The granting and promotion of Geographic Indicators has become an important component of European Union agricultural policy. The granting of exclusive rights enforced by law, however, is a controversial policy. It is controversial both within the EU and with the EU’s trading partners. The protection of geographical indications has thus become a major issue in international law and trade policy, and the widespread use of geographical indications is subject to ongoing discussion. The paper provides an introduction to the Special Section of the Estey Centre Journal of International Law and Trade Policy, which deals with the legal and economic controversies surrounding the EU’s policies on Geographic Indicators. A brief summary of each of the papers in the Special Section is provided.