The Ministry of Economy's Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries' resolution officially recognizing the "Cereza del Valle de Los Antiguos - Patagonia" Denomination of Origin (DO) was published in the Official Gazette on Wednesday, April 9.
The measure is the result of the work promoted by the "Cereza del Valle de Los Antiguos - Patagonia" Designation of Origin Civil Association Council. According to the resolution, they "complied with all the technical and legal requirements established by the current regulations" and had the support of the Government of the Province of Santa Cruz and the National Directorate of Food and Regional Development for this purpose.
INTA played a key role in the process, providing determinations on the quality of the fruit that made it possible to characterize the local cherry and differentiate it from those produced in the rest of the country and the world. It also promoted the institutional articulation that allowed consolidating the DO registration form, taking into account the geographical, natural, historical, and social environmental aspects, as well as management practices employed by producers that allow them to obtain fruit with a unique identity.
Dr. Liliana San Martino of the Los Antiguos Rural Extension Agency stressed that the DO "is important because the Los Antiguos cherry is known worldwide for its quality and particular characteristics. The DO reinforces its reputation and protects the Los Antiguos cherry product."
When asked about how the DO benefits producers, she said that "in addition to the 0.5% export rebate they can receive for the DO seal, there is brand protection. Many people market cherries, which they claim are from Los Antiguos, when that's not the case. Now with the DO, there is a guarantee to stop this from happening."
"This distinction not only protects the identity and quality of the valley's cherries but also boosts their competitive positioning in the markets," she added.
For more information: www.argentina.gob.ar