INAO and SIQOs: an innovative system since 1935

Created in 1935 to protect designations of origin against counterfeiting, INAO is based on an original form of governance, founded on the decisions of professionals, who serve on a voluntary basis on the Institute's governing bodies, in liaison with the State. Over the years, this effective collaboration between professionals and public authorities has proved its worth in ensuring the overall coherence of this policy, to the benefit of quality and the creation of value in national agricultural production. INAO has always made it possible, via a peer-to-peer approach, to support the adaptation of SIQO, while creating value for ever more products, territories and sectors.

Facing major contemporary challenges

In a context of volatile markets, climate change, societal expectations and a consumer faced with a multitude of labels, INAO committees have adopted strong strategic measures to adapt specifications to the economic, climatic and technical realities of the moment. As a result, a majority of specifications are now open-ended, to prepare industries to meet these challenges through innovation.

This 2025 activity report highlights the many actions taken to achieve these objectives: developing links with research, informing consumers and continuously improving the establishment's efficiency in a tense budgetary context.

Faced with the many challenges of today and tomorrow, the SIQO system and the Institute that supports it are asserting themselves as a relevant lever for ensuring the economic, social and environmental sustainability of farms in France.