The INAO: a unique model since 1935

Created in 1935 to protect appellations of origin against counterfeiting, INAO, a public administrative establishment, relies on an original form of governance, based on the decisions of professionals, involved on a voluntary basis within the Institute's bodies, in liaison with the State. The INAO is financed to the tune of 18 million euros by the State, and around 7 million euros directly by professionals. Over the years, this effective collaboration between professionals and public authorities has proved exemplary in ensuring real expertise in the field, in the service of the quality, prosperity and influence of national agricultural production. Thanks to the support provided by the Institute's staff, this governance enables the emergence of lasting solutions to agricultural challenges.

Meeting contemporary challenges

Faced with the challenges of climate change, market volatility, and the societal expectations of a consumer confronted with a multitude of labels, INAO strengthened its commitment to supporting the evolution of SIQO in 2024. As provided for in the contract of objectives and performance signed at the beginning of 2024, it has developed its methods and tools to adapt specifications. It has also communicated around the guarantees of confidence that these signs bring to consumers, in close articulation with SIQO groupings: precise, transparent, controlled, state-approved specifications, guaranteeing the preservation of a non-delocalizable heritage, quality or production methods.

This activity report highlights the many actions carried out by the Institute in 2024 to achieve these objectives: collaboration with research, national communication campaign, protection of terroirs, international cooperation, control, legal protection...

In a context of agricultural and food challenges, SIQOs, carried by INAO, appear more than ever as a force at the service of a resilient and innovative French agriculture.