Sicilian olive oil receives PGI status from the EU

(AGI) Brussels, May 25 - Sicilian olive oil officially became a "Protected Geographical Indication" product on Wednesday May 25. The recognition, published in the Official Journal of the European Union, was decided by the European Commission. "It is essential that, when appropriate, we protect the intellectual properties of products through the PGI system. The recognition reflects the high quality and the origin of this product and its importance for Sicily," commented Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan. Centre-right European People's Party MEP Giovanni La Via called the recognition a "necessary compensatory measure" in response to the agreement with Tunisia for the import of duty-free oil. He continued: "The positive effects of PGI will far outweigh the negative ones caused by the entry of Tunisian oil, effectively neutralising the damage to producers and consumers." (AGI) . .