IGP Pimiento de Gernika Admits Organic Production: What Changes for Producers in 2026

Key data

Producers of Pimiento de Gernika working under the IGP "Pimiento de Gernika/Gernikako Piperra" have had since September 30, 2026 a new competitive tool: the possibility of producing under organic standards without losing the protection of the geographical indication. The Resolution of July 21, 2026 from the Directorate of Quality and Food Promotion of the Basque Government approves this modification and processes it as a minor modification under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, since it does not alter the Single Document of the IGP.

For farmers in the Basque Country, this means they can access two quality seals simultaneously: the IGP and organic certification. A positioning that directly responds to growing demand for products with guaranteed origin and sustainable production method.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution approves a minor modification of the specifications of the IGP "Pimiento de Gernika/Gernikako Piperra" with a single substantive change: the incorporation of organic production as a valid production system within the geographical indication.

As this is a minor modification under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, the procedure is more streamlined: it does not require a complete European opposition process. The resolution will be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture for transmission to the European Commission, thus completing the administrative circuit.

Economic and operational impact

This modification does not generate direct costs for current producers who do not wish to change their production system. Its impact is fundamentally one of opportunity, not obligation.

• Access to premium markets: Organic products with quality designation reach significantly higher prices in specialized channels, gourmet shops, high-end restaurants, and exports.
• Dual value seal: Combining the IGP with organic certification allows differentiation in an increasingly competitive and saturated market of products without verified origin.
• Transition cost: Obtaining organic certification involves a conversion period (generally 2-3 years according to European organic regulations) and costs associated with certification by an authorized control body. These costs are not set by this resolution, but by the applicable organic production regulations.
• No impact for producers who do not change: Farmers who maintain conventional production under the IGP do not need to take any action or assume any additional costs.

Who does it affect?

• Producers and farmers covered by the IGP "Pimiento de Gernika/Gernikako Piperra" in the Basque Country who wish to explore organic production.
• Basque farmers already certified in organic production who grow Pimiento de Gernika and wish to also access IGP protection.
• Cooperatives and producer associations linked to the IGP that evaluate partial or total transition to organic methods.
• Distributors and buyers of Pimiento de Gernika seeking product with dual certification for specialized channels.
• Agricultural advisors and field technicians who support Basque producers in certification decisions.

It does not affect producers of other pepper varieties or holders of other IGPs or designations of origin.

Practical example

A farmer in the Basque Country who has been producing Pimiento de Gernika under the IGP with conventional methods for years wants to differentiate himself in the market. Until now, if he converted his farm to organic production, he would lose the ability to market under the IGP, or he would have to maintain two separate production lines without being able to combine both seals.

With the modification approved on September 30, 2026, this farmer can begin the organic conversion process and, once organic certification is obtained from an authorized control body, market his Pimiento de Gernika with both seals simultaneously: the IGP "Pimiento de Gernika/Gernikako Piperra" and the EU organic agriculture logo. This allows him to access specialized stores, organic product markets, and export channels where the combination of protected origin and sustainable method has greater perceived value and higher selling price.

What should producers do now?

1. Evaluate whether organic production fits your farm: Analyze your land, water resources, rotations, and conversion costs before making any decision. The transition to organic requires medium-term planning.
2. Consult with the IGP Regulatory Council: Contact the managing body of the IGP "Pimiento de Gernika/Gernikako Piperra" to learn about the specific requirements you must meet under the new modified specifications.
3. Identify an authorized organic control body: In the Basque Country, organic certification is managed by control bodies authorized by the Basque Government. Request information about costs, timelines, and requirements for the conversion period.
4. If you already produce organically: Verify that you meet the IGP requirements to also benefit from the geographical indication and thus be able to market with dual seal.
5. If you do not change your production system: You do not need to do anything. The modification does not impose any new obligations on producers who maintain the conventional method.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-20381