Geographical Indication

Mongolia’s luxurious natural gift — pine nuts with Geographical Indication. Pure nature, traditional harvesting methods, and internationally standardized quality.

Description of the Geographical Area

The Geographical Indication "MONGOLIAN PINE NUTS" covers the provinces of Arkhangai, Bayan-Ölgii, Bulgan, Tuv, Zavkhan, Khentii, Uvs, Selenge, Övörkhangai, Khövsgöl, and the green zone of Ulaanbaatar city.

Although Mongolia has a greater reserve of pine trees compared to ordinary pines, its overall global reserve is small. Therefore, pine trees in Mongolia are considered a rare plant species.

The regions falling under the geographical indication for "MONGOLIAN PINE NUTS" are highlighted in bright green on the map of Mongolia. These regions represent the provinces included in the designated geographical area.

Key Production Steps and Processes Required in the Designated Geographical Area:

According to legal provisions, “MONGOLIAN PINE NUTS” must be harvested and collected during the full maturation period — from October 15 to March 15 of the following year.

MONGOLIAN PINE NUTS are renowned for their health benefits. They are free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and contain no pesticides. These nuts are wild-harvested by hand from Mongolia’s forests and taiga — they are not cultivated, grown, or farmed.

During the harvesting process, it is a key principle that the mother pine tree must not be felled, branches must not be broken, and the bark and trunk must not be damaged. Harvesting is done in a way that avoids negative impacts on the forest ecosystem. A sufficient quantity of seeds must be left behind to ensure natural forest regeneration is not disrupted. These practices are essential and distinctive to the production of MONGOLIAN PINE NUTS.

Connection to the Geographical Area

MONGOLIAN PINE NUTS have a strong interdependence between their quality and their geographical origin.

Natural and Climatic Features of the Regions Where Mongolian Pine Nuts Grow:

Climate and Weather: Mongolia experiences extreme weather conditions, with temperatures dropping below -50°C in winter and rising to +40°C in summer. The country is also located in one of the highest solar radiation zones in the world. These climatic factors contribute to the formation of hard, rough-textured shells of the pine nuts.

Additionally, Mongolian pine forests grow in mountainous areas with heavy precipitation and humid microclimates, typically characterized by long, harsh winters and short summers. These conditions help make the pine nuts rich in nutrients.

Soil Composition: In Mongolia, pine forests are mainly found in the upper forest zones of the Khentii, Khangai, and Khövsgöl mountain ranges, growing in permafrost soils covered with moss and low herbaceous vegetation, at altitudes ranging from 700 to 2,500 meters above sea level.

These taiga and subalpine belts are especially suitable for pine tree growth. This permafrost soil contributes significantly to the unique flavor of Mongolian pine nuts.

History of the Mongolian Pine Nuts GI registration

“Mongolian pine nuts” have long been treasured as a natural delicacy, deeply rooted in the traditional livelihoods, diet, and culture of the Mongolian people. Sourced primarily from the pristine forests of the northern provinces, these nuts are valued not only for their rich nutritional content and flavor but also for their ecological significance in local forest ecosystems.

Recognizing the unique qualities and origin-linked reputation of Mongolian pine nuts, a national initiative to protect and promote them through Geographical Indication (GI) status began in the late 2015. This process was led by a coalition of stakeholders including producers, researchers, local communities, and the Mongolian government with technical and legal coordination provided by the Mongolian Association for the Protection of Nut Business Entrepreneurs and Product Manufacturers' Rights.

Milestones in the GI Journey

• Initial Research & Documentation: Between 2017–2019, baseline studies and documentation were conducted to define the geographical boundaries, traditional harvesting methods, and intrinsic qualities that make Mongolian pine nuts distinct.
• Domestic GI Registration: In 2021, the Geographical Indication for “Mongolian Pine Nuts” (Монголын хуш модны самар) was officially registered with the Intellectual Property Office of Mongolia (IPOM). This milestone marked a critical step in safeguarding the origin and reputation of the product for both domestic and international markets.
• GI Logo Approval: In 2023, a dedicated GI logo was approved for official use. This symbol represents not only product authenticity but also sustainability and traditional knowledge.
• International Recognition Process: Since 2024, efforts have been underway to secure bilateral recognition of the Mongolian Pine Nuts GI under the EU–Mongolia Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The EU has already accepted the GI specifications, and the registration process is ongoing. This recognition will enable Mongolian pine nuts to benefit from intellectual property protection across EU markets.
  

Building a Sustainable Future

 Today, the GI system for Mongolian pine nuts is not only a legal tool but also a platform for sustainable development. It supports forest conservation, improves traceability, and strengthens rural economies by encouraging quality and authenticity in production.

The Mongolian Association continues to lead capacity-building programs, traceability initiatives, and marketing strategies to ensure that GI-certified pine nuts are globally recognized and locally respected.

The journey toward registering Mongolian pine nuts as a Geographical Indication (GI) reflects Mongolia's broader efforts to protect and promote its unique natural products on both national and international stages.