2024 was an eventful year for the agricultural world in general, and for official signs of quality and origin (SIQO) in particular. On the economic front, inflation remained high, impacting product sales. Climatically, it was one of the hottest years on record, with very little sunshine, resulting in crop failures in many areas. From a social point of view, the turmoil in the farming world may have had a negative impact on the serenity of the debates, with some farmers expressing a desire for simplification.

A third of the ODGs behind the 1,200 products under SIQO reopened their specifications in 2024

It was therefore a particularly intense year for INAO, both in terms of responding to the demands of professionals with diligence and efficiency, but also in adapting our organization and procedures to the many contemporary issues, while respecting the fundamentals that make the signs so strong.

In concrete terms, this has resulted in the processing of 344 dossiers during 44 committees, 211 modifications to specifications, 93 modifications to delimitations, 164 commissions of inquiry, and the approval of 10 new products joining the large SIQO family.

This sustained activity has not slowed down the in-depth work carried out to guarantee the sustainability of SIQOs, adapt products to market developments, and meet societal expectations in terms of the environment and animal welfare. INAO has adopted its 2024-2028 contract of objectives and performance, and launched major projects to provide an agile framework for adaptation, continue to modernize the establishment and simplify procedures. In particular, the Institute has consolidated and expanded the framework for experimentation offered to operators while benefiting from the sign, implemented actions to accentuate the segmentation that is the strength of SIQO, and given concrete form to important debates on major subjects such as dealcoholization. INAO has also supported the ODGs in their reflections, and in understanding new regulatory developments, with the entry into force of REFIT.

Promoting SIQOs, particularly to young people

These actions have been carried out with respect for the fundamentals. A veritable showcase for French food expertise, products under SIQO enjoy a strong identity, linked to terroirs and territories, to the taste quality or environmental guarantee they promise. The long-term future of SIQO products depends on their ability to adapt while preserving their characteristics, authenticity and values. INAO and its committees have endeavored to propose simplifications without weakening this essential framework.

Thus, in addition to the necessary but framed modifications to specifications, the Institute has used an additional lever to reposition SIQOs, with the support of professionals: communication. An unprecedented, unifying campaign around the slogan "There are signs that don't deceive / official signs of trust" was set up to promote SIQOs to the general public, and in particular to raise awareness among young people and invite them to support our food heritage.

In a changing context, INAO will continue these actions in 2025, deploying a strategy, methods and tools to meet contemporary challenges, while taking care to consolidate its budgetary framework, a subject of concern.