Operational Group: PGI chickpea from the Córdoba countryside

The objectives are:

• To protect and recognize the distinctive quality of a traditional legume (chickpea) in a specific geographical area in the province of Córdoba (Campiña).
• Increase the added value of a healthy and recognized food product by identifying a label that includes product quality standards, as well as environmentally friendly production techniques.
• To boost the development of the agri-food business network in the Córdoba countryside by promoting an umbrella brand that covers a multitude of farmers.

The expected results are:

• Creation of a Regulatory Council that will promote and inform consumers about product quality, compile statistics and production studies, establish yields or production limits, and promote the sustainable development of the Cordoba countryside.
• Price impact: An increase in the price of chickpeas associated with this PGI-g.
• Impact on production: the increase in consumer willingness to pay more for a differentiated product.
• Market and marketing impact: The image of assurance that quality seals like the PGI offer will give producers who belong to the PGI-g a privileged position in the market.
• Socio-economic impact on the area where the PGI is established: this will bring greater benefits not only to the producer, but will also likely generate income and opportunities.
• Cross-cutting impact: The creation of the PGI-g brand generates diverse possibilities that benefit the region as a whole.
• Impact on consumption habits: Chickpeas, like other legume grains, contribute to food security due to their protein, fiber, vitamin, and mineral content.
• Impact on biodiversity: The project will help recover germplasm, which will undoubtedly improve local biodiversity.