and sustainable diets, particularly in the light of changing societal expectations. Traditionally focused on safeguarding local production methods and protecting the economic interests of producers, GIs are increasingly recognised as catalysts for innovation and sustainability within the food system. GIs serve as tools to establish the quality, authenticity and cultural heritage of food products, enabling consumers to make informed choices. By promoting a sense of belonging and community, GIs contribute to redefining the relationship between producers and consumers, responding to the growing demand for transparency and sustainability in the food supply. The study claims that the IG should not be considered simply as protective labels, but as dynamic social innovations that uniquely respond to contemporary food system challenges. The survey explores how GIs, together with two other food labels, namely Fairtrade and Slow Food Presidia, contribute to collective progress towards healthy and sustainable food. Based on differentiation based on newly integrated health and sustainability criteria, these labels enable the formulation of standards tailored to the specific challenges faced in their respective production areas. Each label defines its own ambitions, rules and adaptations in a pragmatic way, representing its “promise of difference”. This evolution reflects the ability of stakeholders to imagine and implement new forms of collective organisation, although the results are sometimes controversial. The first part of the presentation analyses how GIs and other labels studied have evolved to incorporate health and sustainability criteria, illustrating their potential to influence broader food patterns. The second part examines the opportunities and challenges these labels face in promoting a sustainable food system while ensuring that local communities reap economic and social benefits. Highlighting the distinctive contributions, strengths and limitations of GIs, alongside Fairtrade and Presidia, scholars emphasise the need for food labels to adapt to the demands of a changing world. They also argue that Geographical Indications, through their deep-rooted links to local contexts and collaborative governance, can effectively contribute to a more sustainable and equitable food system that meets the diverse needs of both consumers and producers.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by research: socio-economic.

Tourism

24. Search title: “Geographical indications and traditional products as the basis of enogastronomic tourism: significance for the development of rural communities (on the example of Italy)”.”

• Authors: Oksana V. Arion (Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv)
• Publication/Source:

https://geology-dnu.dp.ua/index.php/GG/article/view/1095

• Publication date23 March 2024
• AbstractThe study is dedicated to exploring Geographical Indications and traditional products as a foundation for the development of gastronomic tourism and their collective impact on the development of rural communities. Italy was chosen as the object of the research: one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, a country with the highest number of registered GIs and a consolidated tradition of rural tourism. Analysing the Italian experience with regard to the contribution of traditional products and GIs to the development of national tourism and the economy of rural communities and the state as a whole allows us to assess Ukraine's development vectors in this field. Statistical data from the World Tourism Organisation confirmed Italy's stable position in global tourism (fifth place in terms of tourist arrivals and receipts over the last decade or more) and positive growth in the tourism balance ($19 billion in 2019), leading the World Tourism Organisation to characterise it as a “high-growth country”. Recent WTO publications have noted significant recovery rates of international tourism in Italy in the post-pandemic period. According to Coldiretti, the expected contribution to the country's economy in 2023 exceeds EUR 30 billion from domestic and foreign tourists who are increasingly choosing to spend their holidays in rural areas. This trend is attributed to Italy's leadership in wine and food tourism, with over 5,000 traditional product designations and 838 products and wines protected by Geographical Indications (by 2023, according to the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry), as well as the immense potential of agritourism. The article also highlights the significant role played by the representation of Italy's unique agro-landscapes as UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscapes, FAO World Agricultural Heritage (GIAHS project), etc., in the development of rural communities. The analysis and overview of the current implementation of the GI system and the traditional characteristics guaranteed in Ukraine made it possible to identify some strategic directions for the application of the Italian experience in Ukrainian territories.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by research: socio-economic.

