The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry revealed that Graciosa garlic is now on the list of national products protected as Geographical Indication (GI), while the European Commission is assessing the application for certification as Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), with clear benefits in terms of the product's value and quality guarantees.
 
“Today, the order was signed to confer protection to Graciosa Garlic as GI at national level,” João Ponte stressed, considering that “this is another step to achieve the regional goal towards the full recognition and certification of this traditional agricultural product from Graciosa as PGI." 

The government official pointed out that Portugal submitted this week the request for the European Commission to register Graciosa Garlic as PGI and, in accordance with the Community regulations in force, it is now possible to ensure a transitional national protection for Graciosa Garlic as a PGI. 

"All the conditions are met for the European Commission to approve the Azorean application, considering the homogeneity, characteristics and proper identity of Graciosa garlic," stressed João Ponte. In this regard, he considered that the existing quality schemes in the European Union are, per se, a very important guarantee in terms of product quality and genuineness, leading to greater visibility and new business opportunities. 

For João Ponte, the island of Graciosa "has excellent natural conditions for the production of garlic as well as modern infrastructures capable of responding to the growth of production," as is the case of the new Winery and Cooperative. This is another opportunity that Graciosa producers should harness to promote the growth of this production and improve its appreciation. 

Besides the certification of PGI Graciosa Garlic, the certification of PDO Butter is currently under registration and the certification process of Banana is under analysis.