Europe's bid to stop Australian cheesemakers using the name feta has advanced but its claim on the sparkling wine prosecco is facing growing opposition amid ongoing trade talks.

Australian producers will have three months to mount their opposition to names Europe wants protected
Trade Minister Simon Birmingham has released a list with 172 foods and 236 spirits the European Union (EU) wants protected in return for a free trade agreement (FTA) with Australia.

Feta is likely to cause the greatest stir within the Australia dairy sector, which wants to continue to use the name on the cheese it produces.

The list also includes EU claims on gruyere, Roquefort and gorgonzola cheeses.

Scotch beef and scotch lamb are also on the list of meats the EU wants protected but those claims rely on Britain staying in the EU, something that Prime Minister Boris Johnson insists will end on October 31.

The products all have protections within the EU under the geographical indications (GI) program, which allows farmers and producers to protect names that are based off a location, provided they can prove its significance.

"Australia doesn't like the idea of geographical indications but this is a not-negotiable element from the European Union," Senator Birmingham told the ABC.

"We will put up a strong fight in terms of areas of Australian interests and ultimately what we're trying to do is get the best possible deal that ensures Australian businesses and farmers can get better access to a market engaging 500 million potential consumers."

Read more: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-13/europe-wants-feta-protected-australia-delays-prosecco-fta-talks/11404496