Mantova Declaration seeks to turn EU food protections into economic strategy

European regions have signed the ‘Mantova Declaration’ during the AREPO (Association of European Regions for Origin Products) general assembly in Mantova, Italy. The document outlines six priority proposals intended for the European Commission to influence the 2027 Action Plan on geographical indications.

The declaration aims to shift the role of Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) and Protected Geographical Indication (IGP) systems from purely defensive tools to active economic development strategies. Key objectives include supporting farmers, strengthening supply chains, encouraging generational renewal in agriculture, and protecting producers against unfair competition and imitations.

The economic scale of this sector is significant; the Italian DOP economy has reached 20.7 billion euros, with exports exceeding 12.3 billion euros. In Mantova alone, the DOP economy is valued at 700 million euros.

Additionally, it was announced that Desenzano del Garda will host the first European Expo for DOP and IGP products next year. This event is intended to be a traveling festival to promote the cultural and environmental value of certified regional productions.