Breaking down the misconception: geographical indications are more than just ‘farm products’

Geographical Indication (GI) Products: Beyond Agriculture

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Introduction

It is often believed that Geographical Indication (GI) products are exclusively related to agricultural products. However, this is a misconception as GIs cover a wide variety of products beyond agriculture. GIs also include non-agricultural products such as handicrafts, ceramics, glassware, metalwork, jewellery, etc., that have a specific link to a geographical area.

Reasons for Misconception

There are several reasons contributing to the misconception that GIs are limited to agricultural products:

• Prominence of Agricultural GIs: Throughout history, GIs have been primarily associated with special food or crops from specific areas, leading to the perception that GIs are primarily confined to agriculture.
• Limited Awareness: Many consumers and even some producers are not fully aware of the diverse scope of GIs. This lack of awareness contributes to the misconception that GIs are only for agricultural products.
• Tradition and Culture: Agriculture has a deep-rooted connection to tradition and culture in many regions. This cultural significance can overshadow the fact that non-agricultural products also bear GIs. Non-agricultural GIs may not have the same level of recognition or appreciation as agricultural ones.
• GI Terminology: The terminology used in GI production, such as “appellation of origin” and “traditional knowledge”, may lead people to associate GIs more with agricultural products due to their close ties with specific regions. These terms may not be as applicable or relevant to non-agricultural products that have different production methods or characteristics.

Expanding the Understanding of GIs

To dispel the confusion and misconception, it is crucial to emphasize that GIs extend to a wide range of products beyond agriculture. Highlighting some of these non-agricultural GIs can help broaden the understanding and scope of GIs:

• Handicrafts: Pashmina shawls, kantha, phulkari, etc.
• Textiles: Mysore silk, muga silk
• Manufactured: Mysore Sandalwood Oil, kannuaj perfume, Mysore aggarbatti
• Foodstuff: Bikaneri Bhujia, bandar laddoo, Goan Khaje, etc.

These examples demonstrate that GIs are not limited to agricultural products but also cover a wide range of products that reflect the diversity and creativity of India’s culture and geography.

Promoting Awareness and Understanding

Awareness campaigns and educational initiatives should emphasize the inclusive and expansive nature of GI protection. By showcasing the cultural, economic, and quality-related aspects of non-agricultural GIs, we can better understand the concept and its significance in preserving and promoting regional uniqueness across various industries.

Conclusion

The misconception that GIs are solely associated with agricultural produce arises from historical prominence and limited awareness among the general public. Educating everyone about the diverse scope of GIs, encompassing both agricultural and non-agricultural products, is essential to foster a more accurate understanding of this valuable form of intellectual property protection.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The article discusses the misconception that Geographical Indication (GI) products are limited to agricultural products. By highlighting non-agricultural GIs such as handicrafts, textiles, and manufactured goods, the article emphasizes the economic growth potential of these products.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The article mentions the need to educate people about the diverse scope of GIs, including non-agricultural products. This highlights the importance of promoting innovation and supporting industries beyond agriculture.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The article emphasizes the cultural, economic, and quality-related aspects of non-agricultural GIs. By promoting the protection and promotion of regional uniqueness, the article aligns with the goal of responsible consumption and production.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article suggests that awareness campaigns and educational initiatives should be undertaken to promote a more accurate understanding of GIs. This highlights the importance of partnerships and cooperation in achieving the goals related to intellectual property protection.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation

The article emphasizes the economic potential of non-agricultural GIs, such as handicrafts and textiles. By promoting these products, it aligns with the target of supporting productive activities and decent job creation.

Target 9.3: Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets

The article mentions non-agricultural GIs like manufactured goods, which can involve small-scale industrial enterprises. By promoting these products, it aligns with the target of increasing their access to financial services and integration into value chains.

Target 12.6: Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle

The article highlights the cultural and quality-related aspects of non-agricultural GIs, promoting the adoption of sustainable practices in their production. This aligns with the target of encouraging companies to adopt sustainable practices.

Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South, and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology, and innovation

The article suggests the need for awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to promote a more accurate understanding of GIs. This aligns with the target of enhancing cooperation and access to knowledge in the field of intellectual property protection.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, some indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets include:

• Number of jobs created in non-agricultural sectors
• Number of businesses in non-agricultural sectors
• Percentage of small-scale industrial enterprises with access to financial services
• Percentage of small-scale industrial enterprises integrated into value chains
• Number of companies adopting sustainable practices
• Percentage of companies integrating sustainability information into reporting
• Number of partnerships for science, technology, and innovation
• Number of countries participating in regional and international cooperation

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators