Aussie cheese names grate
SOME European countries want to stop Australian producers and exporters calling their cheese feta and parmesan, and are demanding winemakers rename prosecco.
The claims, which also include banning the colours red, white and green from packaging, are being levelled by some countries ahead of European Union free trade agreement negotiations with Australia.
It is understood Italy is the most aggressive when it comes to geographical indicators and it also wants to stop Australian producers from using the colours of the Italian flag on packaging.
It argues a product’s name is not generic but has certain qualities because of its home region.
It is believed France is more stubborn about market access.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is to meet European Commission President JeanClaude Junker, French Prime Minister Edouard Phillippe and German Chancellor Angela Merkel during his time in the northern hemisphere.
Negotiations over the highly-sought after FTA are yet to start, but early ambit claims are being made.
It is not a certainty the European countries will bring their demands to official negotiations, but Australia is prepared for such a move.
Trade Minister Steve Ciobo said he would not take a backward step for Australian farmers and producers.
“Australia expects the EU will ask for the protection of specific lists of geographical indicators protected in the EU, consistent with what they have done in previous free trade agreements but we maintain our position to seek favourable outcomes for Aussie exporters,’’ he said.
“Australia has great products like cheese. We currently export worldwide and our industry is renowned for its quality. Australia will continue to work closely with industry and stakeholders on this issue throughout negotiations.”
Mr Ciobo said Australia had a strong interest in ensuring common names and prior trademark rights continued to be used by Australian businesses, promoting openness in world trade and encouraging growth in trading relationships.
An Agriculture Department spokesman said the Winemakers Federation of Australia objected to the European Union’s attempts to restrict product names.