In keeping with the spirit of the celebration of the World Intellectual Property day, today 27th of April, the Peruvian Institute of Intellectual Property (INDECOPI) has granted Denomination of Origin (DO) to the term "Maca Junín -Pasco" of Peruvian origin.
Maca, a tuberous root vegetable, is produced in the regions of Junín and Pasco and the term "Maca Junín -Pasco" identifies and refers to the product special characteristics such as its sweetness, strong scent and high nutritional value (due to the large amount of minerals it contains). These qualities belonging typically to the "Maca Junín -Pasco" are special thanks to the natural conditions of the area: cold, extreme humid and rainy, as well as human factors, such as traditional practices of planting and harvesting used by farmers in both regions.
As has happened with previous DOs, INDECOPI will manage its recognition and protection in all member countries of the Lisbon Agreement (administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)).
"Maca Junín -Pasco" will become the eight Peruvian DO (the other being: "Café Machu Picchu - Huadquina" for coffee; 'Pisco' for a spirit drink; ‘Maiz Blanco Gigante Cusco’ for corn; 'Chulucanas' for handicraft; 'Pallar de Ica' for type of beans; ‘Café Villa Rica’ for coffee; and ‘Loche of Lambayeque’ for a type of pumpkin)
