Asunción, IP Agency.- Authorities from the National Directorate of Intellectual Property (DINAPI) and consultants from the AL-Verde DPI program of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), visited the production and collection center of Honey from the Wetlands of Ñeembucú, a product national selected by the AL-INVmentor Geographical Indications Mentoring program.
This activity took place at the facilities of the Ñeembucú Beekeepers Association, located in the town of General Díaz, Ñeembucú.
Through these mentorships, we seek to consolidate the formal registration of Wetland Honey as a Geographical Indication of Paraguay and strategically enhance its economic value.
The technical committee was made up of the national director of DINAPI, Claudia L. Franco, and the advisor of the AL-Invest Program, Luis Samper; as well as the interim general director of Industrial Property of the DINAPI, Pamela Cristaldo, and of Geographical Indications and Denominations of Origin, Patricia Schémbori.
During the day, the delegation also visited local producers to learn more about organic hives, traceability and safety in the harvest of this product, which has a preliminary recognition of Geographical Indication (GI) and is an emblem of the department of Ñeembucú.
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Interview with Claudia L. Franco, National Director of DINAPI
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Claudia. Can you tell us about the recent visit to the Wetland Honey production center in Ñeembucú and its significance?
Claudia L. Franco: Thank you for having me. Our visit to the Ñeembucú Beekeepers Association was a crucial step towards formally registering Wetland Honey as a Geographical Indication in Paraguay. This initiative, supported by the AL-INVmentor program from the EUIPO, aims to not only protect our unique product but also to enhance its market value both locally and internationally.
Interviewer: What are the key benefits of registering Wetland Honey as a Geographical Indication?
Claudia L. Franco: Registering as a Geographical Indication provides legal protection for the name “Wetland Honey,” ensuring that only products genuinely originating from that area can be marketed under this name. This boosts authenticity and builds consumer trust. Moreover, it helps local producers improve their economic standing and encourages sustainable agricultural practices.
Interviewer: During your visit, you also met with local producers. What insights did you gain about their practices?
Claudia L. Franco: Meeting with the producers was enlightening. We observed their commitment to organic beekeeping and learned about their lifecycle management of hives. They emphasized traceability and safety, which are essential standards in producing high-quality honey. It was inspiring to witness their dedication to both their craft and the environment.
Interviewer: How do you envision the future of Wetland Honey in the global market?
Claudia L. Franco: I believe that with proper registration and marketing efforts, Wetland Honey can become renowned not only in Paraguay but also around the world. We are optimistic that it will attract interest from gourmet markets, food enthusiasts, and health-conscious consumers, thus expanding the economic ecosystem for local producers.
Interviewer: Thank you, Claudia. It sounds like an exciting journey ahead for Wetland Honey!
Claudia L. Franco: Thank you! We’re very hopeful and committed to making it a success.
It opens up opportunities for the local beekeepers to access premium markets, increasing their income while promoting sustainable practices in honey production.
Interviewer: That sounds promising! Can you share more about the role of local producers in this initiative?
Claudia L. Franco: Absolutely! Local producers are at the heart of this initiative. By collaborating closely with them, we gather invaluable insights on organic beekeeping methods, the traceability of their honey, and the safety measures they adopt during harvest. Their expertise is essential in showcasing the unique qualities of Wetland Honey, contributing to its distinct identity as a product of Ñeembucú.
Interviewer: What challenges do you foresee in achieving the formal registration of Wetland Honey?
Claudia L. Franco: The process can be complex, as it requires compliance with various regulations and standards. However, we are well equipped with the support from EUIPO and our dedicated team. Our goal is to ensure that these challenges are met with a collaborative approach, fostering a sense of community among the beekeepers and stakeholders involved.
Interviewer: how do you envision the future of Wetland Honey once it obtains the Geographical Indication status?
Claudia L. Franco: I envision a bright future for Wetland Honey as we see increased demand for high-quality, locally sourced products. With formal registration, I believe we will see not only a rise in sales for our local producers but also an increased appreciation for the unique characteristics of our honey. This initiative can significantly contribute to local economic development while preserving the environmental integrity of the wetlands.
Interviewer: Thank you, Claudia, for sharing your insights. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this initiative on the community and the market!
Claudia L. Franco: Thank you for having me!
