Geographical indication of turkish food products in the process of accession to the european union

As a consequence of globalization, product and production systems have started to show similar features, therefore preferences of consumers shifted to the products with origin and authenticity certifications, especially for the food products. Signs indicating the distinguishing feature, region and country of products are defined as geographical signs. Although these signs are mostly used for food products, they are used for mining industrial products and handicraft products well as. Registration of geographical indications is made by the Turkish Patent Institute, within the scope of Decree-Law No. 555 Date 1995 in Turkey. There are 183 registered geographical products and 201 on going applications are available in Turkey. Geographically marked products are also protected against unfair competition. As geographic marks ensure the sustainability of the local products, it contributes to the economic development by increasing the trust of the consumers and the earnings of the producers as well. Moreover several studies revealed that the products with geographically marked has been an increase in demanded and sold at higher prices. Today, geographically marked products are used as a development tool for agricultural enterprises all over the world. In the process of accession to the EU, it is known that the geographical signs registered in the care of EU is important for the international branding of Turkey. Nevertheless, number of the registered product abroad is still very few. However, Turkey's rich flora, fauna, social and human resources are proving a high potential in terms of geographical extent markings. Within the present study, current state and the potential of the geographically marked agricultural products and the economic benefits of these products to consumers, producers and Turkey’s economy has been discussed.