# Official Journal C 281/2023

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 281 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 6610 August 2023 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 281

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 6610 August 2023

---

| Contents | page |
| --- | --- |
| | IV   Notices |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 281/01 | Euro exchange rates – 9 August 2023 | 1 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2023/C 281/02 | Communication from the Government of the Republic of Poland concerning Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions for granting and using authorizations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons | 2 |

Contents

page

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2023/C 281/01

Euro exchange rates – 9 August 2023

1

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2023/C 281/02

Communication from the Government of the Republic of Poland concerning Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions for granting and using authorizations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons

2

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| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | COURT PROCEEDINGS |
| | EFTA Court |
| 2023/C 281/03 | Judgment of the Court of 28 March 2023 in Case E-4/22 – Stendi AS & Norlandia Care Norge AS v Oslo kommune
  (Freedom to provide services – Article 36 EEA – Notion of services – Article 37 EEA – Article 39 EEA – Article 32 EEA – Exercise of official authority – Public procurement – Directive 2014/24/EU – Public service contract – ideelle organisasjoner– Reservation of contracts – Exclusion of profit-making operators) | 6 |
| 2023/C 281/04 | Judgment of the Court of 19 April 2023 in Case E-9/22 – Verkfræðingafélag Íslands) (the Association of Chartered Engineers in Iceland), Stéttarfélag tölvunarfræðinga (the Computer Scientists’ Union) and Lyfjafræðingafélag Íslands (the Pharmaceutical Society of Iceland) v the Icelandic State (Council Directive 98/59/EC – Collective redundancies – Obligation to initiate consultations with the workers’ representatives – Obligation to notify the competent public authority – Contractual structure of the employment relationship) | 8 |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 281/05 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.11201 – REXEL DEVELOPPEMENT / WASCO) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 9 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 281/06 | Publication of an application for registration of a name 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 | 11 |
| 2023/C 281/07 | Publication of an approved standard amendment to a product specification of a protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication in the agricultural products and foodstuffs sector, as referred to in Article 6b(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014 | 15 |

V   Announcements

COURT PROCEEDINGS

EFTA Court

2023/C 281/03

Judgment of the Court of 28 March 2023 in Case E-4/22 – Stendi AS & Norlandia Care Norge AS v Oslo kommune
  (Freedom to provide services – Article 36 EEA – Notion of services – Article 37 EEA – Article 39 EEA – Article 32 EEA – Exercise of official authority – Public procurement – Directive 2014/24/EU – Public service contract – ideelle organisasjoner– Reservation of contracts – Exclusion of profit-making operators)

(Freedom to provide services – Article 36 EEA – Notion of services – Article 37 EEA – Article 39 EEA – Article 32 EEA – Exercise of official authority – Public procurement – Directive 2014/24/EU – Public service contract – ideelle organisasjoner– Reservation of contracts – Exclusion of profit-making operators)

6

2023/C 281/04

Judgment of the Court of 19 April 2023 in Case E-9/22 – Verkfræðingafélag Íslands) (the Association of Chartered Engineers in Iceland), Stéttarfélag tölvunarfræðinga (the Computer Scientists’ Union) and Lyfjafræðingafélag Íslands (the Pharmaceutical Society of Iceland) v the Icelandic State (Council Directive 98/59/EC – Collective redundancies – Obligation to initiate consultations with the workers’ representatives – Obligation to notify the competent public authority – Contractual structure of the employment relationship)

(Council Directive 98/59/EC – Collective redundancies – Obligation to initiate consultations with the workers’ representatives – Obligation to notify the competent public authority – Contractual structure of the employment relationship

8

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2023/C 281/05

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.11201 – REXEL DEVELOPPEMENT / WASCO) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

9

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2023/C 281/06

Publication of an application for registration of a name 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

11

2023/C 281/07

Publication of an approved standard amendment to a product specification of a protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication in the agricultural products and foodstuffs sector, as referred to in Article 6b(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014

15

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| | Corrigenda |
| --- | --- |
| | Corrigendum to Council Decision of 14 July 2023 amending Decision 98/481/EC approving the external auditors of the European Central Bank ( OJ C 275, 4.8.2023 ) | 23 |

Corrigenda

Corrigendum to Council Decision of 14 July 2023 amending Decision 98/481/EC approving the external auditors of the European Central Bank ( OJ C 275, 4.8.2023 )

( OJ C 275, 4.8.2023 )

23

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

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance.

1

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

EN

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 10.8.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 281/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.8.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 281/1

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Euro exchange rates (1)

9 August 2023

(2023/C 281/01)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,0968 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 157,35 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4511 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,86180 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 11,7195 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 0,9627 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 144,50 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 11,2063 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 24,293 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 388,44 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,4670 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,9480 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 29,6458 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,6779 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4740 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 8,5766 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,8103 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,4761 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 441,47 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 20,8921 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,9030 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 16 661,91 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 5,0146 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 61,728 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | |
| THB | Thai baht | 38,361 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 5,3664 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 18,8106 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 90,8795 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,0968

JPY

Japanese yen

157,35

DKK

Danish krone

7,4511

GBP

Pound sterling

0,86180

SEK

Swedish krona

11,7195

CHF

Swiss franc

0,9627

ISK

Iceland króna

144,50

NOK

Norwegian krone

11,2063

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

24,293

HUF

Hungarian forint

388,44

PLN

Polish zloty

4,4670

RON

Romanian leu

4,9480

TRY

Turkish lira

29,6458

AUD

Australian dollar

1,6779

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4740

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

8,5766

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,8103

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,4761

KRW

South Korean won

1 441,47

ZAR

South African rand

20,8921

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,9030

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

16 661,91

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

5,0146

PHP

Philippine peso

61,728

RUB

Russian rouble

THB

Thai baht

38,361

BRL

Brazilian real

5,3664

MXN

Mexican peso

18,8106

INR

Indian rupee

90,8795

---

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

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NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 10.8.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 281/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.8.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 281/2

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Communication from the Government of the Republic of Poland concerning Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions for granting and using authorizations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons

(2023/C 281/02)

Notice of concession application for the prospection and exploration of oil and natural gas deposits and the extraction of oil and natural gas in the ‘Tworzanice’ area

SECTION I:   LEGAL BASIS

| 1. | Article 49ec(2) of the Geological and Mining Law Act of 9 June 2011 (Journal of Laws (Dziennik Ustaw) 2023, item 633) |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 1994 on the conditions for granting and using authorizations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons (OJ L 164, 30.6.1994, p. 3; Special edition in Polish: Chapter 6, Volume 2, p. 262) |
| --- | --- |

2.

