How to distinguish products made from a specific animal breed : stakes and ways of collective action in the European Union
Résumé
In less favoured areas, local breeds have not be totally replaced by "global" breeds, due to their good adaptation to specific harsh conditions : frequent droughts, necessity to move on long distances, from high mountain to lowlands conditions, etc. Nevertheless their productivity in terms of meat and/or milk is low, and does not allow livestock farmers to be competitive in global markets, unless they can extend on large land areas and manage large size flocks or herds. Small and medium livestock farmers and their communities have developed many alternative ways to survive. One of the most frequent is the elaboration of special products, of which particular characteristics are due to the region’s soil-climate-animal breed complex and to the collective, regional know-how, adapted to these conditions. These traditional products are also well adapted to the wishes and demand of local populations that have developed some sort of “consumers’ knowledge”. In the frame of trade liberalization and globalization, the distance between these producers and the potential consumers of these products is increasing. Thus “consumers’ knowledge” is weakening. It becomes more and more necessary to protect the use of the names of these products, under the threat of misuse or unfair competition. The communication presents some experiences of traditional products distinction, and explores different ways (Collective brands or Geographical Indication, among others) to achieve an efficient way to maintain these special products and keep the consumers’ trust.