The ordinance issued by the Vice-Presidency of the Government certifying products made from Azorean vegetable fibres as included in the collective brand of origin "Azores Handicrafts" was published today.

Baskets, rugs, wicker furniture, headgear and dolls are now the certified products under this brand. It recognises the traditional production that is associated with the rural and domestic life that has kept its relevance over the centuries, thus becoming inseparable from the history of the region and its people.

With this certification, now official, the Government reinforces the measure for the creation of the "Azores" that is stipulated in its programme. This brand has a wider coverage, including, in addition to handicrafts, products related to agricultural production, manufacturing industry and tourism; it recognises the quality and excellence of regional products.

Implemented in 1998, the collective brand of origin "Azores Handicrafts" aims to acknowledge their value and their distinctive characteristic as well as to promote the external projection of these products, especially in foreign markets.

The projection of the "Azores Handicrafts" brand is also based on the accountability of artisans, who are the main interested parties in the distinction of their products with the brand seal awarded by the Regional Centre for Handicrafts.