News
The INAO's Permanent Council Approves a Major Efficiency Plan for the Institute
At its meeting on March 19, 2026, the INAO Permanent Council made several important decisions regarding the institution’s future. In particular, it approved the “INAO 2028” roadmap, an action plan that complements the COP and aims to enhance the Institute’s efficiency.
INAO 2028: A Roadmap to Enhance the Institute’s Efficiency
Against the backdrop of a challenging economic and budgetary climate, also marked by calls from professionals for changes in working practices, the INAO’s Standing Council has defined and adopted an action plan titled “INAO 2028.” Its goal is to consolidate the Institute by improving its efficiency without compromising its core principles. Developed in collaboration with industry professionals and Institute staff, this plan notably calls for prioritizing missions centered on our core business, reviewing procedures, and optimizing the functioning of governing bodies, in order to better meet operators’ needs for adaptation, while taking into account the operational constraints faced by INAO staff. This ambitious roadmap is based on a three-pronged approach involving joint efforts by the INAO, industry professionals, and the government. Its implementation will extend through 2028.
Discussions on the budget and operations of the Institute and its governing bodies
Financial statements and results for fiscal year 2025
The use of INAO funds in 2025 reflects both the implementation of theobjective and performance contract for the 2024–2028 period—marked by support for operators in addressing contemporary challenges and the campaign to promote SIQOs—as well as the impact of government decisions regarding the reduction in the public service subsidy, the introduction of supplemental social security coverage, the increased employer contribution due to the special “pensions” account, as well as ongoing efforts in digital transformation and information system security. With €27m in expenditures and €23.5m in revenues, the financial statement shows a budget deficit of €3.5m, in line with the projected budget, bringing the organization’s cash reserves down to 1.7 months of operations. It was adopted by the Standing Council.
An amended budget for 2026 incorporating significant spending cuts
The amended budget approved by the Standing Council allows for several management adjustments. The adoption of the 2026 Finance Act has, in fact, supplemented the provisions initially included by the Government in the draft Finance Act regarding the public service subsidy (SCSP) by €951,000 compared to the initial draft Finance Act. Thus, in line with government guidelines, the 2026 amended budget shows a reduction in expenditures of 330.1 k€ and a deficit reduced to 1.7 m€, which should result in one month of operating funds by the end of 2026.
Amendments to the Rules of Procedure Adopted by the Permanent Council
The Standing Council has approved amendments to the INAO’s rules of procedure, which pertain in particular to voting rules and the treatment of abstentions, the procedures for differentiated voting in hybrid-format meetings, the prevention of conflicts of interest in cross-functional matters, changes to the procedures for handling yield adjustments, and other topics arising from the working group’s deliberations.
2025 Communications Campaign: Impressive Results and a Participatory Momentum to Sustain
Building on the campaign carried out in 2024, the INAO conducted various participatory and public-facing communication initiatives in 2025 to promote and explain the 5 SIQO labels. The initiatives primarily targeted 18- to 35-year-olds. The campaign was evaluated at the end of last year by the CSA Institute. Despite a smaller budget, audiences exceeded projections.
As a result, these initiatives generated 41 million contacts, which is 30% more than the projection based on the investment level (€500,000). The study shows strong public support for the initiatives, and a significant impact on public recognition and understanding of SIQO certifications. The campaign has led to significant gains in awareness of SIQOs among 18- to 35-year-olds (+10 points for Label Rouge, +4 points for AOP, +5 points for IGP). The responses also show increased trust in SIQOs (+9 points for AOP, IGP, and STG). More than 8 out of 10 French people surveyed are thus encouraged to pay closer attention to SIQOs when shopping, both in the products they consume and in their recommendations to others. The study also revealed a genuine commitment among stakeholders to promoting SIQOs, particularly through the communication kit provided.
Given the institution’s declining resources, the INAO will no longer be able to engage an external communications agency in 2026. However, a smaller-scale campaign will be carried out internally by the INAO itself during the Quality and Origin Fortnight, scheduled for November 14–29, 2026. The tools developed over the past two years will also remain accessible and available for use by the ODGs whenever they wish.
Expanded Access to SIQO Economic Data
The Permanent Council’s Economic Committee presented its new tools: interim key figures and consumption reports. A discussion also took place on the need to better engage local development agencies (ODGs) to supplement the annual statistical survey and improve the response rate, with the aim of strengthening economic monitoring of SIQO-certified products. Finally, the discussions focused on the Territorial Observatory for SIQO (OT-SIQO). Led by the INAO and INRAE, this tool compiles data and studies on agricultural and agri-food products covered by SIQO. It provides extensive information on the economic, social, and environmental impacts of SIQO across the region. The Standing Council voted in favor of expanding access to non-confidential data to the ODGs. To promote this tool, a presentation on the OT-SIQO will be offered to the ODGs in the spring.
2024 Gender Equality Index
In accordance with regulations, an indicator measuring the gender pay gap has been implemented. The INAO scored 96 out of 100, which means no corrective measures are required.