# Official Journal C 148/2017

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 148 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 6012 May 2017 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 148

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 6012 May 2017

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2017/C 148/01 | Communication on the publication of the amounts of raw milk production as referred to in Article 149(5) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European parliament and of the Council | 1 |
| 2017/C 148/02 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.8248 — Tech Data/Avnet’s Technology Solutions) (
  1
  ) | 3 |
| 2017/C 148/03 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.8293 — 3i/APG/ATP/Eiser Infrastructure Portfolio) (
  1
  ) | 3 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2017/C 148/01

Communication on the publication of the amounts of raw milk production as referred to in Article 149(5) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European parliament and of the Council

1

2017/C 148/02

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.8248 — Tech Data/Avnet’s Technology Solutions) (
  1
  )

1

3

2017/C 148/03

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.8293 — 3i/APG/ATP/Eiser Infrastructure Portfolio) (
  1
  )

1

3

---

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2017/C 148/04 | Euro exchange rates | 4 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2017/C 148/04

Euro exchange rates

4

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| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2017/C 148/05 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.8471 — BC Partners/PSC/Shawbrook) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 5 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2017/C 148/06 | Publication of an application pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 6 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2017/C 148/05

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.8471 — BC Partners/PSC/Shawbrook) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

5

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2017/C 148/06

Publication of an application pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

6

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| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance. |

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance.

1

| EN | |
| --- | --- |

EN

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 12.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 148/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 148/1

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Communication on the publication of the amounts of raw milk production as referred to in Article 149(5) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European parliament and of the Council (1)

(2017/C 148/01)

| (Annual data (1000 t)) |
| --- |
| Amounts of raw milk production (*2) as referred to in Article 149(5) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 |
| 2015 | Cow | Ewe | Goat | Buffalo |
| BE | 3 826,0 | 0,0 | 0,0 | 0,0 |
| BG | 1 028,0 | 74,3 | 40,8 | 9,5 |
| CZ | 3 025,9 | 0,2 | 0,5 | 0,0 |
| DK | 5 335,7 | 0,0 | 0,0 | 0,0 |
| DE | 32 670,9 | 0,0 | 13,7 | 0,0 |
| EE | 782,7 | 0,0 | 0,5 | 0,0 |
| IE | 6 634,4 | 0,0 | 0,0 | 0,0 |
| EL | 770,0 | 804,0 | 341,0 | 0,0 |
| ES | 7 029,5 | 580,9 | 494,7 | 0,0 |
| FR | 25 850,9 | 273,9 | 610,5 | 0,0 |
| HR | 694,0 | 6,0 | 7,0 | 0,0 |
| IT | 11 425,9 | 475,2 | 63,6 | 227,2 |
| CY | 165,3 | 25,9 | 22,9 | 0,0 |
| LV | 975,4 | 0,0 | 2,7 | 0,0 |
| LT | 1 734,7 | 0,0 | 3,8 | 0,0 |
| LU | 346,3 | 0,0 | 3,0 | 0,0 |
| HU | 1 941,3 | 1,7 | 3,6 | 0,0 |
| MT | 41,6 | 1,6 | 1,0 | 0,0 |
| NL | 13 331,0 | 2,5  (*3) | 245,3 | 1,5  (*3) |
| AT | 3 537,8 | 10,6 | 20,6 | 0,0 |
| PL | 13 236,2 | 0,4 | 16,3 | 0,0 |
| PT | 2 013,8 | 71,6 | 28,8 | 0,0 |
| RO | 3 981,0 | 424,9 | 245,7 | 25,0 |
| SI | 631,7 | 0,5 | 1,7 | 0,0 |
| SK | 931,0 | 10,7 | 0,2 | 0,0 |
| FI | 2 436,8 | 0,0 | 0,0 | 0,0 |
| SE | 2 933,2 | 0,0 | 0,0 | 0,0 |
| UK | 15 457,0 | 0,0 | 0,0 | 0,0 |
| EU-28 | 162 768,0 | 2 764,9 | 2 167,9 | 263,2 |

(Annual data (1000 t))

Amounts of raw milk production (*2) as referred to in Article 149(5) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013

