Title: Geographical indication products and the provision of public goods - a Greek case study

Authors: Maria Spilioti; Pavlos Karanikolas; Antonios Kominakis; Spiros Stachtiaris; Konstantinos Tsiboukas

Addresses: Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Greece ' Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Greece ' Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Agricultural University of Athens, Greece ' Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Greece ' Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Greece

Abstract: This study examines the contribution of the geographical indication product 'Ladotyri Mytilinis PDO' (LM PDO) cheese to the provision of public goods. The study draws on desk and field research, including detailed interviews with actors of the relevant value chain. Based on novel approaches to the redefinition of public goods, we identify a series of public goods and externalities with social, economic, and environmental dimensions. There is a mixed picture regarding the protection of biodiversity through the production of LM PDO: protection and maintenance of local genetic recourses, along with over-grazing and partial degradation of pastures. LM PDO has the highest symbolic value of all cheeses produced on Lesvos Island. New governance arrangements are needed, as well as the establishment of a collective body involving all interested parties of the value chain that could deal with the management of the geographical indication and the pastures of the island. The identified public goods could be instrumental in the 'localisation' of the agri-food system and further valorising this quality product through markets and public goods.

Keywords: geographical indications; public goods; externalities; agri-food system; Greece; quality cheese.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSAMI.2023.129855

International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Management and Informatics, 2023 Vol.9 No.2, pp.136 - 158

Received: 06 Jun 2022
Accepted: 01 Sep 2022
Published online: 31 Mar 2023 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article