Reserved Designations

What are Quebec's reserved designations?

In Quebec, there are four agri-food designations envisaged by the Act Respecting Reserved Designations:

• Designation of Origin
• Certificate of Specificity
• Protected Geographical Indication
• Organic Designation (reserved since February 1^st, 2000).

What is the role of a reserved designation?

A reserved designation is intended to provide consumers with information regarding certain characteristics that are specific to each product. This protects a designation against any appropriation and imitation. Ultimately, in the eyes of consumers, who are very careful about their food, it provides a very legitimate credibility.

I would like product to benefit from a reserved designation, what should I do?

The first step is to define your product, and then prepare a set of specifications containing all information relative to the product's characteristics and production methods. The second step is to ensure a certification program has been put into place, if it does not exist, and ensure validation that conditions contained in the set of specifications. Once this stage has been completed, you must submit an application to Quebec's Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The certifying body responsible for monitoring your product must have been accredited by the CARTV. Finally, before your designation can be used, a formal request must be submitted to the Minister to have it reserved.