Since 1935, National Institute for Origin and Quality (Institut national de l’origine et de la qualité, ou INAO) has been at the forefront of French policy promoting agricultural products through official quality and origin signs (SIQO), which include geographical indications (AOP and IGP) as well as STG, Organic Farming, and Label Rouge. To mark its 90th anniversary in 2025, the Institute organized a series of events for both professionals and the general public.
Tracing 90 Years of Promoting Agricultural and Food Heritage
On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, a conference was held at the National Assembly at the initiative of Member of Parliament Christophe Marion, focusing on the theme “INAO: 90 Years in Service of French Agriculture.” The event highlighted how SIQO and INAO have, at every major stage of their history, responded to the challenges of their time by offering effective solutions, illustrating a long-standing tradition of innovation and adaptability. The discussions further demonstrated that this dynamic approach continues to shape their work today.
Researchers, legal experts, and professionals exchanged perspectives on the Institute’s unique governance model, which brings together the State and professionals behind the products, and emphasized that this public policy impacts one in three French farms and accounts for nearly €42 billion in annual revenue, approximately 40% of the total turnover of French agricultural production.
Sustainability and Innovation as Guiding Principles
The conference also provided a forum for strong discussions on collective actions needed to address current challenges impacting SIQO: market complexity, climate disruptions, and evolving societal expectations, all within a context of competition from private labeling schemes (the “label jungle”). The goal is to find the right balance between innovations ensuring the sustainability of SIQO and the fundamentals that enabled their recognition. In close collaboration with research and professionals, INAO’s professional bodies work to provide clear, coordinated, and relevant responses to these expectations. INAO’s activities within oriGIn are part of these efforts.
Collaboration with oriGIn on the Sustainability Strategy for Geographical Indications
A member of the international oriGIn network since its creation, INAO has contributed since 2017 to work conducted jointly with the FAO to develop a sustainability strategy for geographical indications (SSGI – Sustainability Strategy for GIs ). This work has led to recommendations and tools to help geographical indication groups identify priorities and implement improvement actions. INAO has also participated in projects aimed at developing and testing sustainability indicators, facilitating evaluation and improvement processes. Beyond this technical contribution, the Institute also plays a facilitator role by connecting French ODGs (management organizations) with the oriGIn network and its resources. This networking allows groups to access international tools and feedback related to SSGI and to fully engage in global discussions on GI sustainability.
A Traveling Exhibition on the Institute’s History
In parallel with the conference, INAO organized a traveling exhibition retracing the history of SIQO and the Institute. This exhibition, featuring previously unseen archives, shows how this model, forged through crises, has proven to be a major innovation and remains highly relevant in serving French agricultural and wine heritage.
Quality and Origin Are Not a Trend…
In collaboration with management and defense organizations, INAO continues its national communication campaign this year to promote SIQO to the general public. On the occasion of the Institute’s 90 anniversary, specific actions were organized with the slogan: “Quality and origin are not a trend / Keep an eye out on the shelves for products from our history!” Video clips combining archival and contemporary footage were produced to show that products under SIQO stand the test of time and are here to last.
