Organized jointly by Catalonia International and the Government of Catalonia, with the participation of the Minister for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food

Around forty people have been taking part since yesterday in a three-day study visit to Emilia-Romagna to gain first-hand insight into how Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs) operate in this Italian region, which is regarded as a benchmark in their regulation and promotion. The trip has been jointly organized by Catalonia International and the Catalan Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food, in collaboration with the Government of Catalonia's Delegation to Italy.

Minister Òscar Ordeig i Molist is leading the delegation. Laura Foraster i Lloret, Director-General of Catalonia International, who is also taking part in the visit, explained that the aim is "to exchange best practices with one of Italy's regions with the strongest tradition and recognition in designations of origin, both in the wine sector and in the agri-food industry."

Participants represent 15 Catalan Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs) and Protected Geographical Indications (PGIs): Baix Ebre Olive Oil PDO, Empordà Olive Oil PDO, Terra Alta Olive Oil PDO, Les Garrigues PDO, Siurana PDO, Ebro Delta Rice PDO, Reus Hazelnut PDO, Calçots PGI, El Prat Chicken PGI, Prades Potatoes PGI, Penedès Cockerel PGI, Catalan Farmhouse Bread PGI, Girona Pear PGI, Penedès Brandy PGI and Catalan Ratafia PGI. Representatives from Catalonia International, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Catalan Federation of PGIs and several members of the Catalonia International Consortium, including PIMEC, the entrepreneurs association Foment del Treball and the Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives of Catalonia, are also participating.

The programme for the three-day visit includes meetings with political and technical representatives from the Directorate-General for Quality Services and Geographical Indications; visits to organizations such as the Bologna Mortadella PGI Consortium, the Parmigiano Reggiano PDO Cheese Consortium and the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia PDO Consortium; and meetings with representatives of institutions such as the Reggio Emilia Animal Production Research Centre, the Cirfood District Innovation Center and the Etabeta Social Cooperative. The latter is chaired by Joan Cruz from Catalonia and works on the social reintegration of disadvantaged people through agricultural activities in organic gardens and carpentry projects.

Italy has one of the most developed designation-of-origin systems in Europe, with a large number of recognized products. The Italian model is characterized by strong cooperation between producers, consortia and public administrations, which work together to protect and promote these products. Certifications guarantee origin, quality and production methods. Emilia-Romagna stands out for its highly developed agri-food sector, based on highly productive agriculture, a strong wine-making tradition and an industry that has made it one of the world's most prestigious gastronomic regions and one of its most competitive economies.