The Karoo Lamb GI was officially registered as a geographical indication (GI) in South Africa on 27 October 2023. This achievement is the result of 15 years of investigations, research and collaboration within the Karoo Lamb value chain. The GI begins a new chapter, with a focus on promotion within the value chain and on the markets. The Karoo Lamb GI Project is supported by CIRAD and AFD through the GI Fund since February 2022.
The first GI product to be registered in South Africa under the new GI law
The regulations for the registration of GI products in South Africa were published in February 2023. Karoo Lamb is the first GI product in South Africa to be registered under the new regulations and the second GI product in South Africa after Rooibos.
A major milestone for the development of the Karoo Lamb GI value chain
This registration is a major contribution to the development of the Karoo Lamb GI value chain as it establishes the unique identity and quality of Karoo Lamb linked to its origin. The registration provides legal protection, ensures product authenticity, and enhances market value, benefiting the Karoo region and more specifically the Karoo Lamb Consortium (Collective Management Organization), and the value chain stakeholders.
With the official registration of the Karoo Lamb Geographical Indication (GI) in South Africa, the focus now shifts to the task of increasing engagement of the value chain stakeholders in the GI, especially the retailers. Collaborative efforts between the government and the Karoo Lamb Consortium are also essential to enforce regulations, ensuring adherence by small retailers and informal sellers of Karoo Lamb. An initial step is to encourage membership in the Karoo Lamb Consortium, facilitating unified adherence to the established rules and promoting the sustained success of the GI.
The Karoo Lamb GI project is supported by the GI Fund. The project started in February 2022, as a collaboration between the Karoo Lamb Consortium and CIRAD, with the objective to support finalization and operationalization of the Karoo Lamb GI. The project focus on two main activities : 1) Improving engagement of all value chain stakeholders to ensure full inclusivity of the Karoo Lamb GI2) Introducing a value chain and traceability system
Publiée : 01/12/2023