Polycentric structures nurturing adaptive food quality governance - Lessons learned from geographical indications in the European Union

In contrast to harmonised international food quality standards, local producers of that is protected as geographical indication can adapt production rules. a comparative multi-method case study approach, we analyse how constitutional and collective choice rules affect the negotiation diverse interests adaptability standards in France, Italy Austria. national organisation with plurality technical expertise guarantees coherence indications based on notions terroir heritage. Italy's rural development approach secures very elaborated voting for producer groups broader interaction regional level accomplish broadly legitimated decisions. Austrian intellectual property rights self-define have fullest autonomy responsibility standard setting. We conclude polycentric interlinkages across scales sectors – though delaying adaptation support long-term conservation products' identity via broad legitimisation. Both, innovatively change well strong product are key viability indications.