Evaluating geographical indications – Guide to tailor evaluations for the development and improvement of geographical indications

Development initiatives based on geographical indications can foster an origin-linked quality virtuous circle (FAO-SINERGI, 2009). They help producer communities improve their livelihoods by allowing producers to capture higher shares of the added value of their products. At the same time, they help preserve natural and cultural resources such as landscapes and biodiversity, cultural heritage and local traditions, and promote food diversity and sociocultural development. This guide specifically deals with the evaluation of initiatives carried out by local communities of producers and other stakeholders. The guide aims at enhancing initiatives based on origin-linked products by setting clear rules for the protection and use of geographical indications (GI), to foster the development of sustainable food systems. The guide adopts a practical, operational approach aimed at helping local stakeholders implement a participatory evaluation process. It provides a step-by-step roadmap, methodological tools and practical examples. The guide envisages two different types of evaluation, depending on whether the evaluation is carried out prior to or after the launch of an initiative. Prospective evaluation helps producers and other stakeholders decide whether or not to launch an initiative and how to design it to meet expectations, maximize benefits and avoid drawbacks. Once an initiative has been launched, retrospective evaluation helps assess an initiative’s effectiveness with respect to the purposes stated at the beginning. Retrospective evaluation checks for undesired and unexpected effects, thus identifying areas for improvement. By providing practical guidance for the evaluation of GI initiatives, this guide helps leverage the contribution of such initiatives to the building of sustainable food systems and sustainable development.