Swiss cheese war: Emmental names under fire!

Swiss cheese war: Emmental names under fire!

In the past few days, a dispute over the Emmental cheese has put the agricultural policy of Switzerland and the surrounding countries into turmoil. The Swiss call for an exclusive right to name for their famous cheese, which is due to strong resistance from the Alpine region, especially from Austria. Agriculture Minister Norbert Tettschnig (ÖVP) has decidedly rejected the claims from Switzerland. This rejection is supported by countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands and Poland. Together they argue that Emmentaler is a generic concept and should therefore not be limited regionally. According to Krone, domestic hard cheese producers fear millions of losses, the Swiss claims should be enforced.

There were also strong reactions to Swiss demands in Germany. Lower Austria farmer leader Johannes Schmuckenschlager described Switzerland's claims as exaggerated. Emmentaler is extremely popular in Austria; Last year 5000 tons were sold, which brings him fourth in the popularity scale of the cheeses behind Gouda, Mozzarella and Gervais. The dispute could also have an impact on other products such as the Frankfurt sausages known as "Wienerli" in Switzerland.

geographical information in the focus

The demands of Switzerland throw a light on the importance of geographical information within the EU. According to the EU, geographical information (g. A.) is product names that have a special connection to the place where the products were established. The aim of these regulations is to protect the unique properties of the products associated with their geographical origin and traditional know-how. These measures not only increase consumer confidence, but also improve the marketing options for the producers. The EU has a register for products with geographical information, which contains detailed information on geographical and production specifications, such as [agriculture] (https://agriculture.europa.eu/farming/geographical-indication-and-quality-schemes/geographical-indications-schemes- Explained_de) explained.

In addition, the protection of geographical information is becoming increasingly important in trade negotiations between the EU and other countries. The EU has several types of geographical information, including protected origin designations (g. U.) and protected geographical information (G. G. A.), each enjoying different protection status. While the g. U. is closely connected to the geographical location, for g. G. A. partially manufacture in the region. In this context, protection for the Emmentaler could only be justified if he as g. U. would be asserted, which further fueled the discussion.

Austria has experienced similar culinary disputes in the past, for example about the popular cheese rainer with Slovenia. This situation shows how much original names are often interwoven with national pride, similar to the protection of the champagne in France. The conflict over the Emmentaler could therefore not only influence the cheese market, but also strain the further cooperation between the countries concerned.

The future orientation in European agricultural policy therefore remains to be seen, in particular with the new regulation on geographic information, which is intended to create a uniform legal framework on May 13, 2024. This is intended to increase the protection of geographical information and recognize sustainable procedures and strengthen the producer associations.