Australians are being urged to stand behind cheesemakers as the EU seeks to impose Geographic Indications (GI) as part of the free trade agreement negotiations.
Under an EU-style GI system, Australian cheesemakers risk losing the right to call their product a name they have used for generations.
This would result in Aussie favourites such as feta, parmesan and haloumi — and other more exotic flavours such as pecorino, neufchatel and gruyere — all potentially in danger.
Indeed, the EU wants to go a step further and restrict the right of cheesemakers to highlight their cultural heritage by banning the use of certain colours, fonts and other branding which it believes could ‘evoke’ European heritage — potentially extending to Greek-style yoghurt as well.
The EU says it is preserving the identity and rights of member states’ agriculture, but the EU has also gathered evidence to show that products which have the protection can attract twice the value in sales.
The EU's proposal would impact many Australian cheese brands and artisans, and cost them an estimated $77 million to $95 million a year in the early years of the GI regime's implementation.
Australian Dairy Federation president and Australian Dairy Industry Council chair Rick Gladigau said Australia had a rich tradition of cheesemaking and it was a core part of our food culture built upon our nation’s proud multicultural heritage.
“The impact of a strict agreement on GIs cannot be underestimated,” Mr Gladigau said.
“Forcing cheesemakers to change the name of their product and denying them the right to use their branding due to evoking European heritage is unacceptable.
“The effects of this will be greatly felt when it comes to farm gate prices, demand for raw milk, and the unfair displacement of local Australian producers and quality-made products, putting up to 1000 jobs at risk.”
EU Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski said Geographical Indications represent the wealth and diversity of European culinary heritage.
“By proposing ... a strengthening and further harmonisation of our legal framework, we want to boost the production of traditional quality products,” Mr Wojciechowski said.
“This will benefit rural economies across the union and contribute to preserving local traditions and natural resources. It will further protect the global reputation of EU agri-food products.”