2015

Cow

Ewe

Goat

Buffalo

BE

3 826,0

0,0

0,0

0,0

BG

1 028,0

74,3

40,8

9,5

CZ

3 025,9

0,2

0,5

0,0

DK

5 335,7

0,0

0,0

0,0

DE

32 670,9

0,0

13,7

0,0

EE

782,7

0,0

0,5

0,0

IE

6 634,4

0,0

0,0

0,0

EL

770,0

804,0

341,0

0,0

ES

7 029,5

580,9

494,7

0,0

FR

25 850,9

273,9

610,5

0,0

HR

694,0

6,0

7,0

0,0

IT

11 425,9

475,2

63,6

227,2

CY

165,3

25,9

22,9

0,0

LV

975,4

0,0

2,7

0,0

LT

1 734,7

0,0

3,8

0,0

LU

346,3

0,0

3,0

0,0

HU

1 941,3

1,7

3,6

0,0

MT

41,6

1,6

1,0

0,0

NL

13 331,0

2,5  (*3)

245,3

1,5  (*3)

AT

3 537,8

10,6

20,6

0,0

PL

13 236,2

0,4

16,3

0,0

PT

2 013,8

71,6

28,8

0,0

RO

3 981,0

424,9

245,7

25,0

SI

631,7

0,5

1,7

0,0

SK

931,0

10,7

0,2

0,0

FI

2 436,8

0,0

0,0

0,0

SE

2 933,2

0,0

0,0

0,0

UK

15 457,0

0,0

0,0

0,0

EU-28

162 768,0

2 764,9

2 167,9

263,2

---

(1)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.

(*1)  0,0: zero or less than half the unit.

(*2)  2015 Milk Production on the farm Eurostat — NewCronos Products Obtained.

(*3)  Communicated by the Member State and/or estimated/calculated production.

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| 12.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 148/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 148/3

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.8248 — Tech Data/Avnet’s Technology Solutions)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2017/C 148/02)

On 23 February 2017, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32017M8248. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32017M8248. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

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| 12.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 148/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 148/3

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.8293 — 3i/APG/ATP/Eiser Infrastructure Portfolio)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2017/C 148/03)

On 5 April 2017, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32017M8293. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32017M8293. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 12.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 148/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 148/4

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Euro exchange rates (1)

11 May 2017

(2017/C 148/04)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,0860 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 123,69 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4401 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,84485 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,6478 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,0952 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 9,3330 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 26,598 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 310,57 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,2242 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,5490 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 3,8921 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,4737 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4906 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 8,4594 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,5862 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,5292 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 225,56 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 14,5157 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,4957 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,4320 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 14 490,50 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,7225 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 54,176 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 62,0650 |
| THB | Thai baht | 37,740 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 3,4363 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 20,6050 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 69,9060 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,0860

JPY

Japanese yen

123,69

DKK

Danish krone

7,4401

GBP

Pound sterling

0,84485

SEK

Swedish krona

9,6478

CHF

Swiss franc

1,0952

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

9,3330

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

26,598

HUF

Hungarian forint

310,57

PLN

Polish zloty

4,2242

RON

Romanian leu

4,5490

TRY

Turkish lira

3,8921

AUD

Australian dollar

1,4737

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4906

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

8,4594

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,5862

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,5292

KRW

South Korean won

1 225,56

ZAR

South African rand

14,5157

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,4957

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,4320

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

14 490,50

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,7225

PHP

Philippine peso

54,176

RUB

Russian rouble

62,0650

THB

Thai baht

37,740

BRL

Brazilian real

3,4363

MXN

Mexican peso

20,6050

INR

Indian rupee

69,9060

---

(1)  Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

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V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 12.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 148/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 148/5

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.8471 — BC Partners/PSC/Shawbrook)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2017/C 148/05)

| 1. | On 4 May 2017, the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which funds managed by Pollen Street Capital Limited (‘Pollen Street Capital’, UK) and funds managed by BC Partners LLP (‘BC Partners’, UK) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of Shawbrook Group plc (‘Shawbrook’ UK) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 4 May 2017, the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which funds managed by Pollen Street Capital Limited (‘Pollen Street Capital’, UK) and funds managed by BC Partners LLP (‘BC Partners’, UK) acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of Shawbrook Group plc (‘Shawbrook’ UK) by way of purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:
  —   Pollen Street Capital: a private equity firm focussed on investing in businesses in the financial services sector in Europe,
  —   BC Partners: a private equity firm focusing on the European and North American markets,
  —   Shawbrook: specialist UK lending and savings bank specialised in serving the small and medium sized enterprises and individuals in the UK through a range of lending and saving products. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—   Pollen Street Capital: a private equity firm focussed on investing in businesses in the financial services sector in Europe,