SECTION II:   ENTITY INVITING BIDS

Name: Ministry of Climate and the Environment

Postal address: ul. Wawelska 52/54, 00-922 Warsaw, Poland

Tel. +48 223692449

Fax +48 223692460

Internet: www.gov.pl/web/klimat

SECTION III:   SUBJECT OF THE PROCEDURE

1.   Information on the submission of concession applications:

A concession application for the prospection and exploration of oil and natural gas deposits and the extraction of oil and natural gas in the ‘Tworzanice’ area has been submitted to the concession authority.

2.   Type of activity for which the concession is to be granted:

Concession for the prospection and exploration of oil and natural gas deposits and the extraction of oil and natural gas in the ‘Tworzanice’ area, part of concession block No 246.

3.   Area within which the activities are to be conducted:

The boundaries of the area are defined by lines joining points with the following coordinates in the PL-1992 coordinate system:

| No. | X [PL-1992] | Y [PL-1992] |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | 441 649,19 | 343 217,76 |
| 2 | 440 073,77 | 352 906,66 |
| 3 | 437 234,00 | 352 808,00 |
| 4 | 438 572,00 | 341 567,00 |
| 5 | 440 658,00 | 341 941,00 |

No.

X [PL-1992]

Y [PL-1992]

1

441 649,19

343 217,76

2

440 073,77

352 906,66

3

437 234,00

352 808,00

4

438 572,00

341 567,00

5

440 658,00

341 941,00

The surface area of the vertical projection of the area is 33,408259 km2.

Administrative location:

| | Wielkopolskie Province; |
| --- | --- |

Wielkopolskie Province;

| | Leszno District, Krzemieniewo Rural Municipality and Rydzyna Rural Municipality; |
| --- | --- |

Leszno District, Krzemieniewo Rural Municipality and Rydzyna Rural Municipality;

| | Gostyń District and Poniec Rural Municipality. |
| --- | --- |

Gostyń District and Poniec Rural Municipality.

4.   Deadline for the submission of concession applications by other entities interested in the activity for which the concession is to be granted, not less than 90 days from the date of publication of the notice in the Official Journal of the European Union:

Concession applications must be submitted to the Ministry of the Environment no later than 12:00 noon (CET/CEST) on the last day of the 180-day period commencing on the day following the date of publication of the notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

5.   Assessment criteria and weightings for concession applications, set with due regard to Article 49k(1), (1a) and (3) of the Geological and Mining Law Act:

Applications received will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

| | 30 % - scope and schedule of the proposed geological works, including geological operations, or mining operations; |
| --- | --- |

30 % - scope and schedule of the proposed geological works, including geological operations, or mining operations;

| | 20 % - scope and schedule of the mandatory collection of samples obtained during geological operations, including drill cores; |
| --- | --- |

20 % - scope and schedule of the mandatory collection of samples obtained during geological operations, including drill cores;

| | 20 % - financial capacities offering an adequate guarantee that activities relating to the prospection and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits and the extraction of hydrocarbons will be carried out, and in particular the sources and methods of financing the intended activities, including the share of own funds and external financing; |
| --- | --- |

20 % - financial capacities offering an adequate guarantee that activities relating to the prospection and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits and the extraction of hydrocarbons will be carried out, and in particular the sources and methods of financing the intended activities, including the share of own funds and external financing;

| | 20 % - the proposed technology for conducting geological works, including geological operations, or mining operations; |
| --- | --- |

20 % - the proposed technology for conducting geological works, including geological operations, or mining operations;

| | 5 % - technical capacities for the prospection and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits and the extraction of hydrocarbons from those deposits and, in particular, the availability of appropriate technical, organisational, logistical and human resources potential (including 2 % for collaboration on the development and implementation of innovative solutions for the prospection, exploration and extraction of hydrocarbons, with scientific bodies included in the list referred to in Article 49ka(1) of the Geological and Mining Law Act and active in research into the geology of Poland and into analytical tools, technologies and methods of prospecting for hydrocarbon deposits that take account of the specificity of Polish geological conditions and that may be applied in those conditions); |
| --- | --- |

5 % - technical capacities for the prospection and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits and the extraction of hydrocarbons from those deposits and, in particular, the availability of appropriate technical, organisational, logistical and human resources potential (including 2 % for collaboration on the development and implementation of innovative solutions for the prospection, exploration and extraction of hydrocarbons, with scientific bodies included in the list referred to in Article 49ka(1) of the Geological and Mining Law Act and active in research into the geology of Poland and into analytical tools, technologies and methods of prospecting for hydrocarbon deposits that take account of the specificity of Polish geological conditions and that may be applied in those conditions);

| | 5 % - experience in the prospection and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits or the extraction of hydrocarbons, ensuring safe operation, the protection of human and animal life and health, and environmental protection. |
| --- | --- |

5 % - experience in the prospection and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits or the extraction of hydrocarbons, ensuring safe operation, the protection of human and animal life and health, and environmental protection.

If, following the evaluation of applications on the basis of the criteria specified above, two or more bids obtain the same score, the amount of the fee for the establishment of mining usufruct rights due during the prospection and exploration phase will be used as an additional criterion allowing a final choice to be made between the bids concerned.

