The United States and European Union have serious disagreements still to resolve in negotiations for a trans-Atlantic free trade agreement, say the agriculture ministers from each side of the ocean. One is the the matter of so-called geographical indicators – names such as champagne that denote a particular product and where it is produced. EU Agriculture Commissioner Paul Hogan says the “GIs” are “rural intellectual property” and account for 30 percent of EU agrifood exports to the United States, according to Feedstuffs.
“In a follow-up press conference with Hogan … [Agriculture Secretary Tom] Vilsack said the GI issue is significant, especially to industries like dairy which could see their ability to use words commonly used with cheeses, such as parmesan and feta, end,” said Feedstuffs. Hogan and Vilsack spoke at the Outlook Forum.