GI SMART is a four-year Horizon Europe project aiming to provide evidence-based recommendations to strengthen the contribution of geographical indications (GIs) to sustainable territorial development and the objectives of the EU Farm to Fork strategy.
To achieve this, the project is developing tools and methodologies to foster the implementation of sustainability strategies by GIs producers, ensure their recognition by consumers, and formulate policy recommendations for
a better design of GI policies.
What is the GI SMART Community Platform?
To accompany its research, the project is creating the GI SMART Community Platform, a Europe-wide collaborative space designed to connect stakeholders interested in the sustainability of GIs.
It serves as a hub for knowledge exchange, engaging a wide range of actors, including producers, consumers, control bodies, and regional and national authorities, in a participatory dialogue on sustainability challenges and solutions in the GI sector and involving them in co-creation and validation of research findings.
Two Levels of Engagement: National MAPs & EU MAP
The platform is structured into two levels:
- National Multi-Actor Platforms (MAPs): Focused on national challenges and collaboration, these platforms are currently being set up in France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK.
- European Multi-Actor Platform (EU MAP): A forum that addresses cross-border issues and contributes to shaping EU-wide sustainability policies for GIs.
Why Join a National MAP?
The National MAPs offer a unique opportunity to:
- Connect with key stakeholders in your country;
- Gain access to cutting-edge research and project insights;
- Share your experiences and contribute to discussions on GIs and sustainability.
Each National MAP will host at least three online meetings throughout the project. The first meetings, scheduled between April and June, will introduce GI SMART and the platform, as well as discuss specific national GI challenges in each of the nine countries involved.
It will also be possible to participate in the European MAP, contributing to discussions at an international level.
Join the European MAP & Attend the Brussels Launch Conference!
For those looking to engage at an European level, the EU MAP provides a broader platform to influence policies and tackle cross-border sustainability challenges. The official launch of the EU MAP will take place on June 25-26, 2025, in Brussels, with a high-level conference giving GI producers a platform for dialogue at the European level and allowing them to interact directly with EU institutions.
Why Join the EU MAP?
By participating in the EU MAP, you will:
- Connect with GI stakeholders across Europe;
- Access exclusive resources, insights, and best practices;
- Share your expertise and contribute to shaping sustainable GI policies.
Online meetings and workshops will be held throughout the project, providing ongoing opportunities to engage with experts and influence EU sustainability policies for GIs.
How to Get Involved?
You can choose to participate in your National MAP, the European MAP, or both, with a flexible level of involvement based on your availability. Your registration is non-binding, allowing you to engage as much as you prefer.
If you’re interested in joining, contributing, or learning more, register now by simply filling out the registration form: Registration form
For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to Ms Giulia Scaglioni, policy officer at AREPO: policyofficer@arepoquality.eu.
We look forward to welcoming you to the GI SMART Community Platform and shaping the future of sustainable GIs together!
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement N° 101136364. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authorities can be held responsible for them.