SECTION IV:   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

IV.1)   Applications should be sent to the following address:

| Ministerstwo Klimatu i Środowiska [Ministry of Climate and the Environment] |
| --- |
| Departament Geologii i Koncesji Geologicznych [Geology and Geological Concessions Department] |
| ul. Wawelska 52/54 |
| 00-922 Warszawa |
| Poland |

Ministerstwo Klimatu i Środowiska [Ministry of Climate and the Environment]

Departament Geologii i Koncesji Geologicznych [Geology and Geological Concessions Department]

ul. Wawelska 52/54

00-922 Warszawa

Poland

IV.2)   Information may be obtained from:

| — | the website of the Ministry of the Environment: https://www.gov.pl/web/klimat |
| --- | --- |

—

the website of the Ministry of the Environment: https://www.gov.pl/web/klimat

| — | the Geology and Geological Concessions Department |
| --- | --- |

—

the Geology and Geological Concessions Department

| Ministry of Climate and the Environment |
| --- |
| ul. Wawelska 52/54 |
| 00-922 Warszawa |
| Poland |

Ministry of Climate and the Environment

ul. Wawelska 52/54

00-922 Warszawa

Poland

Tel. +48 225792 449

Fax +48 225792460

Email: DGK@klimat.gov.pl

IV.3)   Qualification decision:

Concession applications may be submitted by entities in respect of which a decision has been issued confirming the positive outcome of a qualification procedure, as provided for in Article 49a(17) of the Geological and Mining Law Act.

IV.4)   Minimum fee for establishing mining usufruct rights:

The minimum fee for establishing mining usufruct rights for the ‘Tworzanice’ area during the five-year base period of the prospection and exploration phase is PLN 30 000,00 (in words: thirty thousand zlotys) per annum. The annual fee for establishing mining usufruct rights in the prospection and exploration phase is indexed to average annual consumer price indices set cumulatively for the period from the conclusion of the agreement until the year preceding the date for payment of the fee, as announced by the President of Statistics Poland in the Polish Official Gazette (Monitor Polski).

IV.5)   Granting of the concession and establishment of mining usufruct

The concession authority, having obtained the opinions or agreements required under the Geological and Mining Law Act, will grant a concession for the prospection and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits and the extraction of hydrocarbons:

| 1) | to the entity whose concession application has been awarded the highest score, or |
| --- | --- |

1)

to the entity whose concession application has been awarded the highest score, or

| 2) | where a concession application submitted jointly by several entities is awarded the highest score, to the parties to the cooperation agreement – once that agreement has been submitted to the concession authority. At the same time it will decline to grant concessions to the other entities (Article 49ee(1) of the Geological and Mining Law Act). |
| --- | --- |

2)

where a concession application submitted jointly by several entities is awarded the highest score, to the parties to the cooperation agreement – once that agreement has been submitted to the concession authority. At the same time it will decline to grant concessions to the other entities (Article 49ee(1) of the Geological and Mining Law Act).

The concession authority will conclude a mining usufruct contract with the entity whose concession application has been awarded the highest score; where a concession application submitted jointly by several entities is awarded the highest score, it will conclude such a contract with all the entities which submitted the joint application (Article 49ee(2) of the Geological and Mining Law Act). In order to be able to carry out activities involving the prospection and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits and the extraction of hydrocarbons in Poland, an operator must hold both mining usufruct rights and a concession.

IV.6)   Requirements to be met by concession applications and documents required from applicants:

Article 49eb of the Geological and Mining Law Act specifies the component parts of the concession application.

The age of the geological formations (geological purpose) where geological works will be carried out should be indicated as the purpose of the works, including geological operations.

IV.7)   Minimum deposit exploration category:

The minimum exploration category for oil and natural gas deposits in the ‘Tworzanice’ area is category C.

On behalf of the Minister Jolanta Maj

Deputy Director

Departament Geologii i Koncesji Geologicznych [Geology and Geological Concessions Department]

Ministry of Climate and the Environment

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V Announcements

COURT PROCEEDINGS

EFTA Court

| 10.8.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 281/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.8.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 281/6

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JUDGMENT OF THE COURT

of 28 March 2023

in Case E-4/22

Stendi AS & Norlandia Care Norge AS v Oslo kommune

(Freedom to provide services – Article 36 EEA – Notion of ‘services’ – Article 37 EEA – Article 39 EEA – Article 32 EEA – Exercise of official authority – Public procurement – Directive 2014/24/EU – Public service contract – ‘ideelle organisasjoner’– Reservation of contracts – Exclusion of profit-making operators)

(2023/C 281/03)

In Case E-4/22, Stendi AS & Norlandia Care Norge AS v Oslo kommune v/ordføreren – REQUEST to the Court under Article 34 of the Agreement between the EFTA States on the Establishment of a Surveillance Authority and a Court of Justice by the Oslo District Court (Oslo tingrett), concerning the interpretation of Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement and repealing Directive 2004/18/EC, in particular point (9) of Article 2(1) and Articles 74 to 77, and Articles 31, 32, 36 and 39 of the Agreement on the European Economic Area, the Court, composed of Páll Hreinsson, President (Judge-Rapporteur), Bernd Hammermann, and Ola Mestad (ad hoc), Judges, gave judgment on 28 March 2023, the operative part of which is as follows:

| 1. | A contract for pecuniary interest providing for the provision of long-term places in nursing homes, in circumstances such as those of the main proceedings, must be regarded as a contract relating to the provision of services within the meaning of point (9) of Article 2(1) of Directive 2014/24/EU on public procurement. |
| --- | --- |

1.

