AUDA :

“AUDA, an active association of producers”

What AUDA means is "Association for the Use and Defence of the Ardenne ham and its Appellation". It's a non-profit-making association created in 1996. In fact, the request for a registration by the EEC had to be introduced by a group of producers. It was so important that the producers have forgotten their rivalries or oppositions and, by the way, allowed the creation of the association.

The board of directors has become a meeting point for exchanges and comparing among little producers (generally butchers) and bigger ones (specialized companies).

The members have realized that many problems were occurring to both parties. So have they decided a certain number of common actions.

Thus have the association defined three great working aims:

1. to promote the product "Ardenne Ham"

2. to spread the information relating to the PGI (Protected Geographic Indication) as defined by the

2081/92 EEC settlement

3. to fight against the usurpation of the appellation

In order to achieve those two first aims, the association takes frequently apart in events as well on the national territory as in borderlands. Explanations are given on the product, on its fabrication process and its official recognition. Tasting is also organized, giving the visitors the opportunity to verify the high quality reached by our production.

Concerning the third aim, as soon as an irregularity is found, whatever it might be, the association contacts, directly or by mail, the responsible. Without any reaction from the contravener, the association lodges a complaint with the concerned services of the administration or, if necessary, at law.

Grouping only a dozen of producers at the beginning, the association has quickly grown up. Today, we can count as members more than 95% of the certified producers. Such a success is due to the vitality and the various actions of the association.