Abstract
Geographical indications (GIs) have recently become an important tool for Japanese agricultural policy, particularly after the adoption of a “sui generis” certification system in 2015. In the same year, the United Nations proposed a common agenda with 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The present paper addresses the potential of GIs to enhance SDGs in Japan. First, we examine existing knowledge on GI inception, which consists in both government reports and research surveys. We show that these studies mostly focus on SDGs related to economic growth, and on social issues raised by the registration process. Then, as an exploration of potential impacts of GIs on the full set of SDGs, we study the case of Mishima Bareisho Potato GI, on the basis of interviews and participatory observation. From local stakeholders’ point of view, Mishima Potato GI can contribute to at least nine SDGs at all the production, transformation and commercialization stages. The SDG framework is useful to reveal some contributions seldomly considered in GI studies but which matter for local people, for example, the employment of disabled people or nutritional education. Finally, we discuss how these new insights can contribute to the debate on the potential role and limits of GIs for sustainable development in Japan.
Highlights
Geographical indications (GIs) correspond to the labelling of products referring to their geographical origins
We found no study considering the full set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The second part, we present a survey performed in the Mishima Potato GIs case study, we present a survey performed in the Mishima Potato GIs case study, taking explicitly the taking explicitly the SDG as underlying analysis framework
Summary
Geographical indications (GIs) correspond to the labelling of products referring to their geographical origins. These positive economic effects have been well explained in the literature by several factors, such as specific value-chain governance and institutional frameworks in GI systems [13,14] In another recent important book with worldwide case studies, Bonnano et al (2019) indicate that GIs might have rather mixed effects, depending on local contexts and many factors and drivers, especially when considering issues of social equity and power relationships [15]. Sustainability 2021, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW for quite a long time [17,18,19] These European studies are performed in the context of a recent inflection in EU and national policies toward greener or more agroecological 3pracof 12 tices (i.e., “Farm to Fork”, green deal, etc.), which gives an important role to food certification [18,20].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
