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Ece Yücel writes; The impact of geographical indication products in sustainable rural development

Türkiye has a rich agricultural and cultural structure with its different geographical and climatic characteristics. This situation allows for the growth of various endemic plant species. This diversity enables the emergence of local products that directly represent certain geographies.

Local products not only reflect the cultural heritage of the region they are located in, but also make a positive contribution to rural development. These regional products produced in rural areas contribute to the revitalization of the local economy and provide employment.

In addition, the increase in brand value through geographical indication registration applications ensures that these products are more recognized and demanded in both national and international markets. The sustainability of rural development is supported through geographically indicated products and the international recognition of Türkiye’s agricultural wealth is also rising.

What about the Relationship Between Geographical Indication and Rural Development?

Rural development refers to the totality of planned activities and projects carried out to enhance the economic and social well-being of people living in rural areas. Within the scope of rural development projects, improving existing roads and renewing communication infrastructure will make it easier for farmers to transport their products to wider markets.

In addition, improving education and health services will increase the quality of life of the rural population, which will also be reflected in production. Therefore, rural development contributes economically to people working in agricultural activities. Rural development will provide sustainable economic growth and a general improvement in the quality of life in rural areas.

A geographical indication is a sign that identifies the quality, reputation or other characteristics of products that are specific to a specific geographical region and that emerge through the natural conditions, production methods or traditional knowledge, and experiences inherited from ancestors. These signs ensure the protection of products based on their geographical origin and provide both legal protection and economic advantage to the producer. Geographical indications provide assurance to consumers about the source and quality of the product, while boosting the competitiveness of local producers and contributing to the protection of cultural heritage.

Let’s evaluate it in terms of market acceptance and brand value… Products with geographical indications are products that are defined by their qualities originating from the natural and human characteristics of a specific geographical region and are registered with these features. These products stand out with their unique quality, taste and traditional production methods. Geographical indication registration plays a critical role in the branding process of local products and has a positive effect on brand value. Consumers perceive products with geographical indications as a guarantee of high quality and originality, thus increasing the market acceptance and demand for the products. Especially in agricultural products, geographical indication registration provides producers with a competitive advantage and enables the marketing of products at a value that will be beneficial for rural development. This supports economic sustainability by raising the income levels of producers in rural areas. In this context, the importance of products with geographical indications is not limited to economic benefits alone; it also supports social and cultural sustainability. It should be noted that geographical indication registration is of critical importance in terms of the effectiveness and sustainability of rural development strategies due to these multidimensional contributions.

In conclusion…

Climate change affects agricultural activities and causes farmers living in rural areas and especially those performing small-scale production to experience economic losses. Therefore, it is important to improve the current conditions of farmers living in rural areas and producing in a boutique manner to farmers with a wide range of products. The concept of sustainable development comes to the fore at this point. This concept requires a multi-dimensional approach that includes elements such as protecting natural resources, preventing ecological threats and ensuring environmental sustainability. In this context, it is clearly seen that products with geographical indications play an important role in sustainable agriculture and rural development. Geographical indications are signs that define and protect the quality, reputation and other characteristics of products specific to a certain region. These signs provide both economic and legal advantages to local producers and provide assurance about the source and quality of products for consumers.

By Ece Yücel,

Plant Breeder – Water Management Professional

About İsmail Uğural

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