BOOSTING GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS -SEMINAR 11. 11. 2025 PROGRAMME PUBLISHED

In addition to nearly 4,000 agricultural and alcoholic products already protected under EU quality scheme of PDO/PGI/TSGs, verified geographical indication label can soon be used to protect and promote crafts and industrial products too! Come and hear the latest insights on origin labeling directly from leading European experts. Speakers include, for example, a producer of premium Donegal Tweed fabrics from Ireland, Icelandic lamb meat producers, and representatives of the Nordic whisky application initiative. And how about Finnish wood, renowned for its quality—could it benefit from emphasizing its geographical origin? 

Register by 3 November 2025 via this link https://www.lyyti.fi/reg/Boosting_Geographical_Indications_3726/

The link also includes the updated programme.

More information: Marjo Särkkä, marjo.sarkka@helsinki.fi

PROGRAMME

Chair Marjo Särkkä, University of Helsinki, Ruralia Institute

08.30 - 09.00 Registration and coffee

09.00 – 09.10 Opening words
Tytti Määttä, Regional Mayor, North Savo Regional Council

09.10 – 11.30 Does the European PDO/PGI/TSG quality system reach the goals?
Presentations:
·Katarina Barathova, Policy officer, European Comission
·Jertta de Mazieres, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland and
Tommi Iso-Somppi, The Finnish Food Authority
·Mr. Muiris Kennedy, Marketing consultant, Ireland
· Ms. Johanna Autio, Business manager/Wood from Finland Oy
GI product exhibition during the day in the lobby of House of Region

11.30 – 12.30 Lunch at restaurant Pelimies Kallanranta

12.30 - 14.00 GI means Networking and Cooperation
Presentations:
Case Donegal Tweed, Kieran Molloy, Director, Molloy & Sons
Case Nordic Whisky, Anssi Pyysing, CEO, Teerenpeli distillery
Global view, Massimo Vittori, Managing Director, OriGIn

14.00 Coffee break

14.30 – 15.30 Panel discussion: Achieved GI -label needs to be communicated
Panelists:
Kieran Molloy, Director, Molloy & Sons
Hafliði Haldorsson, Managing Director, ICLA/Icelandic lamb (PDO)
Pauliina Kovanen, Suonenjoen mansikka (PGI) producer
Massimo Vittori, Managing Director, OriGIn
Jari Sihvonen, Communications Specialist, Regional Council of North-Savo
Moderator:
Dr. Anne Matilainen, University of Helsinki, Ruralia Institute

15.30 - 16.00 Discussion and closing word