The Impacts of Geographical Indications as a Regional Governance Mechanism

This poster will explore Geographical Indications (GIs) as a regional governance mechanism, critically engaging with their potential to foster place based and equitable sustainability transitions, valorise social and environmental resources and shape collective identity (Bowen 2010). The poster will use the Sussex Wine PDO (DEFRA 2022) as a case study, considering the regional attributes valorised by the PDO. It will be argued that the PDO is functioning as an elitist governance mechanism, fuelling rural gentrification, eclipsing other production practices and commodifying rural assets. Additionally, the poster will connect the post-Brexit legislative landscape, in which DEFRA have been given sole responsibility for approving UK GIs, with the certification of the Sussex Wine PDO. The ability of a Government department to fairly adjudicate on GIs will be questioned, especially given GIs proven capacity to boost trade and reputation, both of which create political capital. Furthermore, English Sparkling Wine is one of the few UK agricultural products garnering interest in the lucrative export markets of Japan and the USA (DIT 2019), potentially compounding Government interest in the industry pursuing certification. The poster will thus argue that the Sussex Wine PDO is a marketing mechanism created for external consumption, rather than a shared asset enabling regional sustainable development. The poster will ask the viewer to consider if the Sussex Wine PDO could set a precedent for GI legislation in a post-Brexit landscape and suggest that they critically engage with the impact of other GIs.