A contract for pecuniary interest providing for the provision of long-term places in nursing homes, in circumstances such as those of the main proceedings, must be regarded as a contract relating to the provision of services within the meaning of point (9) of Article 2(1) of Directive 2014/24/EU on public procurement.

| 2. | The activity of operating nursing homes, in circumstances such as those of the main proceedings, even where coercive health care may need to be provided, within a legal framework such as that described in the request for an advisory opinion, cannot be regarded as being directly and specifically connected with the exercise of official authority. Accordingly, the exception in Article 39 EEA, read in conjunction with Article 32 EEA, does not apply to such activities. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The activity of operating nursing homes, in circumstances such as those of the main proceedings, even where coercive health care may need to be provided, within a legal framework such as that described in the request for an advisory opinion, cannot be regarded as being directly and specifically connected with the exercise of official authority. Accordingly, the exception in Article 39 EEA, read in conjunction with Article 32 EEA, does not apply to such activities.

| 3. | Articles 74 to 77 of Directive 2014/24/EU must be interpreted as not precluding national legislation which reserves for organisations such as those at issue in the main proceedings (ideelle organisasjoner) the right to participate in a procedure, involving a competitive bidding process, for the award of public contracts for the provision of social or other specific services listed in Annex XIV to Directive 2014/24/EU, even where those organisations do not satisfy the requirements laid down in Article 77 of that directive, provided that the following two conditions are fulfilled. First, in order to comply with the principle of equal treatment of economic operators, as set out in Article 76 of that directive, the legal and contractual framework within which the activity of those organisations is carried out must actually be grounded in the principles of universality and solidarity, which are inherent to a social welfare system, as well as in reasons of economic efficiency and suitability, and contribute effectively to the social purpose and objectives of solidarity and budgetary efficiency on which that system is based. Second, that the principle of transparency, as specified in Articles 75 and 76 of that directive, is respected. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Articles 74 to 77 of Directive 2014/24/EU must be interpreted as not precluding national legislation which reserves for organisations such as those at issue in the main proceedings (ideelle organisasjoner) the right to participate in a procedure, involving a competitive bidding process, for the award of public contracts for the provision of social or other specific services listed in Annex XIV to Directive 2014/24/EU, even where those organisations do not satisfy the requirements laid down in Article 77 of that directive, provided that the following two conditions are fulfilled. First, in order to comply with the principle of equal treatment of economic operators, as set out in Article 76 of that directive, the legal and contractual framework within which the activity of those organisations is carried out must actually be grounded in the principles of universality and solidarity, which are inherent to a social welfare system, as well as in reasons of economic efficiency and suitability, and contribute effectively to the social purpose and objectives of solidarity and budgetary efficiency on which that system is based. Second, that the principle of transparency, as specified in Articles 75 and 76 of that directive, is respected.

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| 10.8.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 281/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.8.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 281/8

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JUDGMENT OF THE COURT

of 19 April 2023

in Case E-9/22

Verkfræðingafélag Íslands) (the Association of Chartered Engineers in Iceland), Stéttarfélag tölvunarfræðinga (the Computer Scientists’ Union) and Lyfjafræðingafélag Íslands (the Pharmaceutical Society of Iceland) v the Icelandic State

(Council Directive 98/59/EC – Collective redundancies – Obligation to initiate consultations with the workers’ representatives – Obligation to notify the competent public authority – Contractual structure of the employment relationship)

(2023/C 281/04)

In Case E-9/22, Verkfræðingafélag Íslands) (the Association of Chartered Engineers in Iceland), Stéttarfélag tölvunarfræðinga (the Computer Scientists’ Union) and Lyfjafræðingafélag Íslands (the Pharmaceutical Society of Iceland) v the Icelandic State – REQUEST to the Court under Article 34 of the Agreement between the EFTA States on the Establishment of a Surveillance Authority and a Court of Justice by the Icelandic Court of Appeal (Landsréttur), concerning the interpretation of Council Directive 98/59/EC of 20 July 1998 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to collective redundancies, the Court, composed of Páll Hreinsson, President, Bernd Hammermann (Judge-Rapporteur) and Ola Mestad (ad hoc), Judges, gave judgment on 19 April 2023, the operative part of which is as follows:

| 1. | The first subparagraph of Article 1(1)(a) of Council Directive 98/59/EC of 20 July 1998 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to collective redundancies must be interpreted as meaning that the fact that an employer — unilaterally and to the detriment of the employee — makes significant changes to essential elements of his employment contract for reasons not related to the individual employee concerned falls within the definition of ‘redundancy’.
  The second subparagraph of Article 1(1) of Directive 98/59/EC must be interpreted as meaning that a notice of amendment which does not reach the threshold of constituting a ‘redundancy’ for the purpose of the first subparagraph of Article 1(1)(a) of that directive is capable of being assimilated to a ‘redundancy’ provided that the conditions laid down in the second subparagraph of Article 1(1) of that directive are fulfilled.
  The consultation procedure provided for in Article 2 of Directive 98/59/EC must be initiated by the employer once a strategic or commercial decision compels him to contemplate or to plan for collective redundancies.
  Where a decision involving the amendment of conditions of employment could help to avoid collective redundancies, the consultation procedure must begin once the employer intends to make such amendments.
  An employer is obliged to notify the competent public authority according to the first subparagraph of Article 3 of Directive 98/59/EC of any projected collective redundancies. Such a notification must include anticipated redundancies within the meaning of the first subparagraph of Article 1(1)(a) of that directive and terminations of employment contracts assimilated to redundancies within the meaning of the second subparagraph of Article 1(1) of that directive. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The first subparagraph of Article 1(1)(a) of Council Directive 98/59/EC of 20 July 1998 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to collective redundancies must be interpreted as meaning that the fact that an employer — unilaterally and to the detriment of the employee — makes significant changes to essential elements of his employment contract for reasons not related to the individual employee concerned falls within the definition of ‘redundancy’.

The second subparagraph of Article 1(1) of Directive 98/59/EC must be interpreted as meaning that a notice of amendment which does not reach the threshold of constituting a ‘redundancy’ for the purpose of the first subparagraph of Article 1(1)(a) of that directive is capable of being assimilated to a ‘redundancy’ provided that the conditions laid down in the second subparagraph of Article 1(1) of that directive are fulfilled.

