Sarajevo ćevapi, extra virgin olive oil from Herzegovina, Nevesinje potatoes – these are just three of the 20 food products protected through Bosnia and Herzegovina’s robust geographical indication program.
Thanks to the joint efforts of the Food Safety Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, USAID Turizam, and partners such as the EU, UNDP, and UN FAO, with the support of entity ministries of agriculture and local communities, enormous progress has been made this year. The number of products with a place of origin designation has significantly increased, as there were only seven at the beginning of 2024.
This growth demonstrates a strong collective commitment to preserving indigenous agricultural and food products while promoting the unique culinary heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Consumers can now have greater trust in the products, and local producers will gain better visibility in the market and deserved recognition. The Food Safety Agency of BiH is actively working with the USAID Turizam project to better integrate protected products into the tourism sector and enrich the country’s tourist offerings.
An interactive map has been published on the website of the Food Safety Agency, which is easy to use and provides basic information about the products. Earlier this year, a publication titled “Traditional Food Products of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Potential of Geographical Indications” was also released, offering a detailed overview of products that have the potential to obtain geographical indications.
What are Geographical Indications?
Geographical indications (GI) signify products that originate from a specific geographic area and possess qualities or a reputation derived from that origin. Strict production rules defined by special regulations ensure the maintenance of high quality for these products, with independent bodies overseeing consistency and authenticity.
In accordance with quality protection policies in BiH, three main labels are used for certifying products:
- PDO – Protected Designation of Origin
- PGI – Protected Geographical Indication
- GTS – Guaranteed Traditional Specialty
These labels protect the integrity of local products, strengthen consumer trust, and guarantee that certified items are produced according to strictly defined quality standards.
The importance of protecting geographical origin
In addition to guaranteeing quality, geographical indications significantly contribute to the economic empowerment of local communities. Certified products often achieve higher prices in the market, with the geographical indication serving as an important marketing tool. Food products with geographical indications play a vital role in the development of rural tourism, as their uniqueness attracts both domestic and foreign visitors, placing these products on the list of culinary delicacies that tourists want to experience. The synergy between food and tourism is key to the sustainable development of rural areas and the creation of an authentic tourist experience.
Protection at the European level
By protecting and promoting local producers within the value chain, geographical indications strategically position unique Bosnian and Herzegovinian agricultural and food products both on the domestic and international stage. After registration at the national level, producers can also apply for protection within the European Union, further increasing their market visibility.
“The geographical indication has been key to improving our business. Thanks to the protected designation of origin, we have managed to become more visible in the market and receive deserved recognition for our work and effort. We are currently in the process of registering Livno cheese at the European level and expect it to bring even better results, including access to and recognition in the broader European market,” said Darinko Mihaljević, president of the Livno Cheese Protection Association.
If you want to learn more about the importance of these labels and review certified products from Bosnia and Herzegovina, visit the official website of the Food Safety Agency of BiH, where you will find detailed guidelines for product registration and certification.
