The Romea and Baby Gold varieties will carry the protected geographical indication label during their sale in all countries this season.
The Cieza peach, specifically the Romea and Baby Gold 6 varieties, will be marketed in Europe this year under the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) designation. This was announced this past weekend by MEP Marcos Ros, along with the mayor, Pascual Lucas, and the president of the Cieza Peach PGI Regulatory Council, Manuel Ruiz.
Following a three-month public consultation period in Brussels, the deadline for submitting comments on the document, which had already been signed by Spain, has passed without any objections being raised. Within two to three weeks, Europe will approve the final document by publishing it in the Official Journal of the European Union, thus enabling the sale of the two included varieties with their Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) label.
Ros explains that they have "completed a lengthy process, but the wait has ended in success."
For Lucas, “this is another historic day for Cieza with the completion of the procedures for the final approval of the International Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for Cieza Peaches. This has been a long and arduous process. We must acknowledge the important collaboration of the University of Cartagena, with its technicians, farmers, and the invaluable assistance of the MEP from Murcia, Marcos Ros Sempere. This news undoubtedly opens up countless possibilities, especially in international markets, as our flagship product will be exceptionally well-positioned and in high demand this year, which I hope will directly benefit our farmers. I want to express my gratitude to everyone involved in this process, which has not been easy, and I also want to pay tribute to all the men and women of our municipality who have fought to achieve this milestone.”
Finally, Manuel Ruiz stated that, "from now on, the path begins to add two more varieties to this PGI and thus extend the fruit season in Cieza."
Photo: Archive.