Kirsty Schmutsch
MA (European Studies) Thesis Student
Thesis Title
Wheying up the options: How does the European Union’s Protected Geographical Status framework influence specialty cheeses made by small to medium sized companies in New Zealand?
Academic Background
- BA (First Class Honours) European Studies, University of Canterbury
- BA (French & European Union Studies), University of Canterbury
Contact Details
kirsty.schmutsch@pg.canterbury.ac.nz
Postal address:
National Centre for Research on Europe
Level 4 Commerce Building
University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch
New Zealand
Background
My return to study in 2007 was to accomplish a long term goal of gaining a degree in French. My interest in European Union Studies stems from a broader curiosity in European languages, cultures, cuisine, travel and international politics.
I have worked for many years in the hospitality and tourism industries in New Zealand, Australia and the UK. In 2008 I fulfilled another long term interest of mine in cheese making by gaining a position as an assistant cheese maker in a small factory outside of Christchurch.
Details of Research
This thesis is concerned with how certain regional foods and beverages originating in Europe have been protected by the European Union, and how this approach could affect New Zealand food and beverages. More specifically, this thesis explores how Geographical Indications used in the European Union could be useful to New Zealand made specialty cheeses. This study will consider how Geographical Indications used in the European Union influence the international trade of specialty, niche foods. It aims to examine if the European Union’s Protected Geographical Status framework influences New Zealand specialty cheeses.
There is currently much debate about globalisation and the international trade of food commodities. There is also a growing awareness about and changing attitudes towards the provenance of consumer’s food sources. This dichotomy provides the background argument to this thesis.
The dairy industry is widely considered one of the most important to the New Zealand economy. While some research exists in the applicability of Geographical Indications for the New Zealand wine industry, very little exists for the cheese industry. Thus, this research will contribute to the development of the specialty cheese industry in New Zealand. The practical impact of this study is to weigh up the benefits and disadvantages of the Protected Geographical Status framework used by the EU for small- medium sized NZ cheese producers. This study will contribute to the international discussion surrounding the use of Geographical Indications within the World Trade Organisation framework and considers New Zealand’s current position within this organisation.
Research Interests
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