The consultation procedure provided for in Article 2 of Directive 98/59/EC must be initiated by the employer once a strategic or commercial decision compels him to contemplate or to plan for collective redundancies.

Where a decision involving the amendment of conditions of employment could help to avoid collective redundancies, the consultation procedure must begin once the employer intends to make such amendments.

An employer is obliged to notify the competent public authority according to the first subparagraph of Article 3 of Directive 98/59/EC of any projected collective redundancies. Such a notification must include anticipated redundancies within the meaning of the first subparagraph of Article 1(1)(a) of that directive and terminations of employment contracts assimilated to redundancies within the meaning of the second subparagraph of Article 1(1) of that directive.

| 2. | The obligation to initiate the consultation procedure and to notify the competent public authority laid down in Articles 2 and 3 of Directive 98/59/EC cannot depend on subsequent events, such as whether employment contracts are in fact terminated. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The obligation to initiate the consultation procedure and to notify the competent public authority laid down in Articles 2 and 3 of Directive 98/59/EC cannot depend on subsequent events, such as whether employment contracts are in fact terminated.

| 3. | It is irrelevant whether an employee’s conditions of employment are stipulated in one contract or are spread over several contracts. |
| --- | --- |

3.

It is irrelevant whether an employee’s conditions of employment are stipulated in one contract or are spread over several contracts.

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PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 10.8.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 281/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.8.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 281/9

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.11201 – REXEL DEVELOPPEMENT / WASCO)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 281/05)

1.

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

| — | Rexel Développement S.A., which together with Rexel S.A. and all its subsidiaries constitute the Rexel Group (‘Rexel’, France), |
| --- | --- |

—

Rexel Développement S.A., which together with Rexel S.A. and all its subsidiaries constitute the Rexel Group (‘Rexel’, France),

| — | Wasco Group B.V. (‘Wasco’, The Netherlands). |
| --- | --- |

—

Wasco Group B.V. (‘Wasco’, The Netherlands).

Rexel will acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control of the whole of Wasco.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

2.

| — | Rexel specialises in the distribution of electrical products and services to professional customers, including electrical equipment contractors and industrial companies, |
| --- | --- |

—

Rexel specialises in the distribution of electrical products and services to professional customers, including electrical equipment contractors and industrial companies,

| — | Wasco is mainly active as a distributor of sanitary products, HVAC products and spare parts in the Netherlands, and further offers a selection of ancillary products as well as tools and supplies. |
| --- | --- |

—

Wasco is mainly active as a distributor of sanitary products, HVAC products and spare parts in the Netherlands, and further offers a selection of ancillary products as well as tools and supplies.

3.

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 the Notice.

4.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. The following reference should always be specified:

M.11201 – REXEL DEVELOPPEMENT / WASCO

Observations can be sent to the Commission by email or by post. Please use the contact details below:

Email: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Postal address:

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

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’).

1

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

2

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OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 10.8.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 281/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.8.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 281/11

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Publication of an application for registration of a name 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

(2023/C 281/06)

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) within three months from the date of this publication.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

’ Cebola da Madeira '

EU No: PDO-PT-02800 — 23.8.2021

PDO (X ) PGI ( )

1.   Name(s) [of PDO or PGI]

’ Cebola da Madeira '

2.   Member State or Third Country

Portugal

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Class 1.6. Fruit, vegetables and cereals, fresh or processed

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

‘Cebola da Madeira’ is the name given to bulbs of the species Allium cepa L. of the traditional varieties grown on the inhabited islands of the Madeira archipelago, i.e. ‘Branca’; ‘Pião’; ‘Bujanico’; ‘Vermelha’; ‘Roxa’ and ‘Do Tarde’, produced according to the traditional practices on the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo.

Physico-chemical characteristics

Bulbs of the traditional varieties of ‘Cebola da Madeira’ have unique morphological characteristics that are reflected in the common names attributed to them by the people of Madeira, i.e.:

| — | Shape ranging from oblate to globe-shaped or from globe-shaped to conical (in the case of the ‘Pião’ [meaning ‘spinning top’] variety), with average uniformity across varieties in terms of shape and size and an average weight of between 180 g/bulb and 250 g/bulb; |
| --- | --- |

—

Shape ranging from oblate to globe-shaped or from globe-shaped to conical (in the case of the ‘Pião’ [meaning ‘spinning top’] variety), with average uniformity across varieties in terms of shape and size and an average weight of between 180 g/bulb and 250 g/bulb;

| — | Outer skin normally yellow, with violet tones in the traditional varieties ‘Vermelha’ [meaning ‘red’] and ‘Roxa’ [meaning ‘purple’] and very uniform colouring, slightly opaque or more translucent and shiny (in the case of the ‘Branca’ [meaning ‘white’] variety). Adherence to the bulb ranges from medium to very low; |
| --- | --- |

—

Outer skin normally yellow, with violet tones in the traditional varieties ‘Vermelha’ [meaning ‘red’] and ‘Roxa’ [meaning ‘purple’] and very uniform colouring, slightly opaque or more translucent and shiny (in the case of the ‘Branca’ [meaning ‘white’] variety). Adherence to the bulb ranges from medium to very low;

| — | The flesh is mostly white, with reddish or purplish hues in the traditional varieties ‘Vermelha and ‘Roxa’. Layer thickness is medium to thin and consistency is medium to tender. |
| --- | --- |

—

The flesh is mostly white, with reddish or purplish hues in the traditional varieties ‘Vermelha and ‘Roxa’. Layer thickness is medium to thin and consistency is medium to tender.

The bulbs of these varieties are quite succulent, with average dry matter contents close to 10 g/100g, and slightly higher if produced on the island of Porto Santo.

They are very rich in carbohydrates (above 7 g/100g on average) and vitamin C (above 10 mg/100g on average), which gives them unique organoleptic characteristics and antioxidant properties that have always been appreciated by consumers in Madeira.

