Dear members,
We are all deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Ana Soeiro. This is a heartbreaking loss for the entire oriGIn community. She was not only a remarkable professional but also a kind, dedicated, and passionate person who contributed to the development of oriGIn and of geographical indications, in the EU and beyond.
For more than 20 years, Ana has been a pillar of oriGIn, actively contributing to our policies and advocacy strategies. She served as Vice President and as member of the oriGIn EU Board. We are deeply grateful for her work and commitment with oriGIn.
We recognize the immense work Ana realized in Portugal, dedicating herself to supporting local producers and promoting the GI culture. She founded Qualifica and, in 2015, transformed it into oriGIn Portugal. In her own words, she did this “to benefit from technical support and expertise, follow up and participate in major international battles, to feel that we are not alone, and that we are on the right side of the fight.”
Ana was also an internationally respected GI expert, who played a pivotal role in the development of the EU GI system for agricultural products from its beginning. She was among the key experts who contributed to the first EU GI Regulation for agricultural products in 1992. Throughout her career, she remained deeply committed to ensuring the system’s correct implementation, sharing her expertise through training programs, and advocating for rigorous controls and legal wording. Her commitment and passion made Ana an admired professional in the field and, as some would say, “the fear” of those responsible for GI controls. We have so many anecdotes that speak for her passion and dedication.
Ana was an authentic interpreter of the geographical indications culture, well beyond the Portuguese and European dimensions. She contributed to raise GI awareness in Brazil and Portuguese-speaking countries through her participation in international cooperation projects, including with WIPO, in support of local producers and communities around the world.
We will honor her memory by continuing this mission, ensuring that no one in this path stands alone, and working with you to keep her legacy alive.
In this difficult moment, our solidarity and support are with her family, colleagues and all those who knew and admired her.
With deepest sympathy and solidarity,
On behalf of the oriGIn Board, team, and community,
Riccardo Deserti, President of oriGIn
