Piano strategico della PAC 2023 / 2027
Complemento regionale per lo Sviluppo – Rurale della Liguria
Cofinanziato dall’Unione Europea
SRG 10 – promozione dei prodotti di qualità. | Soggetto beneficiario: Consorzio tutela Basilico Genovese DOP | Autorità di Gestione CSR Liguria: politiche.agricole@regione.liguria.it – www.agriligurianet.it
PDO is the acronym for “Protected Designation of Origin” which identifies a product originating from a place, whose quality or characteristics are essentially or exclusively due to a particular geographical environment and its intrinsic natural and human factors and whose production stages take place in the defined area, as established in Regulation (EU) No. 1151/2012.
The PDO is a concrete and authoritative protection tool in the hands of producers and to protect the good faith of consumers. The European Union helps better identify and promote products with specific characteristics, as well as protect them from unfair practices, with precise safeguard rules and specific quality regulatory regimes.
The DOP certification is a guarantee system with profound technical and legal significance and, above all, capable of representing the historical and cultural identity of a territory and supporting its economy and reputation , guiding the consumer. The DOP is a “collective act” to share the pride of a space, not just a physical one, but of a community that operates with its own skills and culture.
The European recognition of the PDO “Basilico Genovese” occurred in 2005 with Regulation (EC) no. 1623/2005 of the European Commission, published in the Official Journal L 259/15 of 5.10.2005.
Ligurian producers sought the PDO certification for Genoese Basil after a lengthy process and achieved it by demonstrating how Liguria’s Mediterranean environment, combined with traditional techniques passed down over the years, creates a unique product, whose characteristics are the fruit of the traditional production techniques set out in the product specifications.
In 2008, the “Consortium for the Protection of Genoese Basil DOP” was recognized by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies with a supervisory and promotional role, while the control system is carried out by a body authorized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Policies (MIPAAF), as a “third party,” i.e. completely independent of both the producers/processors/packagers and consumers and the Protection Consortium.
Like all products characterised by a designation of origin, DOP or IGP, Genoese Basil must comply with the production specifications , the elements of which form the basis for drawing up the control plan, with the aim of verifying compliance with what has been collectively established.
The specification was defined based on the direct choices of the producers who committed to applying for the PDO.
The “Basilico Genovese” PDO is recognized throughout the European market with the aim of not misleading consumers: in fact, products with names that recall the geographical origin defined and protected by the PDO cannot enter the market.
The PDO is not an obligation, but an option: that of “sealing” the link with the territory for the consumer with promotional and guarantee value, applying the principles of traceability and food safety.
“Basilico Genovese” is a product of excellence, which is why it can count on the DOP system: the DOP logo on the packaging is a clear response to consumer expectations regarding quality, safety, and the connection to the territory.
As with every PDO product, all the production phases of Genoese Basil take place in the area of origin: the PDO therefore plays an important economic role in protecting local agriculture , as it regulates the price by separating it from products produced outside the territory.
The other products with Ligurian Designation of Origin, with which Basilico Genovese DOP collaborates in the “Taste Liguria” project, are:
DOP Riviera Ligure Oil
the eight DOP wines and the four IGP Ligurian wines promoted by the Regional Wine Shop of Liguria
To produce Genoese Basil DOP, the company must be certified by complying with the Production Regulations and following the Made In Quality certification process.
Making Basilico Genovese DOP helps you differentiate yourself on the food market and contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture.
The cultivation and packaging rules are defined in the Production Regulations of Genoese Basil DOP
Once you have registered for the Genoese Basil DOP Control Plan, you can join the Protection Consortium.
Download the form to send to the Consortium here.
Anyone who produces or packages basil in Liguria in accordance with the area and techniques set out in the production regulations can request the “Basilico Genovese DOP” certification by submitting an application to the Made In Quality certification body to begin the certification process.
Because today, competition linked to the problem of high production costs requires Ligurian producers to equip themselves with “defense tools.”
Because differentiating basil based on certified origin is the way to maintain and grow the market share it has gained over time.
Because with the DOP we respond to consumers’ preference for typical products over those of unknown origin and we establish bonds of solidarity with them based on the cultural identity of the territories.
To combat the unfair use of the geographical name: the high reputation of Genoese Basil must be protected from imitations and usurpations to provide accurate and truthful information.
For its positive effect on rural development, as the PDO contributes to maintaining traditions and cultures, as well as vital social and economic systems.
Because professional customers of modern distribution are increasingly demanding guarantees on product features.
Because a geographical name protected by the DOP is a collective and reputational asset, capable of improving the visibility of the territory and raising awareness among those involved in the supply chain of the typical product.
The cultivation and packaging rules are defined in the Production Regulations for Genoese Basil DOP, drawn up by the Protection Consortium with the collaboration of technicians and producer members.
The regulation includes three essential elements:
There are then specific cultivation rules based on the production orientation for basil to be consumed fresh and that for industrial processing.
Once you have signed up to the “Basilico Genovese DOP” Control Plan, you can register with the Protection Consortium.
Download and complete the application form (sole proprietorship) and email it to: info@basilicogenovese.it