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Nine Murcia craft products set to receive Protected Geographical Indication status
The Region of Murcia has started the process to recognise nativity scenes, Lorca textiles, Cartagena ceramics and Yecla furniture
The Region of Murcia is expanding its collection of Protected Geographical Indication products beyond food and drink. Nine regional crafts are set to join the four food products that already hold IGP status, including the peach from Cieza, melon from Torre Pacheco and wines from Campo de Cartagena and Murcia.
The upcoming craft designations represent some of the Region's most celebrated artisanal traditions. The list includes nativity scenes from Murcia, ceramics and rugs from Lorca, furniture from Yecla, ceramics from Totana, glass from Cartagena, tiles from the Cehegín district of Valentín, esparto grass from Blanca and jute from Caravaca de la Cruz.
The government is currently developing a decree to regulate the regional phase of the IGP procedure, which must be completed before applications go to the European Union Intellectual Property Office.
At this stage, professional artisans, business owners, consumers, associations and institutional representatives will all be able to participate through regional advisory bodies.
"This regulation not only responds to a long-standing demand from the artisan and industrial sectors, but also opens the door to a new landscape of economic opportunities for our producers," explained María Isabel López Aragón, Minister of Employment and Social Economy.
"The promotion of IGPs for non-agri-food products helps differentiate them in the market, providing added value that reinforces the authenticity, tradition and prestige of the product," she added.
And the economic impact could indeed be substantial. The woodworking sector alone currently generates more than 7,700 direct jobs in the Region of Murcia, representing just over 11% of regional industrial employment.
Last June, the Governing Council approved the establishment of a commission specifically dedicated to promoting IGPs for artisanal and industrial products which will work across different areas of regional government to facilitate implementation and promotion of the coveted seal.The commission's responsibilities include developing action strategies, designing awareness campaigns, creating proposals to prevent misuse of the seal and supporting new applications for IPG recognition.
IPGs represent a quality seal from the EU that guarantees products have specific geographical origins and possess characteristics, reputation or qualities essentially linked to that origin.
"Recognising the traditional know-how of our artisans and industrialists means embracing innovation from the roots," the minister concluded.
Images: Ayuntamientos de Lorca/Caravaca de la Cruz
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