Organoleptic characteristics

When raw, the consistency of ‘Cebola da Madeira’ is crunchy and juicy, not very fibrous and varying in softness. Some of its crunchiness is lost when cooked, as it becomes juicier and more translucent.

The aroma is distinctive with hints of sweetness and notes of sulphur or garlic, earthy or vegetal and fresh, with low pungency and persistence and medium to high intensity and complexity. When cooked, they become milder, acquiring smoky/grilled or caramel notes, while maintaining their intensity and complexity.

When fresh, the flavours vary in terms of sweetness and are not pungent to start with. The finish in the mouth is more peppery, with fresh sulphur or vegetal notes and sometimes a degree of astringency, acidity or slight bitterness that is lessened by chewing. Intensity and complexity are medium to high. Some of the intensity is lost in cooking and they become sweeter, reminiscent of caramel or roasted notes (particularly when grilled). The fresh vegetal flavour disappears and any sulphurous notes also become milder, with a better balance between acidity and sweetness, no astringency and less spiciness and persistence in general.

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

—

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

All the stages of production of ‘Cebola da Madeira’ take place in the identified geographical area.

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

—

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

—

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

Islands of Madeira and Porto Santo

5.   Link with the geographical area

Natural factors

The location of the Madeira archipelago, in the subtropical region of the North Atlantic, means that the climate of the islands is constrained by the action of the Azores subtropical anticyclone. In the case of the island of Madeira itself, it is predominantly temperate, with mild, dry summers (between 10 °C and 22 °C in the warmest month) and more rainfall in the cold season, when temperatures remain mild (below 18 °C but above -3 °C in the coldest month). The island of Porto Santo is located 40 km north-east of Madeira. Its area above water is just 42 km2 and its relief is gentle and rather flat (more than 85 % of the island is less than 200 m in altitude). Its climate is drier and temperate all year round, with an average annual temperature of 18,6 °C. The sea has a moderating effect on its constrained island environment, with the result that temperature variation is low. Annual rainfall is below 400 mm.

The effect of the trade winds, combined with the rugged terrain of the island of Madeira, which has a high central mountain range running east to west formed by rocky mountains at an altitude of more than 1 200 m, means that the climate varies from dry to humid with moderate to heavy rainfall the higher the altitude. At high altitudes, this contributes towards the formation of the permanent mist and fog that are responsible for the high humidity levels and precipitation. A network of channels, referred to locally as ‘levadas’, fed by streams, boreholes and springs, and more importantly, by manmade water collection tunnels and galleries, carries water from upland areas and the northern slope. This guarantees the supply of water to population settlements and for agricultural development purposes all over the island.

On Porto Santo, most of the freshwater comes from underground. There are also some torrential streams with occasional drainage. This island’s water supply system for irrigation is fed by rainwater carried to the Tanque reservoir, groundwater captured in the Campo de Baixo borehole and the waterwheels in the area of the Tanque reservoir, as well as water treated at the island’s wastewater treatment plant.

The soils on the island of Madeira are mostly of basaltic origin. Phaeozems and chromic and dystric Cambisols predominate in the areas where ‘Cebola da Madeira’ is produced. The onions can also be grown in Andosols in the areas that are more exposed and at higher altitude. The geology of the island of Porto Santo is much more diverse, essentially consisting of basic volcanic (basalts), intermediate-acidic (trachytes and rhyolites) and sedimentary rocks. Most of its soils can be classified in the Calcisol group.

Generally speaking, the soils on both of the islands are generally medium to deep. On the island of Madeira, they are generally fine in texture with a high silt content, medium to very high organic matter content and slightly acidic to neutral or more acidic in the case of the Andosols in upland areas. On Porto Santo, the sandy and loamy soils that predominate are quite permeable, with lower organic matter content and a more alkaline profile, although the biological origin of most of the sand and sandstone on the land results in a more favourable pH.

Human factors

‘Cebola da Madeira’ has played a significant role in the diet of the local populations since it was introduced on the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo by the first Portuguese settlers in the early decades of the fifteenth century. It was particularly important in rural areas, as recorded by the many foreigners that visited or lived on the islands between the 17th and 19th centuries.

The traditional method of producing ‘Cebola da Madeira’ has remained unchanged at least since the early decades of the 20th century. This is explained in various articles published in the ‘Frutas de Madeira’ [Fruits of Madeira] newsletter (published between April 1941 and January 1958), which describe the onions cultivated at the time and others that were being introduced (which correspond to the traditional varieties currently being grown). This publication also provides various recommendations on certain growing, fertilisation and plant protection practices, which are still referred and adhered to by local producers.

The great importance of this crop in the diet of the people of Madeira means that it is grown for own consumption and direct sales on the island’s small family farms, as well as on commercial holdings on the island of Madeira for supply to the regional market.

The parish of Caniço (on Madeira island) is particularly important for the production of ‘Cebola da Madeira’. As well as guaranteeing most of the regional supply, it has hosted the ‘Festa da Cebola’ [Onion Festival] since 1997 to promote this traditional product and preserve its specific production method. On the island of Porto Santo, recently recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this crop is included in the strategic objective of safeguarding, enhancing and optimising the island’s agricultural and cultural resources.

Specificity of the product

‘Cebola da Madeira’ bulbs are distinctive for their juicy, low fibre texture and by their rich carbohydrate and vitamin C content, which contribute towards their sweet aroma and taste and generally low pungency. The finish in the mouth is more peppery, with slight sulphur or vegetal notes and sometimes a degree of astringency, acidity or slight bitterness that is lessened by chewing. When cooked, this results in less intense but much sweeter flavours, reminiscent of caramel or roasted notes (particularly when grilled), as the fresh vegetal flavour disappears and there is a better balance between acidity and sweetness.

These attributes make ‘Cebola da Madeira’ ideal for pickling (‘cebolas de escabeche’) and for use in various dishes belonging to the traditional or regional contemporary cuisine. This means it continues to be very important in the gastronomy of Madeira and is considered to be an important crop on the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo alike.

