Post by cjm on Oct 2, 2019 15:36:56 GMT
In August 2019, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development invited the public to object to its intention to register Karoo Lam/Karoo Lamb as a South African geographical indication (GI) in the Government Gazette.
This gave rise to the hope that biltong would similarly secure a GI, which provides protection to unique agricultural products based on their geographical origins.
“A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place. Successful GI cases in South Africa include Rooibos and Hoodia gordonii products,” he said.
Biltong, a truly Southern African product, provided an ideal opportunity to secure a GI, he said.
However, correct procedures had to be followed. There was also a need for the establishment of a coordinating body, and government needed to provide for the representation of communities involved in the process.
This gave rise to the hope that biltong would similarly secure a GI, which provides protection to unique agricultural products based on their geographical origins.
“A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place. Successful GI cases in South Africa include Rooibos and Hoodia gordonii products,” he said.
Biltong, a truly Southern African product, provided an ideal opportunity to secure a GI, he said.
However, correct procedures had to be followed. There was also a need for the establishment of a coordinating body, and government needed to provide for the representation of communities involved in the process.