IP Awareness on geographical indications and plant varieties

Geographical indications (GIs) play an important role in promoting and preserving local traditional knowledge and biodiversity, enhancing the value of regional products and supporting sustainable rural development. Several CARIFORUM States have made significant progress in aligning national plant variety legislation with international standards and have received positive opinions from the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), though policy and political engagement remain key challenges to full implementation.

Under AWP1, CarIPI joined the CARICOM Working Group on Plant Materials and Genetic Resources, contributing technical feedback on the draft Regional Strategy for Planting Material and Genetic Resources Production in CARICOM (2026-2035). The project also produced a success-story video on the St Lucia Rum GI, presented at the regional GI workshop held in Belize City on 18 March 2026.

Building on this foundation, AWP2 will support the participation of Caribbean GI producer group representatives in the Joint EUIPO – OriGIn GI Producers' Event, scheduled for November 2026 at the EUIPO premises in Alicante, followed by a half-day visit to Spanish GIs. CarIPI is also developing regional case studies on successful GIs and plant variety systems, designed to inspire replication and inform policy across the region.

Additionally, CarIPI has been invited to sit on the CARICOM Technical Working Group on Regional Planting Material and Genetic Resources Strategy. Through the CarIPI regional IP expert, the project has provided meaningful feedback on the Regional Strategy for Planting Material and Genetic Resources Production in Caricom (2026-2035).