AREPO

AREPO aims to promote and defend the interests of producers and consumers of European regions involved in the valorisation of quality food products.

AREPO is a network of regional governments and producer associations that deals with products of origin. It aims to promote and defend the interests of producers and consumers of European regions involved in the valorisation of quality food products. AREPO was established in May 2004 in Bordeaux by 16 regions from six EU countries, and it now represents 33 European regions and more than 700 associ

ations of producers for over 60% of EU GIs. STRUCTURE:

- College of Regions: chaired by the Region of Extremadura;
- College of Producers Representatives: chaired by the Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano Reggiano. This college proposes to the vote of the General Assembly the candidate for the vice-presidency of the Association;
- College of Associated Members: consultative body made up of the organisations that have signed a partnership agreement with AREPO (thematic, territorial, scientific organisations and networks, etc.);
- Scientific Council: made up of experts from universities and research centres from AREPO member regions. A new President is elected every three years. Ms Begoña García Bernal, Regional Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development, Population and Territory of Extremadura, was elected President of AREPO in October 2021. The Executive Board is the governing body of the Association. It leads the work of the Association and deliberates on its behalf in the interval between General Assemblies. It is chaired by the President of the association. Currently the members of the Board are:
- President: Ms Begoña García Bernal, Regional Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development, Population and Territory of Extremadura;
- Vice-President: Mr Nicola Bertinelli, President of the Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano Reggiano;
- Treasurer: Ms. Patricia Picard, Regional Councillor of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. The Secretary General directs and manages the network. A Representation Office in Brussels coordinates AREPO’s lobbying activities and the relations with EU Institutions.

19/05/2026

The inspiring experience of Milano 2026 has come to an end.

Over the past days, Geographical Indications took centre stage within the AREPO Hub, a space dedicated to showcasing the richness, diversity and excellence of our member regions, their products and their producers.

This was made possible thanks to the remarkable organisational effort of Regione Lombardia, currently holding the Presidency of AREPO with its regional Minister for Agriculture Mr Alessandro Beduschi, which strongly believed in the opportunity offered by TUTTOFOOD to give visibility to AREPO member regions and to the quality products rooted in their territories.

It was a meaningful experience of discovery: of products, territories, stories and people. We warmly thank the regions and the GI producer groups who joined us, shared their products with the public, and guided us through their history, their taste and the unique know-how behind each production.

TUTTOFOOD has also shone a spotlight on the economic, social and cultural value of EU Geographical Indications, increasingly recognised as strategic tools for protecting quality productions, supporting the growth of rural areas, strengthening sustainable value chains and defending EU’s agri-food heritage on international markets.

Beyond the success of this edition, TUTTOFOOD Milano 2026 also hinted at the potential for a broader shared journey to further promote and celebrate EU Geographical Indications, bringing the richness of regional agri-food excellence, traditions and know-how closer to citizens and international audiences.

11/05/2026

Great start at TuttoFood Milano!

A dynamic first day of exchanges, tastings and showcookings dedicated to EU Geographical Indications.

An important moment of dialogue took place during the afternoon session, bringing together the President of AREPO, Alessandro Beduschi, the Italian Minister for Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, representatives of oriGIn, the Organization for an international Geographical Indications network, MEP Carlo Fidanza and Prof. Paolo De Castro.

The discussion highlighted the strategic role of GIs in strengthening local territories, supporting producers and enhancing the competitiveness of the EU agri-food sector.

08/05/2026

From 11 to 14 May, AREPO will be present at TuttoFood Milano, one of the leading international events dedicated to the agri-food sector.

Meet us at the AREPO Hub (Hall 3, area V13), where AREPO member regions will showcase their products, experiences and initiatives promoting high-quality European productions and the value of EU

Talks in the AREPO Vision Arena, tastings, showcookings and exchanges throughout the four-day event will highlight the richness and diversity of EU PDO and PGI products and open discussions on the future of Geographical Indications, sustainability and territorial development. will also be part of the conversation, bringing insights on how GIs can further contribute to sustainable development and innovation across European territories.

A special thanks to Region, currently holding the Presidency of AREPO, for coordinating the organisation of the AREPO Hub and programme at TUTTOFOOD Milano.

📍 Fiera Milano Rho – Hall 3, area V13
📅 11–14 May
See you at TUTTOFOOD!
https://www.tuttofood.it/arepo-hub/

Percorso multilivello per professionisti del Retail e della distribuzione Horeca, alla scoperta delle eccellenze europee DOP, IGP e STG.

30/04/2026

Last week, the 6th AREPO European Event on Quality and Origin Products took place in Brussels 🇪🇺, placing the city at the heart of a major conversation on the future of hashtag in Europe.

Organised in collaboration with the Horizon Europe GI SMART project, which provided valuable scientific inputs to the discussion, the event also marked the 3rd meeting of the GI SMART EU MAP.

Over the course of the day, EU policymakers, researchers, regional representatives, and producers engaged in a constructive dialogue on how Geographical Indications can further contribute to regional socioeconomic development, sustainability, and EU competitiveness.

Key themes included:
✅ Communicating GI sustainability to consumers
✅ Strengthening EU, national and regional policy frameworks on GIs
✅ Preparing for the CAP post-2027 and the upcoming EU Action Plan on GIs

🍷🧀 The day concluded with a tasting of GI products from 24 AREPO member regions, offering a unique moment of discovery and showcasing the richness and diversity of EU territories, as well as the dedication and expertise of the producers behind these emblematic products.

