Recently, the locally produced fern, “Tanegashima Leatherleaf Fern,” was registered under Japan’s Geographical Indication (GI) protection system. Representatives of the Tanegashima and Yakushima Agricultural Cooperative Association paid a courtesy visit to Governor Shiota to commemorate this achievement. This news has brought great joy and anticipation to local agricultural stakeholders and the community.
The GI protection system is designed to protect the names of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products that have gained high quality and reputation through traditional production methods in specific regions as intellectual property. This ensures the quality and reliability of products produced in specific areas and prevents the distribution of imitations.
The Tanegashima Leatherleaf Fern is known for its glossy dark green leaves and symmetrical shape, commonly used for decorative purposes during weddings and funerals. The warm climate and volcanic ash-derived soil of Tanegashima provide ideal conditions for its cultivation, which began around 1985. Currently, approximately 3.4 million stems are shipped annually.
The GI registration, effective from March 27, marks a significant milestone for the Tanegashima and Yakushima Agricultural Cooperative Association. Ichiro Kataita, Chairman of the Flower Promotion Association, stated, “We aim to further promote the production area and increase the shipment volume.” This registration represents a major step for the local agriculture industry, enhancing brand value and strengthening market competitiveness.
With this registration, the Tanegashima Leatherleaf Fern becomes the seventh product from Kagoshima Prefecture to be registered under the GI system, following Kagoshima Kuroge Wagyu beef, Hetsuka Daidai citrus, and Sakurajima Komikan tangerines, among others. These products, leveraging the unique climate and environment of their respective regions, are expected to gain even greater value through GI registration.
I believe the GI system is crucial for the protection and development of regional brands. In particular, the assurance of quality and the enhancement of reliability in the market for local specialty products are significant benefits. I hope that products proudly created by local producers will continue to be properly recognized and widely known in the future.