—   BC Partners: a private equity firm focusing on the European and North American markets,

—   Shawbrook: specialist UK lending and savings bank specialised in serving the small and medium sized enterprises and individuals in the UK through a range of lending and saving products.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in this Notice. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in this Notice.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference M.8471 — BC Partners/PSC/Shawbrook, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

4.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference M.8471 — BC Partners/PSC/Shawbrook, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.

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OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 12.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 148/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 148/6

---

Publication of an application pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2017/C 148/06)

This publication confers the right to oppose the application pursuant to Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1).

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘JAMBON NOIR DE BIGORRE’

EU No: PDO-FR-02105 — 14.1.2016

PDO ( X ) PGI ( )

1.   Name(s)

‘Jambon noir de Bigorre’

2.   Member State or Third Country

France

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Class 1.2. Meat products (cooked, salted, smoked, etc.)

3.2.   Description of the product to which the name in (1) applies

‘Jambon noir de Bigorre’ is a dried ham made from pure bred local Gascon pigs, reared in grassy paddocks from the age of six months and slaughtered at an age of at least 12 months and no more than 24 months. The carcase weighs a minimum of 100 kg, with at least 2,5 % intramuscular fat in the Longissimus dorsi muscle and with a ZP fat depth of at least 30 mm and ZP muscle depth of at least 45 mm.

The ham is cut in a specific way according to traditional local practices. The first cut is rounded and includes all of the bottom round which remains covered in a layer of fat. Half of the aitchbone is retained.

The ham weighs a minimum of 5 kg after being cured for at least 12 months, has at least 30 mm of fat on the exposed part above the head of the femur, less than 6 % salt and 2,5 % or more of intramuscular fat. The lean meat is deep red in colour and the fat is white, sometimes with a slight pinkish hue.

The ham has a soft texture and a round, balanced sensory profile. It is soft and very tender, without a rancid flavour and with limited saltiness and subtle, lingering aromas reminiscent of nuts (hazelnut, cashew nut), grilled chestnuts, undergrowth and mushrooms.

The dried ham comes whole, on the bone and with trotter, intact or with the rind and fat trimmed partially to the shank, whole or pre-sliced, in slices.

3.3.   Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

When suckling, piglets may consume a supplement made of a mixture based on cereal, soya and milk powder. A maximum of 5 kg of such feed may be consumed per piglet during this period. The feed may be sourced from outside the geographical area. It is in fact not possible to source all of the feed from the geographical area as the topographical and climate conditions are such that not all plant-based raw materials essential for the animals' balanced diet, in particular protein crops and legumes, can be produced there. This share of the feed, limited to 5 kg, is less than the amount provided during the suckling phase, in which piglets ingest an average of about 40 litres of milk from their mothers, equating to 8 kg of dry matter sourced from the geographical area. The mixture based on cereal, soya and milk powder cannot be certified as coming from the defined area as it is supplied through a variety of sources.

After weaning, the piglets are fed a cereal-based diet (70 % minimum raw material weight), possibly supplemented by proteins, minerals and vitamins. The cereals must come from the geographical area.

From no less than three and a half months and no more than six months of age, pigs are reared in grassy paddocks, under extensive or semi-extensive conditions, during the fattening stage. The maximum density is 20 animals per hectare, with the pigs feeding partly by grazing. They therefore feed on grass, consisting predominantly of clover and grasses, fruit and other local resources.

A feedstuff to supplement the fattening process is provided. This feedstuff comprises at least 70 % cereal, possibly supplemented by products derived from cereals and/or proteins, minerals and vitamins. The cereals must come from the geographical area. Only the supplementary proteins, minerals and vitamins are sourced from outside the area. Due to local constraints, a sufficient supply cannot be produced in the geographical area.

The maximum daily intake of complementary feed is 3 kg per pig, expressed as dry matter.

These rules ensure that a minimum of 72,6 % of feed originates from the geographical area during the animal's lifetime.

3.4.   Specific steps in production that must take place in the defined geographical area

All steps in the production of ‘Jambon noir de Bigorre’, from the birth of the pigs to the curing, take place in the geographical area.

