An application has been made under Council Regulation 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs to register the term STEIRISCHER KREN (Styrian horseradish) as a protected geographical indication. According to the application

"The good reputation of ‘Steirischer Kren’ has been well known for as long as approximately 140 years. Farm cultivation of horseradish in Styria developed from 1940 onwards, beginning in the district of Radkersburg. Since 1967, contractual cultivation has been organised by the Styrian Vegetable Growers' Association. This has been instrumental in developing ‘Steirischer Kren’ for export also. For over
40 years, ‘Steirischer Kren’ has also been preserved in economically significant quantities.

Styrian farmers have also played a key role in the development of cultivation and harvest methods in this agricultural sector. In 1976, for example, a method was patented for packing horseradish roots. A special uprooter was also developed in Styria for harvesting horseradish, and a Styrian company was even awarded the ‘Fast Forward Award’ — Styria's greatest technology prize — for its method of preserving freshly grated horseradish.

Numerous media reports confirm both the popularity of ‘Steirischer Kren’ and the economic importance of horseradish cultivation and horseradish processing for the region. Unprocessed horseradish is traditionally prized in the Styrian horseradish-growing region mainly as an accompaniment to various pub snacks".