Abstract

Within Albanian’s agricultural sector, chestnut production is showing more and more a potential for contribution in regional development, and mostly in the northeast. Indeed, Albania is part of the world market on the chestnut production. In order to label an agricultural product as a GI, we have to consider these three components. First, it is significant to identify the product and its specific quality, history, reputation etc. Second, is necessary to make evident the relationship between the product with the local territory in terms of local natural resources, soil, climate, breed, varieties and know-how. Third, a significant component are people in terms of their awareness, motivation, traditions, engagement on collective actions, creation and preservation of the process. For the producers, labeling chestnut and chestnut honey products with quality sign it is expected to add a significant value on the products and specifically a premium price. For instance, referring to AND International (2012), products bearing a GI compared to non-GI products had a premium value. The value premium rate of GI products was estimated at 2.23, which means that GI products were sold 2.23 times as high as the same quantity of non-GI products. Addition advantages through GI quality sign for the producer are protection against misuse of the name and unfair competition, good tool for accessing the market with products different from industrial products (avoid standardization of goods on the market), good tool for increasing the producer income and a way to transfer traditional know-how/practices.

Authors and Affiliations