Professor William van Caenegem, a professor of law at the Faculty of Law, Bond University, who was the forum's keynote speaker, said geographical indications identify provenance of food products, and could help Tasmanian producers.
"The EU generally seeks to obtain higher levels of protection internationally for GIs across the board, for all foodstuffs represented on its various registers of GIs," Prof van Caenegem said.
"Tasmania has producers that have established reputations for high quality products in both food and wine." Prof van Caenegem said although Australian agricultural production was of a high standard, once product left the farm gate, investment in branding and promotion fell short.
"Farmers would benefit from a more focused and collaborative approach to postfarm gate promotion," he said.
European example paves way for branding opportunity
LOCAL producers are moving towards creating food that reflects Tasmania, rather than copying food from other regions, in a move to recognise the increasing importance of region in signifying quality for international trade.