For the first time, the seminar brings together representatives from all Geographical Indications for Coffee registered in Brazil

Representatives of the 13 Geographical Indications (GI) of Coffee existing in Brazil meet this Thursday (23) to discuss improving the product origin registration model. Producers, technicians, managers, businesspeople, students and staff from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Mapa) also participate in the programming of the 1st Coffee Geographical Indications Seminar, which can be followed online in real time via Youtube.

In a video message, Minister Tereza Cristina (Agriculture, Livestock and Supply) highlighted Brazil's intrinsic relationship with coffee not only in terms of production, consumption and export, but also historical and social issues.

The objective of the 1st Coffee GI Seminar is to bring together ideals and actions related to the product from the various actors in the production and industrial chain. “Here we will form connections, being a relevant means of providing information in order to strengthen and create ties to advance the topic and opportunities in the sector”, highlights the rector of the Federal Institute of Southern Minas, Marcelo Bregagnoli. 

The 1st Coffee Geographical Indications Seminar is held by Mapa, the Federal Institute of Southern Minas and Sebrae Nacional, following a request from the Coffee GIs.

Coffee GIs

Coffee produced in a GI region has unique attributes in relation to the method of production, with superior quality from the way it is cultivated, harvested, as well as the appearance of the grain, the origin, the type of preparation, the variety and the relationship to a constructed story, which reaches the consumer's table bringing the pleasure of a different drink.

“This geographic identification speaks for coffee producers, like a surname. This adds value to the perception of quality in the region”, adds the president of Sebrae, Carlos Melles, at the opening of the event.

Currently, there are 13 registered coffee GIs, totaling a producing region of 419 municipalities in the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Rondônia, Paraná and Bahia.

Geographical Indication

Geographical Indication (GI) registration is granted to products or services that are characteristic of their place of origin, which gives them reputation, intrinsic value and their own identity, in addition to distinguishing them in relation to their similar products available on the market. These are products that have a unique quality due to natural resources such as soil, vegetation, climate and know-how or savoir-faire.

In this way, the GI, in addition to identifying the product, in this case coffee, values ​​the region's method of production, the traditions of the people, in addition to strengthening the local economy, including by increasing gastronomic tourism. 

Registration is granted by the National Institute of Intellectual Property (INPI), but the structuring of agricultural GI processes relies on significant action from Mapa, through the coordination of Geographical Indication of Agricultural Products, together with the Rural Development Divisions (DDR ) of the Federal Superintendencies of Agriculture in the states (SFAs). The objective is to encourage the use of GI and the collective brand as tools for rural development in producing regions.

Therefore, Mapa's coordinator of Geographical Indication of Agricultural Products, Débora Santiago, reinforces that Mapa has been strongly involved in valuing territories and structuring agricultural GIs. 

As a way of reinforcing the appreciation of products with recognition of origin, the Brazilian GI Seal will soon be launched, which will contribute to strengthening Geographical Indications among consumers and the general public, as well as to the promotion of recognized regions as Geographical Indications and appreciation of their respective products and services.

The Brazilian Geographical Indications Seal is the result of work developed by Mapa in partnership with Sebrae, Ministry of Economy and INPI.