GIFT study tour to Iceland

JOIN US FOR THE VOLCANO – GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS STUDY TOUR & WORKSHOP IN ICELAND

13–14 October 2026!

Experience Iceland through the lens of Geographical Indications (GI) and discover how origin‑based products can strengthen both tourism and high‑quality value chains. This two‑day programme combines expert insights, practical examples, and exclusive company visits — offering a unique opportunity for producers, tourism actors, and anyone interested in GI development.

Why join?

• Explore how GI can be utilised in the tourism sector and in quality product branding

• Hear expert presentations and real‑world examples from Icelandic producers

• Visit several companies working with both food and non‑food GI‑related products

• Connect with peers and learn from international experiences

The workshop and study tour are free of charge. Travel and accommodation are at participants’ own cost. The study tour has a maximum of 20 participants, accepted on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

Registration

Deadline: 18 September Registration form

Practical Information

Accommodation

Hotel Cabin, Borgartún 32, 105 Reykjavík

• Single Room: 125 EUR/night

• Double Room: 140 EUR/night Booking link: Volcano Study Tour & Workshop

Workshop Venue – 13 October

Borgartún 35, 105 Reykjavík

Additional Information

For any questions, please contact: Hafliði Halldórsson haflidi@icelandiclamb.is Tel. +354 7728228

Programme 

Monday 12th  of October: Arrivals

19:00 Optional pre-event dinner at partner´s own cost

Tuesday 13th of October

Workshop at Borgartun 35, 105 Reykjavik

9:00-9:30 Morning coffee

9:30-9:50 Opening: Welcome and short introduction of the GIFT -project, Anne Matilainen, University of Helsinki Ruralia Institute

9:50-10:10 What is GI and what are the potential benefits? Marjo Särkkä, University of Helsinki Ruralia Institute

10:10-10:30 How can Iceland use the labels of Origin, Haflidi Halldorsson Icelandic Lamb.

10:30-10:50 Experiences of GI in Ireland and the story of Donegal Tweed, Grace Korbel Local Enterprise Office, Donegal County Council

10:50-11:10 Dried fish from the Westfjords “Vestfirskur harðfiskur” – a future GI? Víðir Ingþórsson Nora Seafood 11:10-

11:30 Tourism and authentic local experience, Gísli Matt, Chef at Ylja

11:30-12:00 Protected breeds, a biodiversity treasure in Iceland, Ólafur Dýrmundsson Ph.D in agricultural sciences 12:00-

13:00 Lunch

13:00-13:20 Icelandic Gin and Whisky becoming a GI, Alba E Hough Icelandic Distillery Association

13:20-13:30 What can the GIFT project offer in Iceland? Anne Matilainen and Marjo Särkkä, University of Helsinki Ruralia Institute

13:30-13:45 Q&A

Company visits 14:00-18:00

14:30-16:00 Urta Islandica, foraging and natural products, https://webshop.urta.is/pages/about-us

16:30-18:00 Hovednak Distillery, https://hovdenakdistillery.is/

~18:30 Joint dinner at participants’ own cost

Wednesday 14th of October Study tour

8:30 9:00-10:30 Istex, wool production cooperative of Iceland, https://istex.is/en/

11:30-13:00 Fridheimar Tomato Farm & restaurant, visit and lunch, https://fridheimar.is/

13:30-15:00 Sheep farm visit

15:30-17:00 Laugarvatn Fontana, spa and steam baths, https://fontana.is/

~18:30 a Joint dinner at participants' own cost

Thursday 15th of October

Travel back home