The The Green Andalus Gold

protected designations of origin of olive oil in Jaén and Córdoba

Abstract

The last few years coincide with renewed interest in what have come to be called distinctive market signs. The aim of this paper is to approach the subject by examining the trajectory experienced by the PDO of olive oil in Andalusia, based on in-depth interviews with social actors of this autonomous Spanish community. Some of these are optimistic about the economic value assumed by the product, while others regret the trivialization of the distinction. However, they agree on the understanding that the creation of these devices implies the emergence of an important institutional space for thinking about the development of territories and fostering cooperation and social cohesion. In this article, the focus is not only on exposing the arguments and circumstances that justify the emergence of distinctive market signals, but also on the desire to discuss the extent to which these actions favor the emergence of social innovation processes in rural areas.

Keywords: Andalusia. Geographical Indications. Olive Oil. Distinctive Signs.