From Feta to Prosecco: Petition demands protection of European food heritage

A Greek Australian has launched a parliamentary e-petition calling for Australia to legally recognise Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs) arsenic negotiations resume betwixt Australia and the European Union connected a imaginable Free Trade Agreement.

Philip Talihmanidis is urging the authorities to instrumentality authorities that would support the names of traditional European foods such arsenic Greek feta and Italian prosecco. The contented of geographic indications was a large sticking constituent that contributed to the illness of Australia-EU trade negotiations successful 2023, alongside disputes implicit marketplace entree for Australian cultivation exports.

“Given that Australia is location to galore radical of planetary ancestry and our biggest ally, the US, has started a trade war with us imposing tariffs contempt a trade surplus and unwavering governmental support, such an enactment would beryllium a strong antiaircraft determination connected Australia’s part,” Talihmanidis states, indicating however important it is for the Australian Government to reason a broad Free Trade Agreement with the European Union (EU), fixed the existent planetary tariff tensions.

A FTA could present up to a $A7.4 cardinal boost to Australia’s GDP by 2030 (EU’s 2017 Impact Assessment connected the EU-Australia FTA), with the benefits extending crossed the Australian economy, arsenic stated by Australia’s highest manufacture groups up of Trade Minister Senator Don Farrell ‘s visit to Europe earlier this year.

“Hellenic values and practice are being systematically undermined by Australia’s nonaccomplishment to legally admit PDOs. Champagne is sparkling wine made successful Champagne, Camembert is Brie from Camembert; but Fetta and different products imported from the EU, are from anywhere, adjacent Denmark,” Talihmanidis says pointing to the inconsistency and treble standards of authoritative policies.

PDOs are designed to support determination nutrient products whose distinctive qualities stem from their specific geographic root and traditional accumulation methods.

“How often person you walked past the deli oregon food conception of your section supermarket and cringed when you’ve seen the words: “Danish Feta” oregon “Australian Feta”?” helium asks.

Talihmanidis believes that recognizing PDOs would strengthen Australia’s presumption successful EU negotiations, pointing to New Zealand’s successful implementation of PDO authorities during its ain FTA discussions with Europe. He argues this attack helped New Zealand unafraid amended export entree while respecting European nutrient heritage.

For galore Greek Australians, feta is tied to their taste individuality and heritage. Talhimanidis believes PDO designation would foster goodwill successful negotiations, and forestall traditional foods from being treated arsenic generic commodities.

“You won’t conscionable beryllium protecting Feta either. Italian PDO’s similar Prosecco and Parmesan are being abused too. The database is extended and includes each state successful the EU.”

The petition is presently available for signatures connected the Parliament of Australia ιστότοπος at: https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN7363/sign