25. Search title: “Sustainability for farm tourism activities: promoting sustainability in food and wine tourism”

• Authors: Roberta Garibaldi (University of Bergamo)
• Publication/Source:

https://www.robertagaribaldi.it/consortium/

• Publication date: April 2025
• AbstractThe study analyses the the role of sustainability in food and wine tourism, highlighting how farms can adopt targeted strategies to improve the environmental, social and economic impact of tourism experiences. A survey conducted in 2023 on more than 1,500 Italian tourists examines the motivations and behaviour related to sustainability in food and wine tourism, highlighting the gap between declared intentions and actual practices. The data collected reveal a growing awareness of sustainability among tourists, but also a reduction in the practices actually adopted: 65% avoid wasting food, 54% respect the environment, but only 27% use public transport and 17% choose sustainable facilities. To bridge this gap, the carTES project - Sustainable Food and Wine Tourism Charter - is analysed, which proposes strategies to encourage sustainable practices among tourists and operators in the sector, offering hints for future sustainable development initiatives in food and wine tourism.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchenvironmental, social, economic.

26. Search title: “How can traditional products (PDO, PGI, TAP, Transhumance) contribute to the development of sustainable and inclusive destinations in rural Tuscany”.”

• Authors: Ariela Bankier, Alessio Cavicchi, Roberta Moruzzo, Francesca Pedonese (University of Pisa)
• Publication/Source:

https://etd.adm.unipi.it/theses/available/etd-01092024-091751/unrestricted/Ariela_Tesi_Feb_17_FINAL.pdf

• Publication date: 2024
• AbstractUnlike some areas of central Tuscany that enjoy a considerable influx of tourists each year, rural areas, especially in northern Tuscany, struggle to establish themselves as primary tourist destinations. Traditional“ food products - including Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), Traditional Agricultural Products (PAT) and products derived from transhumance - have the potential to revolutionise Tuscany's rural areas, attracting Italian and foreign visitors and fostering a sustainable and inclusive tourism ecosystem. The aim of this work is to analyse the tourists“ degree of understanding of the term ”traditional products“ and of the PDO, PGI, PAT certifications; to assess the level of interest in food products made ”according to tradition' and whether they can act as a potential factor of attraction; and to identify strategies to attract visitors and promote traditional products, thus favouring the local economy. Through the qualitative analysis and coding of 100 semi-structured interviews with Italian and foreign tourists, this study investigates the main themes and opinions that influence their choices. The results show that: foreign tourists have less knowledge of the terms DOP, IGP, PAT than Italians; combined activities could increase the number of visitors to rural areas where agri-food products are produced; tourists appreciate farms that produce food in a sustainable way and value the preservation of local traditions and animal welfare. The study highlights the potential of agri-food products as tourism attractors capable of promoting inclusive tourism and provides indications for the development of targeted and sustainable promotion strategies.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by research: socio-economic.

27. Search title: “Eat, visit, love. World heritage list and geographical indications: Joint acknowledgement and consistency as drivers of tourism attractiveness in Italy”

• Authors: Elina De Simone, Mara Giua, Cristina Vaquero-Piñeiro (University of Roma Tre)
• Publication/Source:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/13548166231218765

• Publication date: December 2023
• AbstractThis study investigates the influence of awards on tourism demand, particularly World Heritage List (WHL) and Geographical Indication (GI) designations. The study's contribution is twofold. Firstly, it assesses the impact of the joint recognition of both recognitions. Secondly, it assesses how the impact of the two recognitions depends on the number of recognitions (coherence). These impact assessments concern both national and international tourists. The findings highlight the positive effects, including tourist arrivals, overnight stays and tourism expenditure, associated with both combined recognition and consistency of accreditation. These results support the implementation of area-based policies that promote diverse local resources, particularly cultural heritage and agri-food excellence.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by research: socio-economic.

28. Search title: “Using farmhouse and food to enforce a tourism sustainable development model: empirical evidence from Italy”.”

• Authors: Fabrizio Antolini (University of Teramo), Francesco Giovanni Truglia (Istat)
• Publication/Source:

