Defense and management organization
Protection of land under SIQO: new approaches for greater efficiency at INAO
The INAO has been working on overhauling procedures linked to the protection of land under SIQO. Far from disengaging from this mission, the Institute aims to optimize its actions, always with the aim of avoiding or reducing the impacts of development projects on SIQO production potential. An update on the planned framework.
Agricultural production under SIQO, an important component of land-use planning
The presence of production under SIQO is sometimes unexplored when drawing up town-planning documents. Yet these products bring a definite added value to the region, thanks to the heritage and economic value they generate. The fact that a commune belongs to a SIQO should be included in the justification for the choices made, in the same way as demographic, environmental and mobility issues.
.Land protection, a mission governed by regulations
The protection of SIQO land aims to preserve these territories and perpetuate the farms involved in these sectors. It is governed by various articles of the French Rural Code.
In this context, INAO is called upon to issue opinions following referrals from local authorities or government departments, on development projects and urban planning documents. A representative of the Institute takes part in the CDPENAF with voting rights whenever a town-planning project results in a reduction in SIQO-approved land. The INAO is also represented on land-use planning commissions for communes with appellation status. At the same time, the ODG participates in actions to protect the terroir. It has the opportunity to express its views at consultation meetings and during public inquiries into development projects. It can refer a matter to the competent authority if it considers that the project is detrimental to the appellation.
Territorial diagnosis: an effective tool for a mission shared with ODGs
To meet the efficiency objectives of the establishment's COP, INAO has been working on an overhaul of its procedures. In this context, a territorial diagnosis of SIQO at the level of each department has emerged as a relevant and collaborative solution. The aim is to pay particular attention to sectors that are dynamic in terms of SIQO production and under heavy pressure.
Based on the issues identified in the preliminary diagnoses, action priorities will be defined to optimize the participation of INAO agents in CDPENAF, as well as the drafting of direct referral opinions. Projects requiring particular vigilance will be the subject of a substantiated opinion sent to local authorities and government departments, while for other projects the "silence is equivalent to agreement" principle will be implemented: in the absence of a response within the timeframe granted by the regulations, the Institute's opinion will be deemed favorable.
A necessary partnership
The INAO wishes to carry out this reflection in collaboration with the other structures involved in these subjects: state services (DDT-M), chambers of agriculture, regional nature parks... and of course ODG. Thus, ODGs remain privileged partners and must play an active and decisive role alongside the Institute in actions to preserve the land of their SIQO.