MEASURES FOR PROMOTING COMMUNITY PRODUCTS AND IMPROVING ITS ECONOMIC VALUE : THE CASE STUDY OF GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION REGISTRATION FOR ROCK SALT IN BAN DUNG DISTRICT, UDON THANI PROVINCE

Abstract

Abstract

      Local wisdom always relates to local resources where people reside. It can generate careers and economic opportunities to the community. Yet, since social, economic, and trading system have changed, selling community products in traditional ways may no longer make sufficient income for their livelihood. Unlawful competition by producing and selling counterfeit products can significantly affect selling of original community products and its goodwill. Also, a similar style of community products to those of other communities also create more barriers to the distinguishing characteristics across products produced by different communities. Therefore, promoting community products to reach its production standards through registration of geographical indications can help protect community products’ goodwill under the same rationale behind the protection of trademarks. Furthermore, the economic opportunities offered by geographical indication have potentially positive implications towards the protection of indigenous knowledge and as a means for generating livelihood and income, and thus safeguarding products’ authenticity and the indications’ reputation. This article was a lesson learned from activities carried out under the project University to Tambol (Sub District) (U2T) Udon Thani Rajabhat University at Ban Dung Sub District, Ban Dung District, Udon Thani Province. This is to encourage local products – Ban Dung rock salt, to be registered as a geographical indication product. As a result, local products will be efficiently, tangibly, and sustainably developed and improved.

Keywords: Geographical Indication, Community products, Ban Dung rock salt