Please Pass the Parma Ham

This New York Times editorial argues that of all the issues separating the Old and New Worlds, a food fight just seems silly. The EU's push – through the World Trade Organization – for increased protection of geographical indicators is being opposed by the US and other countries. Feta cheese, the EU's argument goes, is really Greek and should be protected as a Greek trademark. Playing tit-for-tat, the US is proposing that Florida orange juice be protected as well, so that any products bearing its name – regardless of where they're sold – must actually be from Florida. In general, though, the US holds that the EU's insistence on such regulation is really at heart only a ploy to coddle EU farmers and gain political advantage for European agricultural interests. Interested parties will be presenting their arguments at the next round of WTO talks, to be held in Mexico this coming September. – YaleGlobal