Sustainability for stakeholders and the environment? Understanding the role of geographical indications in sustaining agri-food production

Abstract

The literature presents a debated discourse on the promotion of sustainable food production through Geographical Indications (GIs) certification. This study investigates the role of GIs in sustaining agri-food production based on a qualitative case study of hairy crabs with GIs in Suzhou, China. I collected secondary documents and conducted participant observation and interviews with food producers, food consultants, tour operators, and government officials. The findings suggest that, although the potential of GIs to expand agricultural economic prospects is probed, the increasing economic value of hairy crabs, especially those designated as GIs, incentivises farmers to expand crab breeding zones. This expansion, accompanied by animal feed, caused water pollution. The government's protective measures are meant to preserve the ecosystems. However, these measures have resulted in social inequalities in that some farmers are excluded from the production and distribution of lake crabs, and the local industrial chain is somewhat disrupted. These findings are discussed by linking to the previous studies, thus enriching the literature on GIs.