Sri Lanka on course for GI stamp on Ceylon Spices
View(s):By Sunimalee Dias
Sri Lanka is beginning to become more concerned about branding its traditional products with a traceability of its origins like pepper, clove and nutmeg following on from the successful implementation of Ceylon Cinnamon.
As part of the process of replicating the Ceylon Cinnamon Geographical Indication (GI) in other products, Sri Lanka has now opted to start the process of GI certification of its spices and in this respect will be converting the Cinnamon Trading Academy to the Spice Trading Academy, Head of STDF (Standard and Trade Development Facility) Melvin Spreij said at a recent discussion on the ‘way forward with GI in Sri Lanka’ at the Water’s Edge, Battaramulla. 
He noted that with many of the spices originating in Sri Lanka replicating the GI certification for other key spices like pepper, cloves and nutmeg are vital.
It was pointed out that since GI certification was obtained for Ceylon Cinnamon there has been an expansion of the business in other countries as a result of this indicator.
In this respect, the EU will be looking at ensuring the required standards are achieved by the producers as they will be engaged in supporting partners in meeting these requirements, EU Head of Cooperation Dr. Johann Hesse said.
Industries and Health Minister Ramesh Pathirana noted that value addition from Sri Lanka in most of its products is not that strong adding that the spice sector is currently in the process of getting validated for GI certification.
He noted that partly due to erroneous agricultural policy there was a drop in agricultural export income. The government assured its support towards achieving the larger goals of the spice industry.
The cinnamon market globally has since the GI certification received increased competitiveness and premium prices as well, UNIDO Senior International Technical Specialist Dr. Jario Villamil-Diaz said at the event.
He explained that while the EU is supporting the GI certification of Ceylon Cinnamon, now it is up to the authorities in Sri Lanka to defend their product in the global market by fighting against, through legal means, those claiming to be Ceylon Cinnamon.
UNIDO Agri Business Specialist Sampath Senanayaka addressing the gathering stated that they encourage inter-cropping to increase production of spices and required producers to ensure high quality of spices for export.
He also noted that the niche marrket for high end products and produce for the cosmetics market could be advantageous to Sri Lanka.
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