A formal process has commenced to seek EU recognition of the unique characteristics of the Waterford Blaa - the special bread product associated with the city.

Minister Simon Coveney launched a national consultation process on the application of the Waterford Blaa for registration as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). On completion of the national consultation the application will be forwarded to the European Commission for review in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006.

Interested parties have a period of 8 weeks ending on Friday, 23rd of December 2011 to submit their comments in writing. Anyone with a legitimate interest may lodge an objection.

Geographical Indications are intended to highlight special qualities of the products through indication of their origin and to preserve cultural traditions. Granting of this intellectual property protection to "Waterford Blaa" would mean that this name could only be used by producers of the product within the specified region.

Minister Coveney said "The publishing of the specification document follows a period of engagement between the producer group in Waterford (Waterford Blaa Bakers Association) and my Department."

He went on to say "It is important that we take advantage of the EU Quality Products Scheme; to date Ireland has not sufficiently exploited this opportunity, this is a positive step forward, I would encourage producers of regional products to discuss possible applications with my Department".

The specification is available on the DAFM website at:

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/agri-foodindustry/promotionmarketing/schemeforprotectionofagriculturalproductnames/

Comments are to be submitted in writing to Food Industry Development Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Email: Geographicalindications@agriculture.gov.ie, Fax: 01 6072038.

Notes for Editor:

The schemes protect particular product names which are linked to a particular territory or to a production method. The products themselves do not have to be unique, yet the applications must show how the characteristics of the region - topographic, savoir faire, reputation, natural resources - have an impact on the characteristics of the product. Registration affords producers the protection against imitation and use of the name outside the region.

Products of Designated Origin (PDO)

• The product/foodstuff originates in the defined geographical area
• Quality or characteristics are essentially or exclusively due to the particular geographical environment with its inherent natural and human factors
• The production, processing and preparation of the agricultural product or foodstuff takes place within the defined geographical area

Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)

• The product/foodstuff originates from the defined geographical area
• Possess a specific quality, reputation or other characteristics attributable to the defined geographic area
• At least one stage of production, processing and preparation of the agricultural product or foodstuff takes place within the defined geographical area

Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG) - Traditional foodstuffs with distinctive inherent characteristics

• A product with traditional composition and mode of production.
• Has "Special Character" - a characteristic or set of characteristics which distinguishes an agricultural product/foodstuff clearly from other similar products or foodstuffs of the same category
• Is "Traditional" -  proven usage of the product/foodstuff over time. For the purposes of this scheme this time period is generally ascribed to as one human generation, ie at least 25 years.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is the competent authority in Ireland.

Four products are currently registered in Ireland:

Connemara Hill lamb ; Uain Sléibhe Chonamara PGI

Timoleague Brown Pudding PGI

Imokilly Regato PDO

Clare Island Salmon PGI

Procedure as per the Regulations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date Released: 10 November 2011

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