The MCCAA held an information session on the different EU agri-food quality systems: the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), or the Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG) products.

These EU agri-food quality systems add value to food products hence giving consumers more quality products to choose from and also give producers an additional financial incentive and boost their market share due to their products inherent quality.

Mr Johan Veeckmans, Policy Assistant at the European Commission’s DG Agri responsible for Geographical Indications gave participants a comprehensive and yet concise overview of the legislation (current and proposed) and the whole process involving the application dossier that needs to be submitted by the producer groups; which together with the guidance of the Technical Regulations Division within the MCCAA, will give local producers a way forward to give the best possible application before an application is submitted to the European Commission.

Mr Veeckmans explained that after submission, the application will then be vetted and subsequently followed by a period for comments and possible opposition by the other 26 Member States. After this period a final decision will be taken by the European Commission and the Member States.

Minister for Inclusion, Voluntary Organisations, and Consumer Rights Julia Farrugia Portelli highlighted the significance of the PDO, PGI, and TSG systems, in elevating the value of food products and expanding consumer choices. Minister Farrugia Portelli emphasized the crucial connection between culinary culture and consumer affairs, as these systems promote practices deeply rooted in generations of tradition. She applauded the MCCAA's role in guiding local producers through the application process, ensuring the preservation of authenticity and quality. Recognizing the importance of collaboration among producers, the Minister emphasized the need for collective efforts to safeguard culinary heritage, protect against imitations, and maintain consumer confidence. Minister Farrugia Portelli commended the MCCAA's commitment to upholding culinary traditions while prioritizing consumer protection in Malta's vibrant food industry.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Anton Refalo explained how certain food products can be granted a geographical indication if they have a specific link to the place where they are made. This indication creates a distinction in the market and delivers consumer trust as one of the most important benefits. On the other hand, products that are marked with a geographical indication benefit producers who receive a better return and can have a stronger position in the food chain. Minister Refalo added that “As a Ministry, we are guided by the principle of sustainability of food systems in all our workplans and polices. This is the idea that for food systems to be robust and resilient, they need to be feasible on all three levels – economic, social, and environmental and geographical indications address all three dimensions.”

The MCCAA is pleased to announce that the application process for the traditional ‘cheeslet’ Ġbejna tan-nagħaġ is now complete awaiting submission. The MCCAA is also in the initial stages of processing another product, the blood sausage called ‘Mazzit’ in Maltese for PGI status, as well as in the process of assisting in the application process of other products.

The MCCAA, through the Standards and Metrology Institute, is also responsible to conduct inspections and audits to verify compliance with the regulations and to monitor ongoing adherence to the standards set by the quality scheme. The MCCAA thus ensures the integrity of the system and the protection of consumers, while also supporting producers in maintaining the authenticity and quality of their agricultural products.

By seeking PDO, PGI, or TSG status for agri-food products, the producers can enhance their market value and promote practices that have been developed over several generations. It is also very important for producers of such products to collaborate together and to work towards obtaining such a recognition for their products so as to protect them from imitations and from products of lower quality.