The Problem of Quality Regulation of Agricultural Products in the EU

Abstract

Research conducted in several countries shows that consumers are demanding higher quality agricultural products while producers feel need for protection of the “names” of the food products they manufacture. The article provides a comparative overview of the former and current EC legislation on the problem of the labeling of quality in food. It touches upon the subject of the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy in the EC and brings to light a general trend of the EC food legislation to focus on quality concerns. It covers such particular issues as protection of geographical indications, protection of traditional specialties, and regulation of organic farming in the EC law as well as problems of national labels and control systems in the EC.
An advanced experience of the EC in regulation of the quality of agricultural products and of the protection of the IP rights of its producers can be useful for Russian lawmaking and law enforcing bodies.