Definition: inao

The INAO contributes in France and abroad to promoting the concepts behind the various signs of origin and quality.
This information mission is aimed at consumers, the general public, operators and anyone interested in origin and quality policy, in particular potential project leaders and organisations that are likely to assist them in their efforts.
The institute also provides regular information to operators, defence and management bodies and control bodies on decisions, guidelines and debates within the INAO's governing bodies.
It publicises decrees and specifications, as well as legal publications relating to the procedures and steps taken by operators.
With regard to organic farming, communication and promotion are the responsibility of the French agency for the development and promotion of organic farming: www.agencebio.org
In France, the INAO is active in many areas of production. We will focus here on wine and spirits, a public body created in 1935, responsible for determining and controlling the conditions of production of French AOC wines.
In 2005, no fewer than 472 AOC wines, AOC spirits and AOC VDQS were defined by the members of the INAO, taking into account the traditions and practices of the different production areas.
The sector involves 78,000 farms, a turnover of €11.7 million for wines, and an area of 484,066 hectares, or 57% of the total area.
The INAO is also responsible for protecting AOCs against fraud and misuse both in France and abroad. The Institute now consists of a Permanent Council and three National Committees, one for wine and spirits, one for cheese and one for other products. See the entry: Institut national de l'origine et de la qualité - INAO (National Institute for Origin and Quality) and the official website, which provides all the information.
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