Component 3 for intellectual property rights implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) celebrates the important progress made by producers of Calchaquí Valley Paprika in Argentina, who participated in the mentoring programme on Geographical Indications (GI): AL-INVmentor. This product, linked to its region of origin, was officially recognised as a designation of origin on 15 April 2025, thanks to the unique characteristics of its cultivation in the high altitude valleys of Salta.

Pimentón del Valle Calchaquí is the third product supported by the first AL-INVmentor programme of the AL-INVEST Verde DPI project in MERCOSUR to obtain a GI. In December 2024, two other products supported by AL-INVmentor were also recognised as protected GIs in Argentina: Argentine Tea from Misiones and Northeast Corrientes, and Atamisqui Flower Honey from Santiago del Estero, in the Gran Chaco region.

Produced in the Calchaquíes Valleys, in the province of Salta, this paprika represents an ancestral agricultural tradition. It stands out for its delicate aroma, its sweet taste and its intense red colour with orange tones. It is sun-dried using traditional techniques that preserve its natural properties, guaranteeing an authentic and high quality product.

Only paprika powder grown in specific areas of Argentina - such as La Poma, Payogasta, Cachi, Seclantás, Molinos, Angastaco, San Carlos, Animaná and Cafayate - under specific production practices, can bear the GI "Pimentón del Valle Calchaquí".

This achievement is the result of the joint effort of local producers, the Secretariat of Agricultural Development of Salta and the Civil Association of the Council of the Designation of Origin Pimentón del Valle Calchaquí, who work to preserve and promote this traditional product.

These actions include participation in the AL-INVmentor mentoring programme, a Component 3 initiative for intellectual property rights implemented by EUIPO. Thanks to the mentoring sessions, producers have strengthened their collective strategy, defined product specifications, and improved their control system, governance and sustainability. This combination of virtual and face-to-face training boosts the use of GIs as a tool for sustainable development.

In cooperation with the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Argentina, EUIPO seeks to ensure that regional products meet international standards without losing their authenticity and cultural heritage. As the reference body for the registration of geographical indications, EUIPO brings its expertise to strengthen intellectual property at the international level.