https://www.aimspress.com/aimspress-data/nar/2023/2/PDF/NAR-05-02-010.pdf

• Publication date12 May 2023
• AbstractEnvironmental sustainability plays a crucial role in influencing policy actions and people's behaviour. The 2030 Agenda highlights the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which can be achieved through tourism, particularly in its most sustainable form, such as ecotourism. Ecotourism offers an ideal platform for experimenting with new lifestyles oriented towards sustainability and well-being. In addition, ecotourism enhances territorial identities, in particular through food and wine promotion, which can contribute to the creation of sustainable tourist areas. Quality food production bears witness to the producers' focus on the sustainability of the land and a lifestyle that puts well-being at the centre. European citizens increasingly recognise the environment as a resource for good living. In Italy, agritourism, which includes activities offered by 25 certified quality agricultural producers, is becoming increasingly popular among tourists. In this context, sustainability can be experienced through tourism, which offers the opportunity to live differently. This study examines two Italian regions (Tuscany and Apulia) where farm, food and wine and tourism (FFST) areas have been successfully implemented as a form of sustainable tourism. The study shows that FFST areas can be defined using spatial analysis and become a model for sustainable tourism development. In conclusion, environmental sustainability has an ethical significance and can be achieved through tourism, particularly through ecotourism and FFST areas, which allow tourists to experience sustainable lifestyles while enhancing territorial identities.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchenvironmental, social, economic.

Dairy chain and animal husbandry

29. Search title: “Is the ‘Protected Designation of Origin’ an indicator for sustainable landscape management? Insights from pasture-based animal husbandry in five EU countries”.”

• Authors: Lukas Flinzberger, Tobias Plieninger, Miguel Nuno Bugalho, Yves Zinngrebe (University of Kassel-Germany, University of Göttingen-Germany, University of Lisbon-Portugal)
• Publication/Source:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1747423X.2024.2326321

• Publication date9 April 2024
• AbstractPrevious research has shown that products labelled “Protected Designation of Origin” (PDO) have a positive correlation with landscape sustainability indicators. However, the specific factors that turn PDO products into sustainable landscape management tools remain vague. The study analysed interviews from six European production systems to explore the links between PDO products and sustainable landscape management. All case studies investigated were related to intensive livestock farming. The researchers found that PDO products can contribute to sustainable landscape management if appropriate incentives for agri-environmental measures supplement income. Successful products are also associated with local networks that exploit synergies between the interests of different stakeholders.Through the promotion of socio-ecological objectives at landscape level, PDO products can be an important addition to the Green Deal and the EU's rural development strategy, and by introducing eligibility criteria focused on socio-ecological objectives, PDO labelling could be classified as a sustainability standard.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchenvironmental, social, economic.

30. Search title: “AOP Comté : l'innovation réglementaire au service de la durabilité”.”

• Authors: Valéry Elisseeff, Louis Meyer (Comité Interprofessionnel de Gestion du Comté-CIGC, Centre de REcherches sur les Stratégies Economiques-CRESE)
• Publication/Source:

https://giconf2025.sciencesconf.org/585511

• Publication dateFebruary 2025
• AbstractSince its recognition as AOC in 1958, and then as AOP, Comté has constantly modified its specifications. Initially focused on the protection of the designation (definition of the area, description of the cheese and protection of the name), the specification has gradually incorporated measures that directly affect the organoleptic quality of the cheese, laying down strict rules on production methods. Today, and seizing the opportunity offered by the sustainability agenda proposed in the reform of the European Geographical Indications regulation, the Comté specification integrates sustainability measures covering three dimensions: economic, social and environmental. Thus, limiting the individual productivity of each farm, limiting the size of farms, the number of dairy cows per labour unit, the obligation to provide training, etc. are all measures that not only offer a global promise to consumers by meeting their expectations, but also protect the very identity of the Comté. By preserving its identity through its specifications, the Comté sector protects its social capital. And it is this capital that allows the sector to question its future and propose new measures to preserve its sustainability. From then on, a virtuous circle is established between specifications and social capital, which feed off each other for the greater benefit of the area.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchenvironmental, social, economic, governance.

