S22 - Session O4 - Responsible Color: Cultural, environmental, and ethical sustainability - The unique natural dye in the world certified with a protected designation of origin

Authors: Lorenzo Pérez *

Abstract Protected Designation of Origin < < Canary Islands Cochineal > > The unique natural dye in the world certified with a Protected Designation of Origin Background: Cochineal production was introduced to the Canary Islands in 1825. Though the climate and growing conditions were ideal, Canarian farmers were reluctant to grow this crop. The Canary Islands then experienced a golden age and all social strata benefitted from the cochineal production. The working tools were normally rudimentary, Canarian women mainly took care of the gathering and cleaning of the product, while the men employed themselves in watching out for the plantations and the handcrafted techniques for drying the cochineal. The quality of the cochineal produced was such that the Canaries soon achieved the leadership in exportations. Canarian cochineal was sent to the Spanish peninsula and abroad, mainly to England and France, through Marseille. In lesser amounts, some shipments were also sent to Morocco, Algeria, Holland, Gibraltar and the US. With the coming of aniline dyes the price of Canarian cochineal decreased, the less- expensive aniline dyes displaced cochineal. Current situation: Canaturex Project: Main Objective : To Revive an historic European crop (Canary Islands Cochineal) 1. Stages of production. a) Planting the cactus. ( Opuntia ficus ) b) Cultivating the parasite.( Dactylopius coccus ) c) Harvesting the parasite. d) Drying the parasite. 2. Development of the EU Quality Standard for the cochineal. a) What means a PDO? b) Process to Obtain a PDO for agricultural product. Main Results: 1. Increase Carminic Acid Concentration. ( Quality ) 2. Increase Local Rural Development. ( Environment ) 3. Increase in demand by natural textile dyers. 4. Awards (2017, 2020, 2021). 5. Cooperation with The Royal Manufacture Tapestry of Spain.