3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product the registered name refers to

For the product to retain all of its qualities, pre-slicing — which requires special expertise — must take place at appropriate facilities located in the geographical area of the designation.

Given that the proportion of outer fat differs between hams and that the dried product is the result of a long period of curing, deboning and pre-slicing operations must be adapted to each case in order to preserve the organoleptic quality of the product, its appearance and to assure consumers that the pre-sliced ‘Jambon noir de Bigorre’ available on the market has the same characteristics whether sold pre-sliced or sliced in front of the customer. Each ham intended for slicing must be specially cut in a way which takes into account its weight, maturity and proportion of outer fat.

Only trained specialists are able to select and cut the meat, with their perfect knowledge of the product and ability to precisely cut the meat such that a good ratio of fat to lean meat is preserved, which determines the organoleptic quality of the ham whilst guaranteeing a good yield and perfect presentation and uniformity between cuts. Consequently, cuts which come from ham with a high proportion of fat can have the rind partly or fully removed and be trimmed with precision in order to reduce the thickness of the fat whilst maintaining a good balance with the lean meat.

It is also very important to prevent oxidation of the fat — which can occur if the meat is exposed excessively to open air — by quickly cutting and packaging the pre-sliced meat after deboning. These processes must be carried out within a maximum of 2 hours of deboning.

As any identification marks are removed during the cutting stage, the requirement for the ham to be cut and packaged in the geographical area reinforces the traceability of the product.

3.6.   Specific rules concerning labelling of the product the registered name refers to

Irrespective of regulatory references, each ham is identified under the ‘Jambon noir de Bigorre’ designation of origin by means of an abattoir number ink-stamped on the rind, the week number and last digits of the salting year branded on the rind, and the acronym ‘NB’ heat stamped onto the rind, at the base of the trotter.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The geographical area comprises the following municipalities or parts of municipalities.

Municipalities included in their entirety:

Department of Haute-Garonne:

Ardiège, Aspret-Sarrat, Ausson, Bagiry, Balesta, Barbazan, Blajan, Bordes-de-Rivière, Boudrac, Boulogne-sur-Gesse, Cardeilhac, Cassagnabère-Tournas, Cazaril-Tambourès, Charlas, Ciadoux, Cier-de-Rivière, Clarac, Cuguron, Le Cuing, Eup, Franquevielle, Galié, Génos, Gensac-de-Boulogne, Gourdan-Polignan, Huos, Labarthe-Rivière, Labroquère, Lalouret-Laffiteau, Larcan, Larroque, Lécussan, Lespugue, Lodes, Loudet, Lourde, Lunax, Luscan, Malvezie, Martres-de-Rivière, Mont-de-Galié, Montgaillard-sur-Save, Montmaurin, Montréjeau, Nénigan, Nizan-Gesse, Ore, Payssous, Pointis-de-Rivière, Ponlat-Taillebourg, Régades, Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, Saint-Gaudens, Saint-Ignan, Saint-Lary-Boujean, Saint-Loup-en-Comminges, Saint-Marcet, Saint-Pé-d'Ardet, Saint-Pé-Delbosc, Saint-Plancard, Saman, Sarrecave, Sarremezan, Sauveterre-de-Comminges, Saux-et-Pomarède, Sédeilhac, Seilhan, Les Tourreilles, Valcabrère, Valentine, Villeneuve-de-Rivière, Villeneuve-Lécussan.

Department of Gers:

| — | the municipalities in the canton of Mirande-Astarac, with the exception of Lamazère, |
| --- | --- |

—

the municipalities in the canton of Mirande-Astarac, with the exception of Lamazère,

| — | the municipalities in the canton of Pardiac-Rivière-Basse, with the exception of Castelnau-d'Anglès, L'Isle-de-Noé, Izotges, Montesquiou, Mouchès, |
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the municipalities in the canton of Pardiac-Rivière-Basse, with the exception of Castelnau-d'Anglès, L'Isle-de-Noé, Izotges, Montesquiou, Mouchès,

