LES SIGNES D'IDENTIFICATION DE LA QUALITÉ ET DE L'ORIGINE (SIQO)

The Occitania / Pyrenees-Mediterranean region stands out from its national and European neighbours. It is the leading region in Europe with almost 300 products under official quality labels and signs. Commonly called SIQs", these signs are divided into several categories:

AOC/DOP: The Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC), or AOP (Appellation d'Origine Protégée) at the European level, refers to a product that derives its authenticity and typicity from its natural environment and human know-how. The specifications are very demanding, particularly during the development phase, it is mandatory that all phases be carried out in the geographical area whose name it bears.

Protected Geographical Indication (PGI): Wines, meat, poultry, vegetables, fruit, this sign refers to a product that has a particular characteristic or reputation that associates it with a defined geographical location. In the region, the Génisse Fleur d'Aubrac IGP and the white garlic from Lomagne are perfect examples. In total, the territory contains 75 PGIs.

Label Rouge: This French sign indicates products which, by their production or manufacturing conditions, have a superior quality level. The region distinguishes 80 Label Rouge products, mainly meat, poultry and sausages, such as Blonde d'Aquitaine and farm poultry from the Gers IGP.

Organic Agriculture: The Occitanie region is a leader in the development of organic agriculture: 1st region in terms of the number of hectares devoted to organic farming and in conversion (223,559 hectares), 1st region in terms of the number of producers (6,475) and 2nd region in terms of agricultural area (10.5%).