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Abstract
The aim of this paper is to emphasise the importance of the institutional support
in the process of application and registration of Macedonian agro-food products for
PDO/PGI protection. The research was supported with the results of pilot project that
study eleven potential agro-food products proposed as eligible for PDO/PGI
protection in Macedonia. The field research included a survey of 46 entities and was
conducted as a technical support of the Macedonian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry
and Water Economy. The Ministry was at the same time adopting by-laws and
rulebooks for establishment of a well defined PDO/PGI protection system. In this
respect, we consider this system of protection as a tool for improving the competitive
position of the producers, by understanding the current situation in agricultural
sector, the problems and constrains and the institutional inefficiencies that appear in
the process. The results show that in order to achieve an effective PDO/PGI system,
there is a need for strong coordination among the Governmental institutions
(Ministry, advisory system, regional offices, etc), the scientific researchers and the
producers. This cooperation is crucial in order to provide support in the producers’
decision making process in the registration of products with PDO and PGI protection.