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Perdue argues against geographic indicators during EU trip

U.S. Ag Secretary Perdue says geographic indicators remain a concern among members of the European Union.

Perdue visited EU countries last week and communicated that the U.S. was largely settled by European immigrants.

“Who came and used the same language that they used in Europe over these products from where they were. And we feel like they are generic in scope and have no basis in trademarks or those kinds of things.”

The EU is seeking to better protect geographic indicators as it negotiates free trade agreements.

Perdue says he pointed out some hypocrisy during talks.

“Greece is known for its feta cheese, and there’s not really a feta, Greece. But there’s certainly not a feta, France, where France exports feta cheese to the United States. But they cannot export it internally within the EU.”

The EU has struck bilateral deals with Japan and Mexico that allow geographic restrictions on more than 200 ag products.