Geographical Indications and the Competitive Provision of Quality in Agricultural Markets
在垂直产品差异化框架下分析地理标志的经济学，发现地理标志能支持质量的竞争性供给并带来福利改善，主要受益者是消费者，生产者也可能受益。
Abstract The economics of geographical indications (GIs) is assessed within a vertical product differentiation framework that is consistent with the competitive structure of agriculture. It is assumed that certification costs are needed for GIs to serve as (collective) credible quality certification devices, and production of high‐quality product is endogenously determined. We find that GIs can support a competitive provision of quality and lead to clear welfare gains, although they fall short of delivering the (constrained) first best. The main beneficiaries are consumers. Producers may also accrue some benefit if production of the high‐quality products draws on scarce factors that they own.