The designation of the Benicarló artichoke as an outstanding regional product is the result of a long struggle, which on its own merits has little by little achieved the recognition of national and European regulatory bodies.

Below we detail the steps taken in chronological order.

1994 :

A plan of action is created to regulate the specific designation of the Benicarló artichoke and its regulatory board.

1998:

On 18 September 1998, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fishing and Food of the Valencian regional government ratifies the Benicarló Artichoke Designation of Origin. This ratification – a source of great pride - is the result of a combined, rigorous and honest effort, but above all it is a necessary ingredient to make our initial objective more valid than ever: deliver maximum satisfaction offering the best produce from our lands year after year.

2001:

The Benicarló artichoke Protected Designation of Origin and its regulatory board, established in article 5.5 of the CEE regulation 2081/92, is provisionally approved.

2002:

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fishing and Food publishes order APA/608/2002 dated 28 February 2002 in the official state bulletin, ratifying the Benicarló artichoke Protected Designation of Origin and its regulatory board.

2003:

On 12 November 2003, in accordance with EC regulation nº 1979-2003 completing the attached 2400/96 of DOCE L294, the Benicarló artichoke Protected Designation of Origin is recognised by the European Community.

2009:
On November 13, 2009, presented an application to ENAC (National Accreditation Board, which is the body designated by the Administration to establish and maintain the system of national accreditation, according to international standards, always following policies and recommendations of the European Union) and begins a long process of internal change and adaptation to current regulations for accreditation po consegir ENAC.

 
2010:
In accordance with the provisions of Decree 222/2007 of 9 November, of the Council, laying down rules on the regulatory councils or management agency designations of quality of Valencia in the current wording of the proposal Control Board of Protected Designation of Origin Artichoke Benicarló to comply with the provisions of the UNE / EN 45011 "General requirements for bodies operating product certification", the July 29, 2010 is published in the DOCV n º 6321 The ORDER 26/2010 of 15 July, the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food by adopting the text of the Regulations of the Protected Designation of Origin Benicarló Artichoke and regulatory advice. (New Rules of the PDO Artichoke Benicarló)

2011:
A dated May 20, 2011 the Commission on Accreditation of ENAC (National Accreditation Board), in view of the documentation agrees to grant accreditation to the Control Board of Protected Designation of Origin "Benicarló Artichoke" in recognition of competition technique for Certification in the Agrifood Sector, assigning this accreditation No. 74/C-PR/177.

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