Quality, Origin and Globalization: Overall Justifications and National Frameworks: The Geographical Indication Case./Qualite, Origine Et Globalisation: Justifications Generales Et Contextes Nationaux, Le Cas des Indications Geographiques‪.‬

Abstract This article is based on research undertaken in the context of the European project Dolphins (Development of Origin Labelled Products: Humanity, Innovation and Sustainability). This project (2000-2004) involved a European collaborative action, bringing together 15 research teams from 9 European countries (France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Belgium and Finland). Its objectives were to: (i) better understand the characteristics and the evolution of Geographical Indications (GIs) in agri-food systems; (ii) provide tools to assess public policy concerning the markets for, and the development of, these products; and (iii) provide recommendations to the European Community in the context of WTO negotiations. The project work was structured around 7 themes: assessment of technical and regulatory aspects, the economic structure of the production chains, the impact on rural development, the relationships with consumers and citizens, a synthesis of the characteristics of Gis, the production systems of Gis, their corresponding markets and the public implications of these GI production systems, assessment of public policy, and a general synthesis and the formulation of recommendations. The work involved the identification of the production systems involved, an analysis of the literature on the question of products with their geographic origins identified and more generally on production chains of 'quality' products, and a comparative analysis of national rules and strategies (the bibliographic base is available on the web site: www.origin-food.org). The results have been published in six interim reports and a synthesis. This article is based upon the results of this project.