Experts point to Moldovan producers' lack of knowledge on protected geographical status

There are only two registered denominations of origin in Moldova – the wines Ciumai and Romanesti. This should be a reason for concern as this number doesn't by far reflect the production and export potential of Moldova. This is one of the findings of the working group for agriculture and regional development of the National Convention on European Integration, Info-Prim Neo reports. Experts agree that the Moldovan producers, both large and small-scale, haven't realized the benefits of the protected geographical status and have little knowledge of the technical aspects in this respect. By signing the Agreement on the protected denominations of origin of agricultural goods with the EU, Moldova will commit itself to respecting over 3,000 European brands with protected geographical status, when exporting to the EU countries and anywhere else. The working group stressed that this commitment will probably cause many popular Moldovan exports to lose their identity, in particular on the Russian market. For example, it will not be possible for Moldovan wineries and distilleries to brand their beverages Champagne, Cognac, Cahors or Ports, which are protected denominations of origin. The group recommended that the authorities should request protection with the EU structures for denominations like Vinurile Moldovei (Wines of Molodva), Cricova, Milestii Mici and Divin, and exclude the requirement to renew the right to use geographical indications once in ten years. Other recommendations include training for business representatives on protected geographical indications and related rights; refunding of registration fees; the creation of a common Center for food control as part of the Agriculture Ministry, etc. The National Convention on European Integration Project is implemented by the Institute for Development and Social Initiative Viitorul, the Foreign Policy Association and the Independent Analytical Center Expert-Grup, with funding from the government of Slovakia. In addition to the working group on agriculture, the Convention also includes two more: on Visas, borders and Transnistria; and on Trade, services and competition.