Geographical indication in the process of creating knowledge to develop new competences

Abstract

The protection of geographical indication is considered to be strategic for Brazil. The state of Santa Catarina, especially Goethe Grape Valley, was acknowledged as the first Geographical Indication (GI) to encourage various disciplinary studies, mainly from the view point of law, economy, intellectual property and regional impact. However, there is no evidence in interdisciplinary studies aimed to understand the influence of GIs development with winegrowers and wine producers of this region. Taking these gaps into account, this study intends to check up how the acknowledgement of GI by Goethe Grape Valley Indication of Origin can contribute to creation and development of new competences in wine culture and winemaking. For that purpose, a descriptive, exploratory study with qualitative approach was developed. The creation and change of routines and activities, insertion of new techniques of traceability control, as well as information intending to improve monitoring and control of the origin of each grape in wine barriques was noticed. The authors identified that GI, besides contributing to local development, promotes new competences of winemakers from the very moment of execution of rules and procedures documented in wine production process imposed by Regulatory Council; information-sharing and search for methods that improve their product. One can conclude that geographical indication created new knowledge in production processes and increased winegrowers' competence level. From the implementation of IPVUG the study allowed a more efficient management of properties and of wineries, because the production volume is controlled, also the place, volume and sampling harvest are traceable. The study also provided a better cost control, which consequently led to more efficient production strategies and wine distribution.