Article L. 642-5 8° of the French Rural and Maritime Fishing Code stipulates that the Institute "contributes to the defense and promotion of quality and origin identification signs both in France and abroad". This defense mission is shared with the defense and management organizations which, in accordance with the provisions of article L. 642-22 5th paragraph of the rural and maritime fishing code, "participate(s) in actions to defend and protect the name, product and terroir (...)"
This implies internationally and nationally the signing of co-financing agreements between the ODG and the INAO. Internationally, it was agreed that the INAO would advance the costs of the procedure and subsequently re-invoice the ODG.
As this re-invoicing could take some time, and was a source of administrative burden for both INAO and ODGs, it was agreed to draw up a new format for co-financing agreements, introducing direct invoicing by law firms. This simplification measure will enable protection stakeholders to better anticipate their budgets, lighten the administrative burden and monitor expenses incurred more closely.
For everyone's information, the legal and international department will send this new agreement format to the ODGs following publication of this letter. Future files will be sent in the new format.