France as precursor

Pioneered back in 1969 and generalized from 1978 onwards, the national animal ID scheme, evolving into the national traceability system, has progressively integrated every technological innovation that has broken through. This outstanding system extends on the reliability of national-scale animal health control schemes and genetics information systems to enable full farm-to-fork product traceability.

French farmers and food production sectors share a long history of nurturing a product offer with specific quality specifications. France’s unparalleled experience with official recognition of outstanding product quality schemes, from product designation protection to consumer-focused product quality guarantees, has essentially provided the template adhered to by European regulations.