Regulatory Aspects Concerning Yerba Mate Tea

Abstract

AbstractThe regulatory situation concerning yerba mate commerce in South America and worldwide should be discussed. Yerba mate is a critical economic resource for South American people working in farms and associated industries. As a single example, this plant has been defined the national infusion in Argentina some year ago, and similar feelings can be easily observed in Brazil and other South American countries (Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay) also meaning that all included economies rely on this product with a peculiar importance for several regions only. At present, yerba mate represents a global commerce worldwide with notable economic incomes. However, the ineffective control and management of the agribusiness industry have forced many small farmers to abandon their homes and cultivations because of the impossibility to guarantee high production amounts. Yerba mate market is essentially an oligopolistic system, and the same thing is true for the past. The commercialisation of fair trade and organic yerba mate products has partially determined some amelioration for agricultural workers because of the interest in ethical policies and ethnic products (alternative foods). As a result, more regulation should be needed. This chapter concerns the regulatory situation in Argentina and Brazil, the two main yerba mate producers.KeywordsAuthenticityEuropean unionGeographical indicationINYMMERCOSURSouth america Yerba mate