Introducing the French National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO)

Building on its expertise forged over more than 80 years, INAO ensures the recognition and protection of official signs identifying the quality and origin (SIQO) of agricultural, agri-food and forestry products.

The Institut national de l'origine et de la qualité (INAO) is a public administrative establishment, with civil personality, under the supervision of the ministry in charge of Agriculture.

The INAO is responsible for implementing French policy relating to official signs identifying the quality and origin of agricultural and agri-food products :

AOP "Malepère" ©Céline et Gilles Deschamps / CIVL

IGP "Génisse Fleur d'Aubrac" ©Association Fleur d'Aubrac

The French quality policy for agricultural and agri-food products implemented by INAO is based on close collaboration between professionals grouped within organismes de défense et de gestion (ODG), organismes de contrôles agréés, services de l'État and the Institut.

All French regions are affected by these signs. According to the latest farm structure survey, around 10% of farms (excluding winegrowing and organic) in France have at least one PGI, Label rouge or AOC/AOP production.

In figures (2022)

In 2022, INAO supervised 1,204 products, including 366 PDO/AOC wines, 17 PDO spirit drinks and 5 PDO/AOC ciders and perries, 105 PDO agrifoods (including 51 dairy products) and 2 forestry AOCs. INAO also oversees 76 PGI wines, 35 GI spirit drinks, 2 PGI ciders, 148 PGI agrifoods, 5 TSG and 443 Label Rouge products. For the organic farming sector, in 2020 in France there were more than 89,030 operators (producers, processors, distributors and importers) involved.