Geographical Indication (GI) certification of Sarawak's traditional varieties

Rice farmers in Sarawak grow more than 100 varieties of padi for subsistence and for sale. The Department of Agriculture Sarawak is involved in seed selection, multiplication, and certification of some popular varieties such as Bario, Bajong and Biris. These varieties have been registered for Intellectual Property under the categoty of Geographical Indication with the Malaysian Intellectual Property Organization (MyIPO). Geographical Indication Certification adds value to the products and makes these locations visible for promotion as tourist destinations. The Sarawak Information Technology and Resources Council (SITRC) have set up a State IP Office under Information Communication and Technology Unit (ICTU) to keep, manage and protect IPs belonging to the Sarawak Government. In this era of competitive trade and globalization, IPs play an important role to ensure that farmers who produce these indigenous products be protected and receive a fair price. This paper would discuss the process of selection, seed multiplication, cultivation, registration of GIs, certification and branding.