A geographical indication is a sign indicating a product identified with the region, area or country of origin in terms of a distinctive feature, reputation or other characteristics. 

According to the Industrial Property Law No. 6769 in Türkiye, the institution responsible for the registration of geographical indications is the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TURKPATENT).

Registered geographical indications in Türkiye consist of agricultural and food products, handicraft products and mining products. There are 1637 registered geographical indication products in Türkiye. Of these, 1437, or approximately 90%, are agricultural and food products. 

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry focuses on the following issues in its geographical indication policies:

1) Revealing the potential for geographical indication

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry organized regional events for the provinces, made evaluations on the concept of geographical indication in these events, and provided the opportunity for the exhibition and promotion of registered and potential products.

2) Registration of products in Türkiye and the EU

Geographical indication protection began in Türkiye in 1995. The first registrations, which started in 1997, reached 24 by the end of the year. In 2007, in a 10-year period, it increased by 58 and reached 82. However, this increase has gained momentum in recent years. In 2020, 164 new products were registered as geographical indications, in 2021 352, in 2022 317 and in 2023 210. There are also 14 registrations from abroad in Türkiye.

The number of products registered in the EU, which was 8 at the end of 2022, has now reached 27.

3) Awareness studies at the producer and consumer level

Training on "Geographical Indications" is provided by participating in the programs carried out by Ministry. It has been ensured that geographical indications are included as a discipline in the Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Journal since the beginning of 2021. Geographical indication studies are carried out in 2 specific sectors each year. Short films, posters and leaflets are prepared for the promotion of geographical indications. In addition, leaflets in English have been prepared for our products that have received EU Registration. The 9-volume book study, in which we include stories that arouse curiosity in the consumer and create a desire to purchase the product, is about to be completed. A survey study is being conducted in which we aim to measure producer and consumer attitudes in geographical indications.

4) Geographical indications provide added value and become subject to trade

Every year, 5 of the products registered by producer organizations are selected as pilots and studies are carried out to promote the products, make them subject to trade and provide added value.

5) Establishing an effective and efficient control system for geographical indications

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for the official controls of registered geographical indications related to agricultural and food products according to the Veterinary Services, Plant Health, Food and Feed Law No. 5996. A new regulation study is being carried out to establish an effective control mechanism for geographical indications.