ANALYSIS OF THE FEASIBILITY OF GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION OF THE CRAFT PRODUCTION OF COOK CHEESE IN SERGIPAN AREA

Abstract

The geographic protection mechanisms can foster numerous economic, sociocultural and environmental benefits that contribute to the development of a region in a systemic way. This research analyzed whether the production of rennet cheese in the municipality of Nossa Senhora da Gloria meets the basic requirements for obtaining a Geographical Indication (GI) seal to the country's standards. The research analyzed the conditions of production and the producers' perception, through a questionnaire applied to a non-probabilistic sample of 24 small producers in the region. As results, it was noticed that the manufactures structurally do not meet sanitary norms and standards and most of the producers are not part of any representative entity, besides not being aware of any initiative by the obtaining of GI that can contribute to the development of the region. This situation serves as an alert for government agencies and private initiative, to establish joint actions that promote artisanal practices and product development, to obtain a record of recognition of production in the region, as in other areas in the country that already benefit from such practices.