| — | in the canton of Astarac-Gimone, the municipalities of Arrouède, Aujan-Mournède, Bellegarde, Bézues-Bajon, Cabas-Loumassès, Chélan, Cuélas, Esclassan-Labastide, Labarthe, Lalanne-Arqué, Lourties-Monbrun, Manent-Montané, Masseube, Moncorneil-Grazan, Monlaur-Bernet, Mont-d'Astarac, Panassac, Ponsan-Soubiran, Pouy-Loubrin, Saint-Arroman, Saint-Blancard, Samaran, Sarcos, Seissan, Sère, |
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in the canton of Astarac-Gimone, the municipalities of Arrouède, Aujan-Mournède, Bellegarde, Bézues-Bajon, Cabas-Loumassès, Chélan, Cuélas, Esclassan-Labastide, Labarthe, Lalanne-Arqué, Lourties-Monbrun, Manent-Montané, Masseube, Moncorneil-Grazan, Monlaur-Bernet, Mont-d'Astarac, Panassac, Ponsan-Soubiran, Pouy-Loubrin, Saint-Arroman, Saint-Blancard, Samaran, Sarcos, Seissan, Sère,

| — | in the canton of Fezensac, the municipalities of Gazax-et-Baccarisse, Peyrusse-Grande, Peyrusse-Vieille, Saint-Pierre-d'Aubézies. |
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in the canton of Fezensac, the municipalities of Gazax-et-Baccarisse, Peyrusse-Grande, Peyrusse-Vieille, Saint-Pierre-d'Aubézies.

Department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques:

Aast, Bédeille, Bentayou-Sérée, Casteide-Doat, Castéra-Loubix, Coarraze, Ger, Labatmale, Labatut, Lamayou, Maure, Monségur, Montaner, Montaut, Ponson-Debat-Pouts, Ponson-Dessus, Pontacq, Pontiacq-Viellepinte, Saint-Vincent, Saubole.

Department of Hautes-Pyrénées:

| — | the municipalities in the following cantons: Aureilhan, Bordères-sur-l'Échez, Les Coteaux, Moyen Adour, Ossun, Val d'Adour-Rustan-Madiranais, La Vallée de l'Arros et des Baïses (with the exception of Asque, partly included), Vic-en-Bigorre, |
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the municipalities in the following cantons: Aureilhan, Bordères-sur-l'Échez, Les Coteaux, Moyen Adour, Ossun, Val d'Adour-Rustan-Madiranais, La Vallée de l'Arros et des Baïses (with the exception of Asque, partly included), Vic-en-Bigorre,

| — | the following municipalities: Adast, Adé, Anères, Les Angles, Anla, Antichan, Antist, Aragnouet, Arcizac-ez-Angles, Argelès-Gazost, Arné, Arrayou-Lahitte, Arrodets-ez-Angles, Artigues, Aspin-en-Lavedan, Astugue, Aventignan, Aveux, Avezac-Prat-Lahitte, Ayros-Arbouix, Ayzac-Ost, Barlest, La Barthe-de-Neste, Bartrès, Bazus-Neste, Bertren, Bize, Bizous, Boô-silhen, Bourréac, Campistrous, Cantaous, Capvern, Cheust, Clarens, Créchets, Escala, Escoubès-Pouts, Gaudent, Gazave, Gembrie, Générest, Ger, Gerde, Geu, Gez, Gez-ez-Angles, Hautaget, Hiis, Ilheu, Izaourt, Izaux, Jarret, Julos, Juncalas, Labastide, Laborde, Lagrange, Lannemezan, Lau-Balagnas, Lézignan, Lombrès, Lortet, Loubajac, Lourdes, Loures-Barousse, Lugagnan, Mazères-de-Neste, Mazouau, Montégut, Montgaillard, Montoussé, Montsérié, Nestier, Neuilh, Omex, Ordizan, Ossun-ez-Angles, Ousté, Pailhac, Paréac, Peyrouse, Pierrefitte-Nestalas, Pinas, Poueyferré, Pouzac, Préchac, Réjaumont, Saint-Arroman, Saint-Créac, Sainte-Marie, Saint-Laurent-de-Neste, Saint-Paul, Samuran, Sarp, Sassis, Sère-en-Lavedan, Sère-Lanso, Siradan, Sireix, Soulom, Tajan, Tarbes, Tibiran-Jaunac, Trébons, Troubat, Tuzaguet, Uglas, Viger. |
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the following municipalities: Adast, Adé, Anères, Les Angles, Anla, Antichan, Antist, Aragnouet, Arcizac-ez-Angles, Argelès-Gazost, Arné, Arrayou-Lahitte, Arrodets-ez-Angles, Artigues, Aspin-en-Lavedan, Astugue, Aventignan, Aveux, Avezac-Prat-Lahitte, Ayros-Arbouix, Ayzac-Ost, Barlest, La Barthe-de-Neste, Bartrès, Bazus-Neste, Bertren, Bize, Bizous, Boô-silhen, Bourréac, Campistrous, Cantaous, Capvern, Cheust, Clarens, Créchets, Escala, Escoubès-Pouts, Gaudent, Gazave, Gembrie, Générest, Ger, Gerde, Geu, Gez, Gez-ez-Angles, Hautaget, Hiis, Ilheu, Izaourt, Izaux, Jarret, Julos, Juncalas, Labastide, Laborde, Lagrange, Lannemezan, Lau-Balagnas, Lézignan, Lombrès, Lortet, Loubajac, Lourdes, Loures-Barousse, Lugagnan, Mazères-de-Neste, Mazouau, Montégut, Montgaillard, Montoussé, Montsérié, Nestier, Neuilh, Omex, Ordizan, Ossun-ez-Angles, Ousté, Pailhac, Paréac, Peyrouse, Pierrefitte-Nestalas, Pinas, Poueyferré, Pouzac, Préchac, Réjaumont, Saint-Arroman, Saint-Créac, Sainte-Marie, Saint-Laurent-de-Neste, Saint-Paul, Samuran, Sarp, Sassis, Sère-en-Lavedan, Sère-Lanso, Siradan, Sireix, Soulom, Tajan, Tarbes, Tibiran-Jaunac, Trébons, Troubat, Tuzaguet, Uglas, Viger.

