VALENÇA PALM OIL: CHARACTERISTICS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION

Características e implicações para a Indicação Geográfica

Abstract

This study surveys the historical, biological, cultural, social, political, and economic framework of Valença palm oil, to identify elements to support its possible geographical indication. It addresses the cultural, social, political, and economic influences that occur in Valença, in the state of Bahia, Brazil, and the area surrounding this municipality, a region that is directly associated with the oil palm fruit and its oil, a product of national and international reputation. The research was deductive and descriptive, and aimed to analyze the content obtained from the aforementioned geographical outline. The dimensions addressed enabled summarizing the problems and possible alternatives for improving palm oil productivity, as well as the market use of the plant associated with the concept of Geographical Indication (GI). The results showed that oil palm production continues to be an important item on the local production agenda, in addition to highlighting several indicators favorable to the promotion and expansion of this crop. This study demonstrated that support for the expansion of oil palm production areas is crucial to enabling the region to maintain and expand production rates to favor the creation of a GI and further contribute to local development.