BANGKOK: Asians are passionate about what they grow and what they eat, especially when it is a local product with special significance.

Some Asian food products like Darjeeling tea and Thai jasmine rice are recognised worldwide for their unique characteristics.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is betting on there being many more products throughout the region with just as much potential.

Certifying the geographic origins of foods has been key to the success of many as export items and sought-after delicacies. For example, Scotch whisky or Roquefort cheese has boosted the communities where they are made. Now, Asian governments are taking note and trying the same tactic.

Thailand has so far registered 30 products for GI or geographic indication protection. This means their intellectual property rights will be protected in Thailand. It is hoped that with help, other Asian producers will follow suit.

He Changchui, assistant director-general, FAO, said: "The government should play a role. Particularly, the government should have a clear and correct definition of GI and the government should also assist in building its expertise in assessing the registrations and applications based on code of practice."

But there may be some obstacles on the horizon. Different countries could claim the same food product, which may cause controversy in a region where national pride is highly regarded.

Another question is how a country like Thailand can guarantee intellectual property rights when its own IP violations have landed it on watch lists several times.

David Lipman, head of delegation of the European Commission to Thailand, said: "We have been cooperating with the government of Thailand for many years on this problem and we are very encouraged to see that government is now taking very active measures to increase suppression actions against trademark counterfeiting and copyright piracy."

In the midst of the global recession, protecting the rights of small producers may be a unique way to ride out the economic storm and ensure that products that reflect their origin stay around for a long time.


- CNA/so