Labelling and certification schemes for Indigenous Peoples' foods

Book excerpt: This review, for the first time to date, analyses the potential of labelling and certification schemes for Indigenous Peoples to market their food products. Specifically, it looks at those schemes that are designed by, with and for Indigenous Peoples, and that can provide economic, social and environmental benefits while protecting and promoting their unique values centered around the respect of life and Mother Earth. Eleven examples in this review cover innovative schemes implemented by Indigenous Peoples and practitioners in Africa, Asia, Central and South America and Oceania. They include territorial labels, geographical indications (GI), and participatory guarantee schemes (PGS), among others. In addition, the publication features one case study of a community-supported agriculture (CSA), as alternative example to engage with Indigenous Peoples and reaching out the market. Important factors that lead to the success of different schemes include (1) the leadership and ownership of Indigenous Peoples in the initiative (2) adequate support by external stakeholders including public and private sector, and universities (3) raising consumer awareness and education on Indigenous food products via fairs, festivals and other platforms, and (4) designing value chains and policies in a way that harmonize local, domestic and international trade. The review includes recommendations for various actors to support Indigenous Peoples in their self-determined economic development and towards the sustainable marketization of their products. The review also provides guidelines for Indigenous Peoples willing to engage in such initiatve. Those are applicable to different contexts on the ground, and include good practices, and measures to mitigate risks.