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INAO raises awareness of SIQO with South African delegation

The Centre de Formation Professionnelle pour Adultes (CFPPA) in Beaune welcomed a South African delegation from the Western Cape province from March 11 to 15, 2024. On the program: a visit to several Burgundy farms and educational workshops on official signs of identification of quality and origin (SIQO) led by the Centre-Est delegation of the INAO.

Temps de lecture : 2 minutes
INAO, Délégation Sud Africaine aux SIQO
INAO, Délégation Sud Africaine aux SIQO

This meeting is part of a partnership that has been active for almost twenty years between the Burgundy region and the Western Cape province of South Africa. In this context, 8 South African agricultural advisors had the opportunity to visit diversified farms, ranging from local markets to Bresse poultry producers, Comté fruit orchards, an organic farm and Burgundy vineyards.

INAO on the ground to promote SIQO

During the visit, INAO agents Stéphane Meunier and Jelscha Sauzon introduced participants to SIQO through an interactive game, followed by a detailed explanation of the criteria for each sign. This playful approach was well received, giving rise to numerous exchanges and questions. Afterwards, the different requirements associated with each sign were illustrated through a tasting of several products.

A province committed to agricultural development

The Western Cape province is demonstrating a growing interest in Geographical Indications (GIs) and agricultural quality systems. The South African delegation expressed interest in SIQOs, recognizing their potential to add value to local produce. Collaboration with Burgundy could pave the way for new initiatives in this field. This action is in line with the shared objectives of INAO and CFPPA to share French expertise in SIQO, help international partners establish their own systems and promote the recognition of SIQOs and particularly GIs on a global scale.

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