PS Advocates for Geographic Indication for Madeira's Wickerwork
Madeira GuideThe PS-Madeira proposes to safeguard and enhance Madeira's traditional wickerwork by seeking EU Geographic Indication status, aiming to revitalize the sector.
The Socialist Party of Madeira (PS-Madeira) is pushing for the traditional wickerwork of the region to be recognized under the European Union's Geographic Indication (GI) status. This initiative aims to preserve and promote an industry that once thrived on the island, particularly in the village of Camacha.
CĂ©lia Pessegueiro, the president of PS-Madeira, emphasized the importance of this status during her visit to the 'Art'Camacha' festival. She highlighted that the GI status, an EU measure established last year, helps in enhancing the value of specific products, making it a perfect fit for Madeira's wickerwork.
The wickerwork sector, which involves both the cultivation of the raw material (wicker) and the production of handcrafted items, could significantly benefit from this recognition. Pessegueiro noted that similar products have successfully applied for GI status, and Madeira's wickerwork possesses all the necessary attributes for the application.
Beyond the GI status, Pessegueiro called for additional regional government support, including direct subsidies to wicker producers and artisans. She suggested creating a dedicated sector for wicker, akin to existing ones for bananas and vineyards, under the POSEI program.
To ensure the future of the wickerwork industry, PS-Madeira advocates for generational renewal. This would involve training new artisans through work-based learning programs, offering salaries during training. After two years, participants would be skilled enough to produce and market their own wicker creations.
Sources
Madeira Guide
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