The Ukrainian National Office for Intellectual Property and Innovations has registered a new geographical indication (GI) – Kherson watermelon. It will be applied to watermelons grown on the sandy soils of the Tavriya region in Skadovsk, Kherson and Kakhovka districts of Kherson region.
Kherson watermelon is characterised by high sugar levels and dense flesh. The peel of the watermelon is green with pale green stripes, and the flesh is pink to deep red. This watermelon is extremely crispy and tasty.
“The registration of Kherson watermelon as a geographical indication is an important event for our agricultural sector. The watermelon grown on the sandy soils of the Tavriya region has received its recognition for its uniqueness and has become a symbol of the resilience and dedication of Ukrainian farmers who work even in difficult war conditions.
This status provides producers with additional benefits, increasing their competitiveness in domestic and international markets. Local communities will receive additional tax revenues, which will contribute to the economic development of the region. For consumers, it is a guarantee of high quality and safety of products.
We are proud of our farmers and will support them in all their endeavors. Kherson watermelon is an example of how traditional products can become brands that represent Ukraine on the global stage,” said Vitaliy Kindrativ, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine.
The application for registration of the geographical indication was filed by the Kherson Watermelon Producers Association, whose representatives are currently defending their homeland from russian occupiers at the front.
“The sweet striped watermelon, known to all of us since childhood, has become a symbol of the liberation of Kherson and the defense of Kherson region,” said Olena Orliuk, Director of the IP Office:
“The fact that the Kherson watermelon has finally received a geographical indication is very symbolic and truly gives us hope. We saw what the occupiers were doing in the Kherson region. We see how the region is now suffering from shelling. We have seen how russia regularly steals Ukrainian heritage: the latest example is the Melitopol cherry. However, at the same time, we believe that very soon, the entire temporarily occupied South will be Ukrainian again, and not only Ukrainians, but also the whole world will enjoy Kherson watermelon. This GI, like other Ukrainian designations, will be transferred to the EU for protection in European markets. Ukraine values and respects intellectual property.”
For today, the State Register of Geographical Indications of Ukraine contains information on 3133 GIs. In total, 37 objects have been registered under the national procedure, including 29 geographical indications exclusively for goods originating from Ukraine.
For reference:
Geographical indication – the appellation of origin that identifies a product originating from a particular geographical place and having special quality, reputation or other characteristics stemming mainly from this geographical place of origin, provided that at least one of the stages of production (manufacture (extraction) and/or processing and/or preparation) takes place in a certain geographical area.
Examples of Ukrainian geographical indications: “Melitopol Cherry”, “Krolevets Towels”, “Petrykivka Painting”, “Zakarpattya Wine”, “Hutsul Bryndzya”.
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