Fine tuning European geographic quality labels, an opportunity for horticulture diversification: A tentative proposal for the Spanish case

European horticulture, especially in the southern states, must exploit new qualities to increase added value of its vegetables. This article aims analyze situation geographical quality labels Protected Designation Origin (PDO) and Geographical Indication (PGI) ascertain whether they are useful for this purpose. To end, we studied registers current horticultural products awarded PDO or PGI status, surveyed authorities responsible managing these products. We found that protected have grown steadily since their inception about thirty years ago, becoming a powerful mechanism landrace conservation source benefits. The strongest points management include anchoring local history culture roots defining prominent characteristics external appearance, weakest lack information chemical traits sensory (texture, odor, taste). strengthen labels, propose increasing requirements descriptions, homogenizing protocols analyzing traits, incorporating methods combining trained panels instrumental such as spectroscopy, involving public administrations both obtaining labels. As an example potential impact on territorial rebalancing organization panoply Spain good candidates status.