Madeira's Wicker Craft Seeks EU Recognition to Revive Sector

The President of PS-Madeira, Célia Pessegueiro, has proposed that organizations of producers and artisans submit an application for Madeira's wicker craft to receive Geographical Indication (GI) status from the European Union. The GI status, a measure introduced last year by the EU, seeks to enhance the value of specific products, and Pessegueiro believes that the wicker craft of Madeira is an ideal candidate.

During a visit to the ‘Art’Camacha’ festival, Pessegueiro highlighted the historical importance of the wicker craft sector, particularly in the village of Camacha, which has long been a hub for this traditional industry. The proposal is part of a broader strategy to rescue and promote the sector, which involves not only the cultivation of the raw material, wicker, but also the production of artisan goods.

Pessegueiro argues that Madeira's wicker craft has all the necessary qualities to be recognized with a GI, similar to other products that have successfully obtained this status. The process requires a formal application by a producers' and artisans' association to the European Commission.

In addition to seeking GI status, Pessegueiro calls for the Madeira Regional Government to implement several supportive measures. These include direct financial support to wicker producers and artisans, potentially through the POSEI program, which already supports sectors like bananas and vineyards.

The PS-Madeira also emphasizes the importance of generational renewal in the wicker craft sector. They propose a two-year work-based training program that combines the expertise of existing artisans with the education of new workers. This initiative would provide salaries during the training period, ensuring that participants are skilled enough to produce and market their own wicker creations by the end of the program.

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