Phu Tho Unveils “My Lung” Geographical Indication for Ga Gay Glutinous Rice

On July 21, the Department of Science and Technology held a ceremony to announce the “My Lung” Geographical Indication (GI) for Ga Gay glutinous rice, one of Phu Tho Province’s signature agricultural specialties. The event was attended by Nguyen Minh Tuong, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Director of the Department of Science and Technology; leaders of the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam; representatives of provincial departments and agencies; and producers and businesses engaged in cultivating and marketing My Lung Ga Gay glutinous rice.

Nguyen Minh Tuong, Director of the Department of Science and Technology, addresses the ceremony.

My Lung Ga Gay is a rare indigenous glutinous rice variety that has been preserved and cultivated by local communities for generations in the My Lung area, now comprising Son Luong, Xuan Vien and Thuong Long communes. Closely associated with the cultural traditions and daily life of the Muong ethnic community, the rice is renowned for its plump grains, high protein content and distinctive aroma. When steamed, it produces sticky rice with a rich flavour, soft texture and characteristic fragrance.

The product was granted protection as a collective trademark in 2010. Over the years, My Lung Ga Gay glutinous rice has received numerous prestigious honours, including recognition among Vietnam’s Top 10 Rice Brands, the KOVA Award, the National Outstanding Rural Industrial Products Gold Cup, and certification as one of Phu Tho Province’s exemplary OCOP (One Commune One Product) products.

To enhance the product’s economic value and strengthen the protection of this traditional specialty, the Provincial People’s Committee in 2021 proposed that the Ministry of Science and Technology approve the project entitled “Registration and Management of the Geographical Indication for My Lung Ga Gay Glutinous Rice of Phu Tho Province,” assigning the Department of Science and Technology as the lead implementing agency.

After nearly four years of implementation, the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, officially granted the “My Lung” Geographical Indication Registration Certificate for Phu Tho’s Ga Gay glutinous rice.

A representative of the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam presents the “My Lung” Geographical Indication Registration Certificate for Phu Tho’s Ga Gay glutinous rice.

Leaders of the Department of Science and Technology present the decision recognising the right to use the “My Lung” Geographical Indication to the representative of the My Lung Ga Gay Glutinous Rice Production and General Services Cooperative.

The geographical indication officially recognises the product’s reputation, quality and geographical origin, providing an important legal basis for protecting its brand, enhancing market competitiveness, expanding market access and increasing the value of this premium local rice.

The certification is also expected to contribute to the conservation of this valuable indigenous rice genetic resource, promote sustainable agricultural production, support the development of branded agricultural products, foster community-based tourism, and further enhance the image of Phu Tho Province and its people.

Le Minh