Sustainability, governance and symbolism in Spanish geographical indication: A discourse analysis through Q methodology

Geographical indications (GIs) aim to offer differentiated unique products associated with a specific geographical identity, the conservation of natural resources, and the safeguarding of cultural and culinary customs. The expansion of GIs has also generated an increasing literature aimed at examining them from various perspectives and using diverse methodological approaches. However, there is a paucity of research that prioritises the different viewpoints or explores the presence of consensus among these complementary perspectives. Addressing this lack is the objective of this study. The methodological framework is based on Q methodology, which integrates quantitative components through factor analysis and qualitative components through expert opinions. The experts involved in this research were asked to position themselves on a series of stimuli related to the topic being analysed. The stimuli chosen for this study were based on a comprehensive review of the literature, resulting in 44 statements for experts to evaluate. The results have allowed us to identify three primary discourses regarding GIs. The first aims to emphasise the institutional and governance aspects, the second focuses on the certified products and its intangible symbolic values while the third emphasises their role in promoting sustainability within the protected region and among GI region members.