Regional Certification Scheme

Regional certifications for local producers are becoming to be widespread throughout Europe. The rationale behind these schemes is that rural areas can make use of their distinctive features to generate income for local producers. The initiative for establishing regional certification scheme The Traditions of the White Carpathians originated in the marginal area in the Czech Republic soon after the collapse of the communist system. After the regime change, it was necessary to restore structural design faults of collectivization, revive traditions and family businesses. The scheme aimed to help to small-scale producers, to promote the region and to contribute to the development of tourism. Farmers, artisans and producers who still use traditional practices, operate in the region and whose production methods do not harm the environment were encourage to participate in the certification system. However, the prospect of the certification scheme seems to be dependent on the actors'' interrelations as well as on macro-structural changes attached to the socio-political climate.