Extension of geographical indication to Ngoc Linh ginseng

(QNO) - An extension of geographical indication (GI) protection to the root of Ngoc Linh ginseng has been researched in order to protect the brand name of Ngoc Linh ginseng products and prevent the fakes. It is considered to be urgent now.

Ngoc Linh ginseng products

Extension of the GI

A certificate of GI for Ngoc Linh ginseng products was issued on August 16, 2016. According to the certificate, the root of Ngoc Linh ginseng in the communes of Mang Ri, Ngoc Lei (Kon Tum province) and Tra Linh (Quang Nam) is protected. However, Ngoc Linh ginseng has been found to wildly grow in a wider area of the communes: Tra Nam, Tra Cang, Tra Tap, Tra Don, Tra Dơn, Tra Leng (Nam Tra My district), Phuoc Chanh (Phuoc Son district), and Ch’Om (Tay Giang district).

 So, the Vietnam Soils and Fertilizers Research Institute (under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology) has researched and identified the quality of Ngoc Linh ginseng outside the GI areas. According to Dr. Luu Duc Toan (from the Vietnam Soils and Fertilizers Research Institute), the ginseng products in 6 communes of Nam Tra My district (including Tra Nam, Tra Cang, Tra Tap, Tra Don, Tra Dơn, Tra Leng) meet the conditions and criteria for GI protection registration. So, they suggested expanding the protecting area of Ngoc Linh ginseng in Quang Nam province to these 6 communes.

Original ginseng area protection

According to Dr. Nguyen Quang Hai, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Soils and Fertilizers Research Institute, the area of Ngoc Linh ginseng registered for GI protection extension has been identified. It is also fit for the Quang Nam planning of Ngoc Linh ginseng protection and development. The GI extension of Ngoc Linh ginseng area helps protect the brand name of Ngoc Linh ginseng products, ensure the locals’ economic interests in 7 communes of Nam Tra My district because Ngoc Linh ginseng is a national product, contributing to poverty alleviation and forest protection. In addition, this extension helps protect and develop the original ginseng area.