Evaluation of geographical indication for the clay handicraft from a city in the Northeast of Brazil

Abstract

Geographical indications (GIs) can provide quality perception to a product by recognizing its unique characteristics, which creates the expectation that the registration of a GI is associated with its regional economic development. According to the literature, there are two types of GI: appellation of origin (AO) and indication of source (IS). The present study aimed to evaluate the best practice for obtaining an IS for the clay handicrafts produced in the municipality of Santana do São Francisco, in the northeast region of Brazil. Applied research, with a qualitative structure, was the methodology used to identify and select the ideal agents that potentiate the gains resulting from the GI. The evaluation was based on the methodology defined by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply of Brazil (Mapa), adapted for the qualification of agents able to carry out the necessary actions for the recognition process. The results showed that the Association of Artisans and the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae) could act as the requesting and support entities, respectively, since both fulfill the requirements to work in favor of obtaining an indication of source in Santana do São Francisco.