Municipalities included in part:

Department of Haute-Garonne:

Antichan-de-Frontignes, Chaum, Cierp-Gaud, Esténos, Fronsac, Frontignan-de-Comminges, Marignac, Saint-Béat.

Department of Hautes-Pyrénées:

Adervielle-Pouchergues, Agos-Vidalos, Ancizan, Arcizans-Avant, Arcizans-Dessus, Ardengost, Armenteule, Arras-en-Lavedan, Arreau, Arrens-Marsous, Artalens-Souin, Aspin-Aure, Asque, Asté, Aucun, Avajan, Bagnères-de-Bigorre, Bareilles, Barran-coueu, Bazus-Aure, Beaucens, Beaudéan, Berbérust-Lias, Betpouey, Beyrède-Jumet, Bordères-Louron, Bourisp, Bramevaque, Bun, Cadéac, Cadeilhan-Trachère, Camous, Campan, Camparan, Cauterets, Cazarilh, Cazaux-Debat, Cazaux-Fréchet-Anéran-Camors, Chèze, Esbareich, Esparros, Esquièze-Sère, Estaing, Estarvielle, Estensan, Esterre, Ferrère, Fréchet-Aure, Gaillagos, Gazost, Gèdre, Génos, Germs-sur-l'Oussouet, Gouaux, Grezian, Grust, Guchan, Guchen, Hèches, Ilhet, Jézeau, Labas-sère, Lançon, Loudenvielle, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Mauléon-Barousse, Nistos, Ossen, Ourde, Ourdis-Cotdoussan, Ourdon, Ouzous, Ris, Sacoué, Sailhan, Saint-Lary-Soulan, Saint-Pastous, Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre, Saint-Savin, Saléchan, Saligos, Salles, Sarrancolin, Sazos, Ségus, Seich, Sers, Sost, Thèbe, Tramezaïgues, Uz, Viella, Vielle-Aure, Vielle-Louron, Vier-Bordes, Viey, Vignec, Villelongue, Viscos, Vizos.

5.   Link with the geographical area

Specificity of the geographical area

Hillsides and valleys cutting into the sediment of the Pyrenees form the natural environment characteristic of the area of production, Bigorre. The environment, which is often restricted by its uneven terrain, generally acidic soil and prevalence of woodland, is suited to establishing paddocks for pigs comprising both grassy and wooded areas.

The climate is influenced by the ocean, acting as a thermal regulator, and the presence of the Pyrenees which has two important effects. The first is that it blocks clouds coming from the west and north-west, prompting rainfall formed from ocean water. Consequently, there is considerable, almost uninterrupted grass growth throughout the year. The second is the Foehn effect which heats up and dries the air. Consequently, every one in three days during spring and autumn, there is a mild, dry wind in the geographical area, alternating with periods of wet, stormy weather. This local climate is essential for the drying of ‘Jambon noir de Bigorre’.