👉 Read the full article to find out more about the event and how GIs fit into the future of European agri-food policy. ->

After three years, the AREPO European Event on Quality and Origin Products returned for its sixth edition on 23 April 2026 at the Common House of Hessen, Emilia-Romagna, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Wielkopolska. Organised in collaboration with the Horizon Europe project GI SMART, the event also marked ...

23/04/2026

The 6th edition of the 𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 is now underway in Brussels, opening with a welcome address from our President, Mr. Alessandro Beduschi!

A key moment bringing together European stakeholders to shape the future of Geographical Indications 🇪🇺

17/04/2026

Looking forward to welcoming you all to the 6th edition of the AREPO “European event on quality and origin products”, organised in collaboration with the Horizon Europe project GI SMART 🇪🇺!
📆 23 April 2026
📍 Brussels, Common House of Hessen, Emilia-Romagna, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Wielkopolska
2.00 PM - 6.30 PM | Conference “From research to action: guiding future EU Policies to enhance territorial impacts of Geographical Indications”
7.00 PM - 10.30 PM | Tasting of regional quality products from AREPO member Regions
👉 https://bit.ly/4vA4Ff1

12/02/2026

EN/ AREPO continues to grow!
The Regione Liguria has officially joined AREPO as an observer member, reinforcing our shared commitment to the promotion and protection of EU quality schemes.
With Liguria joining, AREPO now counts 10 Italian regions among its members.
Discover more here: https://www.arepoquality.eu/2026/02/12/the-liguria-region-joins-arepo/

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FR/ AREPO continue de grandir !
La Région Ligurie a officiellement rejoint AREPO en tant que membre observateur, renforçant notre engagement commun en faveur de la promotion et de la protection des systèmes de qualité de l’UE.
Avec l’adhésion de la Ligurie, AREPO compte désormais 10 régions italiennes parmi ses membres.
Découvrez-en plus ici : https://www.arepoquality.eu/2026/02/12/the-liguria-region-joins-arepo/

The Presidency of the Liguria Region has informed AREPO of the Region’s decision to join the network as an observer member. AREPO welcomes the new member region and wishes for a fruitful collaboration aimed at promoting quality products. For more information about Liguria and its products of origi...

29/01/2026

Cette semaine, nous avons eu le plaisir de participer à un moment privilégié d’échanges à Bruxelles avec les acteurs institutionnels et les filières agricoles du territoire de la Région Centre-Val de Loire.

Les grands enjeux européens actuels étaient au cœur des discussions : avenir de la PAC, renouvellement des générations, résilience des filières et souveraineté alimentaire.
Ces échanges ont permis de rappeler le rôle central des territoires et des dans la valorisation des productions locales et dans la construction de politiques agricoles européennes plus durables et ancrées dans les réalités régionales.

🙏 Un grand merci à Mme Temanuata Girard, Trésorière de l’AREPO et Vice-Présidente en charge de l’agriculture et de l’alimentation de la Région Centre-Val de Loire, pour nous avoir associés à cette initiative et pour son engagement constant en faveur du dialogue entre institutions européennes, régions et filières de .

L'AREPO poursuit son engagement aux côtés des régions européennes pour promouvoir des politiques publiques soutenant les productions d’origine, les communautés rurales et le développement territorial.

🇪🇺 📣 La Région Centre-Val de Loire mobilisée à Bruxelles pour porter la voix des territoires agricoles auprès de l'Union Européenne 🌾 📸 Le Président François Bonneau et vos élus régionaux étaient ce mardi à Bruxelles pour une journée d’échanges stratégiques aut...

21/01/2026

Yesterday in Bologna, 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐢, President of AREPO, took part in the conference "Bello, buono e di qualità. La Food Valley d’Europa tra strategia agroalimentare, turismo e Dop Economy. Un piano di azione europeo per il rilancio delle DOP e IGP", organised by Regione Emilia-Romagna

He reminded that are one of the greatest successes of EU policy, because they are rooted in a powerful idea: some products are inseparable from their land, their communities, and the knowledge that shapes them.

With this conviction, he called for the 𝐄𝐔 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐈𝐬 announced for 2027 to be a strategic political vision that:
🔹 Positions GIs as a driver of sustainable competitiveness and territorial cohesion
🔹 Reduces regional disparities, extending the benefits of GIs across all Member States
🔹 Strengthens consumer trust through better visibility and understanding of certified
🔹 Improves economic conditions for producers and facilitates access to markets
🔹 Invests in knowledge, research, and future generations to ensure GIs remain resilient and innovative

🔗 Learn more about the event here: https://www.lombardianotizie.online/comunicato-stampa/indicazioni-geografiche-motore-sviluppo/

10/12/2025

📣 𝗔𝗻 𝗘𝗨 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳

On December 5th, 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗼 𝗕𝗲𝗱𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗶, President of AREPO, took part in the VII European Forum on Food Quality in Siena, organised by Fondazione Qualivita.

Together with our partners from oriGIn EU and its national branches, he renewed the call for a 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗜 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻, capable of supporting the sector with concrete measures, built by listening to the needs and priorities of producers and their territories🤝.

In Siena he stressed the importance of boosting promotion, ensuring a meaningful role for GIs in public procurement, and fully leveraging the link between GIs and sustainable tourism. Each PDO and PGI product tells the story of its community and landscape, a connection that can become a powerful engine for rural development.

A key message also emerged regarding the next generation: the future of GIs relies on giving young farmers and producers the tools they need to enter the sector more easily and sustainably. In this context, concerns were raised about the future Common Agricultural Policy.

A strong GI strategy cannot take shape within a framework that risks weakening rural development and overlooking the specific needs of GI systems.

Adresse

Hôtel De Région/14, Rue François De Sourdis
Bordeaux
33077

Site Web

http://www.arepoquality.eu/

Notifications

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