Analysing the role of collective actions in small-scale registered and qualifying agri-food Geographical Indications through a systematic literature review

Geographical Indications protect and valorise agri-food products whose quality, reputation or characteristics are linked to a specific geographical origin. Beyond legal protection and product quality, Geographical Indications depend on collective governance, in terms of both producer organisation and stakeholder coordination. While their economic and rural development impacts have been largely investigated, less attention has been paid to collective action mechanisms shaping small-scale registered and qualifying agri-food Geographical Indications. Using a Systematic Literature Review following the PRISMA methodology, the study analyses the main drivers influencing collective action in the context of Geographical Indications. The review identifies five drivers: collaboration between stakeholders; face-to-face relations among producers; trust and social capital; Geographical Indication certification as a goal and socio-demographic characteristics of stakeholders. Results highlight that collective action depends on the interaction between relational, organisational and institutional factors. By focusing on small-scale scenarios, the study provides a theoretically grounded synthesis of collective action in registered and qualifying agri-food Geographical Indications.