Causal link between the geographical area and the characteristics of the product

The highly specialised farmers on the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo have always selected the bulbs of the different traditional varieties with the best characteristics in each harvest. These are then kept to produce the ‘cebolinho’ [spring onion], the local name for the seeds (and the resulting seedlings) used to produce ‘Cebola da Madeira’, which are sourced exclusively from their holdings or from those of other local producers.

The ongoing practice of propagating, exchanging and sharing the ‘cebolinho’ seedlings to produce ‘Cebola da Madeira’ has helped develop and preserve the specific characteristics of the traditional varieties, which are linked to the particular characteristics of the soil and climate on the islands, as well as to the expertise of local producers acquired over several generations.

The traditional varieties of ‘Cebola da Madeira’ have adapted well to the deep, well-drained soils on the islands. For the most part, clayey-sandy soils (Madeira) and sandy-clayey soils (Porto Santo) have proven to be the type that are best suited to the water and nutrient storage that are essential in determining their properties.

The production of ‘Cebola da Madeira’ is heavily dependent on the work of the farmers, as all of the practices - from preparing the ‘cebolinho’ seedlings, transplanting them and tending the crop until it is harvested, as well as preparation for placement on the market on most holdings - are carried out by hand.

Planting by hand with well-defined spaces between each onion helps ensure that the bulbs are uniform in terms of average weight and size. The texture of the soils and the steps taken to prepare the soil, including weeding and hoeing, during crop development, combine to ensure that ‘the earth is loosely packed around the bulbs’, which in turn results in homogeneous shaping for each traditional variety.

The marked influence of temperature and light (sunshine) on the growing cycle of this crop, especially as regards the development of bulbs, but also on their entry into flowering for seed formation, means that on both islands farmers know very well which traditional varieties, depending on the requirements of their photoperiod and the climatic conditions of the area, are best suited to their locality and what is the best time for their production.

On the island of Madeira, this crop can be grown from the coastline up to an altitude of 800 m, in areas with warm microclimates and good exposure, where a regular supply of irrigation water is guaranteed by the network of ‘levadas’ or channels. In the lower altitude and sunnier areas of the southern slope, the early traditional varieties (‘Branca’, ‘Pião’ and ‘Bujanico’) are sown in September to be transplanted in December and harvested in March/April. At higher altitudes or on the northern slope and also on the island of Porto Santo, these ‘cebolas do cedo’ or ‘early onions’ are not sown until at least a month later.

The traditional varieties sown later in the year (‘Vermelha’, ‘Roxa’ and ‘Do Tarde’), referred to locally as ‘cebolas do tarde’ or ‘late onions’, need longer days with over 14 hours of sunlight for the bulbs to form properly. They also need more humidity and for water to be available in the summer months. These varieties are therefore grown mostly at higher altitude and on the northern slope of Madeira, being sown in December/January for transplanting in March/April and harvesting in July/August.

The temperature and exposure (light) conditions in the production areas on the two islands also encourage a high rate of photosynthesis in the bulbs, which causes sugars and nutrients to synthesise, hence the richness in carbohydrates and vitamin C for which ‘Cebola da Madeira’ has always been said to have antioxidant properties when consumed raw.

The stage at which this crop is most sensitive to water stress is when the bulbs are growing, so the local farmers ensure the best humidity conditions for the development of their plantations, which are first irrigated after the seedlings are transplanted and frequently thereafter. Depending on the production area, the crop is irrigated once or twice a week during the bulb growing stage and less frequently during the ripening stage.

Farmers have traditionally relied on the ‘levada’ irrigation channels, using wooden paddles to sprinkle water on the entire plot, while taking care not to remove the soil (so as not to leave the bulbs exposed) and ensuring that it did not become waterlogged. Nowadays, as well as this practice, sprinklers are used for irrigation on the island of Madeira. On the island of Porto Santo, the local soil conditions mean that drip irrigation is the preferred method. On both islands, periods of water scarcity are reduced by the availability of water from irrigation, even in the summer, for both the early and late varieties. This allows for higher humidity content in the bulbs and helps ensure low bitterness and pungency.

Reference to publication of the specification

https://www.dgadr.gov.pt/dop-igp-etg

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

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| 10.8.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 281/15 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.8.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 281/15

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Publication of an approved standard amendment to a product specification of a protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication in the agricultural products and foodstuffs sector, as referred to in Article 6b(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014

(2023/C 281/07)

This communication is published in accordance with Article 6b(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014 (1).

COMMUNICATING THE APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION OF A PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN OR PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION ORIGINATING IN A MEMBER STATE

(Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012)

‘Volailles du Gers’

EU No: PGI-FR-0147-AM01 - 11.5.2023

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1.   Name of product

‘Volailles du Gers’

2.   Member State to which the geographical area belongs

France

3.   Member State authority communicating the standard amendment

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty

—

4.   Description of the approved amendment(s)

1.   Competent authority of the Member State

The ‘Competent authority of the Member State’ section containing the contact details for the National Institute of Origin and Quality (Institut national de la qualité et de l'origine – INAO) as the competent authority of the Member State in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 has been added.

The amendment does not affect the single document

2.   Applicant group

The ‘Applicant group’ section has been amended to contain only the details of the group, its legal form and its composition.

The amendment does not affect the single document

3.   Introduction

The ‘Introduction’ part has been deleted.

The amendment does not affect the single document

4.   Type of product

The ‘Type of product’ section has been added.

The amendment does not affect the single document

5.   Name of product

The ‘Name of product’ section has been restricted to the name of the PGI ‘Volailles du Gers’. The products covered by the name are listed in the part concerning the description of the product.

