What does the term D.O.P mean?

D.O.P. or P.D.O. [protected designation of origin] is an acronym that basically indicates a product's relationship to the geography where it was cultivated. There are several elements that make a product appropriate for certified protected status:

• the microclimate of the cultivation


• time-honored manufacturing methods


• high-quality raw materials


• cultural traditions


• authentically made in a specific EU region


• specific production methods

Let's take a look at a specific region in Italy : Umbria.

On the eastern side of Umbria lies the area known as Colli Assisi-Spoleto.

You might recall from history St. Francis Assisi, patron saint of animals and ecology, well this is where he is from.

Here is an actual story about a D.O.P olive oil. There is a family estate in Italy, located in Assisi-Spoleto Umbria, that has been farming since 1850, on land passed on from father to son for generations. Their olive groves extend along a large hillside area at an average altitude of 350 meters above sea level. Here is a photo of their farm : the farm of Emilio Bartolini.

WHY IS THE LABEL IS IMPORTANT ?

The labels aim to prevent "imitators" from passing for the genuine product.Each label varies in the strictness of regulations the products must meet, but the commonality lies in the goal of furthering authenticity and sustainability. Both PDO and PGI are directly linked to the geographical origin of the product,while TSG and Organic are connected to production methods.

PDO (PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN)PDO products are most closely linked to the concept of terroir — a sense of place discernible in the flavor of the food.PDO products must be produced, processed and prepared in a specific region using traditional production methods. The raw materials must also be from the defined area whose name the product bears. The quality or characteristics of the product must be due essentially or exclusively to its place or origin, i.e., climate, the nature of the soil and local know-how. Bartolini Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Umbria D.O.P.

PGI (PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION) PGI is slightly less stringent than PDO, but still demands that the product is produced in the geographical region whose name it bears. The geographical link must occur in at least one stage of production, processing or preparation. It is sufficient for only one of the stages of production to have taken place in the defined area;for instance, the raw materials may come from another region. This allows for a more flexible link to the region and can focus on a specific quality, reputation or other characteristic attributable to that geographical origin.

For an example of the label see Bartolini Extra Virgin Tuscano I.G.P.TSG (TRADITIONAL SPECIALTY GUARANTEED) The most lenient of the three is TSG. These products are linked to traditional production methods rather thanthe region in which they were made. They should be produced either from traditional materials or produced using traditional techniques.For more in-depth information on these 'Designations of Quality', including information about registration procedures, legal protection, inspection and food safety requirements, please click here.ORGANIC FARMING The EU Commission is committed to promoting organic farming and products. As consumers become more aware of food safety and environ-mental issues, the desire for organic products has grown. The increasing demand, coupled with the implementation of the 1992 EU rules on organic farming, has influenced tens of thousands of farms to convert to organic. For an example of the organic 'Designation of Quality Standard" label, see Bartolini Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil.In 2000, the European Commission introduced a protected designation with a logo bearing the words "Organic Farming" to be used on a voluntary basis by producers whose systems and products met the EU standards regarding organic production methods.The organic sector is drawing a large number of consumers who are willing to pay a premium for foods that have been produced with particular attention to protecting the environment, as well as those that address animal welfare. The EU is not the only area that has seen marked growth in organics. In the U.S., organic food and non-food sales grew significantly during recent years, to reach $10.8 billion, according to the Organic Trade Association's 2004 Manufacturer Survey.