The Gascon pigs from which the ham is made live in paddocks from the age of six months. Throughout this finishing period, pigs which have reached adult size consume 5 to 6 kg of feed each day. As the amount of animal feed they may be given is limited to 3 kg per day, they are required to find 2 to 3 kg of forage from the paddock, primarily grass.

Specificity of the product

‘Jambon noir de Bigorre’ is produced with trotter. The first cut is rounded and includes all of the bottom round which remains covered in a layer of fat. Half of the aitchbone is retained. It has the following specific characteristics:

| — | a minimum weight of 5 kg after curing, |
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a minimum weight of 5 kg after curing,

| — | at least 30 mm of fat on the exposed part above the head of the femur, |
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at least 30 mm of fat on the exposed part above the head of the femur,

| — | lean meat of a deep red colour, |
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lean meat of a deep red colour,

| — | fat of a white colour, sometimes with a slight pinkish hue, |
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fat of a white colour, sometimes with a slight pinkish hue,

| — | approximately 4 % intramuscular fat and always a minimum of 2,5 %. |
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approximately 4 % intramuscular fat and always a minimum of 2,5 %.

The ham is characterised by the soft texture of its lean meat, the fluid texture of its fat, its intense, lingering odour and round, balanced sensory profile. It is soft and very tender, without a rancid flavour and with limited saltiness and subtle, lingering aromas reminiscent of nuts (hazelnut, cashew nut), grilled chestnuts, undergrowth and mushrooms.

Causal link

The Gascon breed possesses characteristics derived from centuries of breeding by livestock farmers. Consequently, it is perfectly adapted to the environment and type of livestock farming, e.g. in terms of its ability to roam and to cope with variations in climate and feed. Paddocks make regular physical activity possible and necessary for the pigs, resulting in muscle development which produces a more marbled meat with a higher myoglobine content and, therefore, a redder colour.

The forage they find in their paddocks contains aromatic compounds which subsequently influence the organoleptic characteristics of the ham. Although naturally varying between seasons, this feed nevertheless corresponds to approximately 50 % of the pigs' daily intake during the finishing period. This share is guaranteed through a low animal density in the paddock and a limit on the amount of animal feed the pigs may be given.

It is primarily during the finishing period, i.e. in the paddock, that fatty tissue is deposited, subsequently influencing in various ways the sensory qualities. The nature of the animal feed determines the fatty acid composition in the fat and the relative significance of the different classes of fat (saturated and unsaturated). The feed therefore contributes to the specific sensory qualities of the ham.

Owing to the feed and type of livestock farming which are adapted to the breed of pig, the fresh ham, as the raw material, has its own typical features, characterised by a specific fat composition notably resulting in fat which only oxidises to a limited extent. Where natural resources are used as feed, fatty tissue has been shown to draw together the various antioxidant compounds found in the plants which are consumed. These substances have an effect on the oxidation kinetics of the fat, slowing down the onset of rancidity and enabling a long curing process, thereby affecting in a specific way the distribution of taste-related and aromatic compounds. The effect greatly depends on the nature of the grazed vegetation and is all the more noticeable if the drying and curing period is long.

This is true for ‘Jambon noir de Bigorre’ which is produced and cured over a period of at least 20 months, 12 of which take place in a drying room connected with the air outside. As a result, the ham experiences the climate of each of the seasons in Bigorre, with the alternating damp and dry spells — linked in particular to the Foehn effect — creating optimal conditions for achieving aromatic maturity. A dry period triggers the formation of a crust, with the internal moisture of the ham then balancing out with that of the surface.

During the curing process, the ham acquires all its sensory characteristics and completes the development of its typical features. Its flavour (lingering in the mouth) comes from the release of amino acids thanks to the development of certain endogenous enzymes found in the meat. This proteolytic activity which affects the texture and, in particular, the tenderness of the ham, is encouraged by all the curing processes carried out.

Reference to publication of the specification

(the second subparagraph of Article 6(1) of this Regulation)

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-a8762a4a-a2c9-4280-a84e-0b9108234f2d/telechargement

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(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.

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