Contextual vulnerability to climate change of heterogeneous agri-food geographical indications: A case study of the Veneto region (Italy)

Geographical indications (GIs) are granted to specific product names with a link to the terroirs where they are made. However, climate change is expected to alter most of the terroirs’ characteristics, reducing productivity and profitability of those farms that rely on GIs. Compared to wine GIs, agri-food GIs are characterised by larger heterogeneity, which matters in the event of climate change, as it can lead to diverse possible outcomes. This research aims to assess contextual vulnerability of agri-food GIs to climate change in the Veneto region (Italy). To do so, a comprehensive approach is employed. First, a cluster analysis elucidates the heterogeneity of agri-food GIs. Second, a combination of in-depth analysis of the product specifications and the sensitivity of each GI to climate-related stimuli allows assessing the contextual vulnerability of each identified cluster. Findings suggest that the contextual vulnerability of agri-food GIs to climate change varies considerably among the identified clusters, depending on the types of GIs and cropping systems. Developing cluster-based networks might stimulate the adaptation of agri-food GIs with similar vulnerabilities. In view of the new EU food policy, a careful consideration of the flexibility thresholds of GI amendments is suggested to avoid that GI identity is compromised.