31. Search title: “Circular Economy in Mountain Value Chains: The Case of Three PDO Cheeses”.”

• AuthorsKamar Habli, Diana E. Dumitras, Emilia Schmitt, Isabella Maglietti Smith, Dominique Barjolle (Origin for Sustainability-Switzerland, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca-Romania, University of Cordoba-Spain, Institute für Agrarwissenschaften-Switzerland)
• Publication/Source:

https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/12/21/3954

• Publication date29 October 2023
• AbstractThe circular economy (CE) has shown promise for the achievement of several UN Sustainable Development Goals, replacing the linear system and reducing negative impacts on the environment. This research aims to assess the effective adoption of circular economy principles in three Geographical Indication (GI) cheeses through an analysis of the practices identified in the respective value chains. Qualitative interviews show the persistence of historical practices that preserve the heritage behind the product, maintain independence from external inputs and save energy or make intelligent use of by-products. Radical adoption of EC principles requires innovation to reduce the use of new inputs and greenhouse gas emissions. GI food products are generally not bound by standards beyond those set by law, but their specifications can be modified to respect practices consistent with the link to terroir. However, the remoteness of small businesses in deep rural areas, far from research centres, is slowing down knowledge transfer and the adoption of the latest technologies, particularly in mountainous areas. More participatory research and innovative initiatives are needed to ensure the transition to a circular economy for traditional mountain products, which are strongly linked to local culinary traditions and cultural identity.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchenvironmental, social, economic.

32. Search title: “A comprehensive, large-scale analysis of “terroir” cheese and milk microbiota reveals profiles strongly shaped by both geographical and human factors”.”

• Authors: Françoise Irlinger, Mahendra Mariadassou, Eric Dugat-Bony, Olivier Rué, Cécile Neuvéglise, Pierre Renault, Etienne Rifa, Sébastien Theil, Valentin Loux, Corinne Cruaud, Frederick Gavory, Valérie Barbe, Ronan Lasbleiz, Frédéric Gaucheron, Céline Spelle, Céline Delbès (various French universities and research institutes)
• Publication/Source:

https://academic.oup.com/ismecommun/article/4/1/ycae095/7712259

• Publication date11 July 2024
• AbstractA comprehensive analysis was conducted on over 2000 microbiota from French Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheeses, covering most of the cheese families produced worldwide. Thanks to a comprehensive and accurate set of associated metadata, it was carried out an in-depth analysis of the ecological factors of microbial communities in milk and “terroir” cheeses”. The scholars thus demonstrated that The bacterial and fungal microbiota of the milk differed significantly between the cheese species, although they shared a central microbiome consisting of four microbial species. In contrast, no microbial species were detected in all samples of ripened cheese. The network analysis suggested that the cheese microbiota was organised in independent network modules. These network modules mainly comprised species with an overall relative abundance of less than 1%, showing that the most abundant species were not those with the most interactions. Species assemblages differed according to human factors, cheese species and geographical area, thus demonstrating the contribution of regional know-how to the definition of the cheese microbiota. Finally, an in-depth analysis at the milk into cheese production batch level showed that a high percentage of the cheese's micro-organism groups were derived from milk under the influence of the cheese species and the protected designation of origin.
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchenvironmental (ecosystem, biodiversity).

33. Search title: “Protecting Food Cultural Biodiversity: From Theory to Practice. Challenging the Geographical Indications and the Slow Food Models”.”

• Authors: Mariagiulia Mariani, François Casabianca, Claire Cerdan, Iuri Peri (CIRAD, INRAE, University of Catania)
• Publication/Source:

https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/9/5265

• Publication date8 May 2021
• AbstractA global expansion of public and private initiatives aims to strengthen the link between traditional products and sustainable development by creating a market niche for these products. Relevant examples are the models of Geographical Indications and Slow Food Presidia. This article compares both types of Origin Food Schemes (OFS) to highlight the main commonalities and differences in their institutionalisation, as well as their complex effects on cultural biodiversity (CB), which is a major concern for the sustainability of rural communities. The scholars used the dynamics of the knowledge base as an analytical lens through the cross-comparison of ethnographic results collected in four case studies of cheeses of origin located in France, Italy and Morocco. The survey results suggest that SFOs have a high potential to defend cultural biodiversity due to their collective and context-dependent approaches. The analysts argue that the knowledge and practices mobilised in OFS are the result of power relations and comparisons between local actors and it is shown how four identified tensions between different forms and types of knowledge shape food culture, food techniques, perceptions and representations differently. In conclusion, the institutional approaches, practices and knowledge dynamics compared in this analysis show six effective ways of linking SFO and CB, facilitating the path to sustainable development
• Aspects of sustainability investigated by researchsocial, governance.