Component 3 for intellectual property rights, implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), has made significant progress in its work of technical support to associations of agri-food producers with geographical indications (GIs) in the Andean Community, specifically in Peru, Colombia and Ecuador.

These mentorships, which are part of the AL-INVmentor initiative, seek to strengthen sustainable local development through the strategic use of intellectual property rights, particularly geographical indications and trademarks. Following successful experiences in MERCOSUR and the Brazilian coffee sector, the current actions are adapted to the specific realities of the Andean territories and the selected products.

The beneficiary producer groups, identified in collaboration with national entities such as INDECOPI (Peru), SIC (Colombia) and SENADI (Ecuador), are:

• Potato native to Ayacucho (Peru)

• Achira sponge cake from Huila (Colombia)

• Galapagos Coffee (Ecuador)

The mentoring process seeks to improve the sustainability of production, preserve biodiversity, promote social inclusion and facilitate greater access to markets through intellectual property tools. In the first phases, participatory diagnostics have been developed, actions have been prioritised and specific strategies for each product have been elaborated. Subsequently, technical training sessions will focus on the implementation and management of GI systems, regulatory frameworks, traceability mechanisms and tools to ensure effective protection.

These actions are aimed at empowering local producers, strengthening their management and marketing capacities, and promoting a development model that combines territorial identity, fair trade and environmental sustainability. They are concrete examples of the European Union's commitment to inclusive rural development and to strengthening more equitable and sustainable agri-food value chains in Latin America.