P.G.I. - Origin Protection

Origin Protection and Quality Control

In the interest of preserving the regional ties of Styrian Pumpkin Seeds and Oil, in 1996 the European Union Commission formed a collective of producers that is now known as: Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil  – P.G.I. (Protected Geographical Indication).

Pumpkin Seed Oil – The Champagne of Styria (Steiermark)

The cultivation of pumpkin seeds for the extraction of pumpkin oil has been a local tradition in Styria for many generations. This industry provides many farmers and operators of commercial oil presses with a reliable source of income. The P.G.I. label was created in order to protect the origin of these special pumpkin seeds and secure a long-term income potential for Styrian pumpkin farmers and operators of oil presses. For the P.G.I. all these pumpkins must be grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or any other chemical or synthetic fertilizers.
CLICK HERE to read more about the P.G.I. and Origin Protection.
CLICK HERE to read more about the traditional production methods past and present.

Recognition Symbol

The excise stamp (traceability and control number) ensures the originality, authenticity and quality control of the Styrian Gold Pumpkin Oil – P.G.I.  To identify genuine Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil – P.G.I., first look for the P.G.I. logo at the top of that bottle cap, then look for this stamp with a registration number on the bottom of the back label on the bottle. The stamp guarantees you that the production of the oil was monitored all the way from the farmer’s fields to the store shelves. You can be sure that every bottle of Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil bearing this stamp was produced under the strictest quality standards.

The P.G.I. Guarantee

P.G.I. designation label guarantees to the consumer that the Pumpkin Oil in that bottle:

  1. originates from seeds grown by registered farmers in the Styrian region of Austria.
  2. is extracted by registered Styrian oil presses using traditional methods.
  3. is 100% pure pumpkin seed oil from the first pressing, no additional filtering.

Objectives of Origin Protection

  • Ensure consumer safety and confidence
  • Establish and maintain a high quality standards
  • Protect the local Styrian pumpkin crops
  • Prevent foreign pumpkin seeds from being used
  • Provide unified marketing for the P.G.I. oil.
  • Preserve the positive image of Styrian Gold P.G.I. oil

The P.G.I. Symbol/Logo

Only a few selected specialties in Europe are allowed to carry this symbol. The European Union’s strict registration process requires detailed documentation for the origin and historical development of this product.
Just like Champagne, Prosciutto di Parma, Prosciutto di San Daniele or Greek feta cheese, Styrian Gold Pumpkin Seed Oil – P.G.I. is one of the best-controlled specialties in Europe.

The Control System

In order to ensure compliance, a very efficient control system has been created.
In the spring, all registered farmers must declare the area that they will use to grow pumpkins. The farms are inspected as per land use registration by Agrarmarkt Austria.
In autumn, the farmers must submit a report of the actual harvest. These reports are checked at random.
The P.G.I. excise stamp and control number is only given out to registered oil pressing companies that buy from registered pumpkin farmers. They must buy a specified amount of pumpkin seeds, required to produce a certain amount of oil.
After the oil is pressed and bottled, each bottle gets the familiar green and white P.G.I. label on the cap with a control number and the quantity of oil in the bottle. This number traces the oil back to the oil press and farmer, guaranteeing that the oil in the bottle is in fact authentic, 100% pure Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil…..from the first pressing, no additional filtering!
We at Styrian Gold Inc. have taken the control one step further in Canada. As you can see by our growing list of retailers “Store Locator” the P.G.I. oil is becoming increasingly popular. We are tasking our distributors and other marketing channels to qualify, document and educate all stores and other point of sale locations. By keeping accurate and up to date records we can ensure that the Styrian Gold P.G.I. Pumpkin seed oil is handled by responsible retailers with ethical business practices.
If you’re a web shopper, here’s an incentive for you to go and try out our online shop…..please enjoy this coupon code for a discount from the listed prices….LCC-10