GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION OF OLIVE OIL FROM RIO GRANDE DO SUL: POTENTIAL AND CHALLENGES

Resumo

The objective of this study is to analyze the feasibility of recognizing the olive oil from Rio Grande do Sul as a potential Geographical Indication. Thus understanding the current situation of olive oil production in the State, presenting a diagnosis of the potential of a geographical indication or denomination of origin and the best way to structure a possible distinctive sign of collective use to be adopted by producers. Documents referring to the production of olive oil in Rio Grande do Sul were analyzed and interviews were conducted with producers in the region, state departments and a representative association, for this purpose. The information obtained was used to answer the questionnaire adapted from the Sebrae methodology. Afterwards, brief considerations were presented on the percentage obtained in each criteria of the questionnaire, besides suggestions on how to help in the recognition of olive oil production in the State. It was verified that, at this moment, there is still not enough recognition of the olive oil from Rio Grande do Sul in the market, but that the adoption of a collective or certification trademark can help in the diffusion of the product before the consumer and contribute to the fulfillment of the requirements for a geographical indication.