The amendment does not affect the single document

6.   Description of the product

The ‘Description of the products’ section has been amended to include the list of poultry concerned:

| — | Chicken, capon and poulard |
| --- | --- |

—

Chicken, capon and poulard

| — | Guinea fowl and guinea fowl capon |
| --- | --- |

—

Guinea fowl and guinea fowl capon

| — | Turkey |
| --- | --- |

—

Turkey

| — | Muscovy duck |
| --- | --- |

—

Muscovy duck

A table summarising the phenotype for each species has been added. It also shows the minimum carcass weight for each poultry type. In this context, the word ‘red’ has been replaced by ‘yellow’ to describe the chicken (‘red’ being the colour of the plumage and ‘yellow’ the colour of the skin and the flesh).

The description of the poultry has been revised to describe the characteristics of the poultry: a round carcass with plump fillets and fleshy legs, firm flesh, and fine skin.

It has been added that poultry carcasses covered by the PGI must be class A. In the case of cuts, it has been added that they are class A and come from carcasses complying with the minimum weight.

It has been added that offal may be marketed as a stand-alone product under the PGI. The offal concerned is liver, gizzards and heart. They are taken from the poultry carcasses selected for the PGI.

The ‘Bacteriological quality’ section has been deleted as it merely set out statutory requirements.

The amendment affects the single document

7.   Definition of the geographical area

The wording of the ‘Definition of the geographical area’ section has been amended, but the geographical area has not been modified. The lists of municipalities, neighbouring cantons or districts mentioned in the original specification have been replaced by a list of municipalities in force. This revision revealed that some names needed to be corrected due to errors in transcription or updates following groupings and mergers of municipalities. These corrections have been made.

The amendment affects the single document

8.   Evidence that the product originates from the geographical area

The ‘Evidence that the product originates from the geographical area’ section has been amended. An obligation to identify operators prior to carrying out checks has been added. The evidence of traceability (step / tracked information / associated document) has been set out in a table. The traceability of all the amendments made to the product specification has also been added to this section.

The amendment does not affect the single document

9.   Method of production

The ‘Method of production’ section has been amended as follows:

| | ‘Strains used’
  Criteria for selecting strains have been added: all the strains are robust and slow-growing, adapted to a long rearing period and to free-range rearing and outdoor runs. Under the feeding and rearing conditions laid down in the specification, the strains and hybrid strains used must allow the minimum carcass weight to be reached by the minimum slaughter age. |
| --- | --- |

‘Strains used’

Criteria for selecting strains have been added: all the strains are robust and slow-growing, adapted to a long rearing period and to free-range rearing and outdoor runs. Under the feeding and rearing conditions laid down in the specification, the strains and hybrid strains used must allow the minimum carcass weight to be reached by the minimum slaughter age.

| | ‘Poultry house density’
  The density of poulards in poultry houses has been changed and set at 11 birds/m2 for the first 81 days (4 400 per poultry house), then 9 birds/m2 (3 600 per poultry house) from 82 days.
  The density of guinea fowl capons in poultry houses has been added and set at 13 birds/m2 for the first 94 days, then 10 birds/m2 (4 000 per poultry house) from 95 days. |
| --- | --- |

‘Poultry house density’

The density of poulards in poultry houses has been changed and set at 11 birds/m2 for the first 81 days (4 400 per poultry house), then 9 birds/m2 (3 600 per poultry house) from 82 days.

The density of guinea fowl capons in poultry houses has been added and set at 13 birds/m2 for the first 94 days, then 10 birds/m2 (4 000 per poultry house) from 95 days.

| | ‘Livestock facility and poultry house’
  A provision has been added concerning the obligation to observe a fallowing period between each flock. |
| --- | --- |

‘Livestock facility and poultry house’

A provision has been added concerning the obligation to observe a fallowing period between each flock.

| | ‘Runs’
  The daily duration of access to runs has been added, along with a description of the run. The concept of shaded runs has been replaced by a number of trees or shrubs per run.
  A minimum area of runs per bird has been added for guinea fowl capons, as well as an age for access to runs.
  An age for access to runs has also been added for Muscovy ducks. |
| --- | --- |

‘Runs’

The daily duration of access to runs has been added, along with a description of the run. The concept of shaded runs has been replaced by a number of trees or shrubs per run.

A minimum area of runs per bird has been added for guinea fowl capons, as well as an age for access to runs.

An age for access to runs has also been added for Muscovy ducks.

| | ‘Feed’
  It has been added that the feed for ‘Volailles du Gers’ consists of 100 % plants, minerals and vitamins.
  The maximum percentage of total fat in the feed has been added, as well as the percentage of products derived from cereals in relation to the total weight of the feed formula.
  A list of raw materials that can be included in the distributed feed has been added. Palm and palm kernel oils are excluded.
  For each species, the minimum permitted percentage of cereals in the starting phase has been added. For the fattening period, a percentage of cereals in the feed formula has been added for guinea fowl capon and Muscovy duck. |
| --- | --- |

‘Feed’

It has been added that the feed for ‘Volailles du Gers’ consists of 100 % plants, minerals and vitamins.

The maximum percentage of total fat in the feed has been added, as well as the percentage of products derived from cereals in relation to the total weight of the feed formula.

A list of raw materials that can be included in the distributed feed has been added. Palm and palm kernel oils are excluded.

For each species, the minimum permitted percentage of cereals in the starting phase has been added. For the fattening period, a percentage of cereals in the feed formula has been added for guinea fowl capon and Muscovy duck.

| | ‘Rearing period’
  A minimum slaughter age has been added for poulard and guinea fowl capon.
  The minimum slaughter age for grey chickens has been changed from 110 days to 105 days. |
| --- | --- |

‘Rearing period’

A minimum slaughter age has been added for poulard and guinea fowl capon.

The minimum slaughter age for grey chickens has been changed from 110 days to 105 days.

| | ‘Conditions for removal, transport and slaughter’
  A period of feed withdrawal prior to removal of the poultry from the holding has been added, together with a time limit between removal and slaughter and a maximum transport time. Comfort conditions have also been added for the waiting time before slaughter. |
| --- | --- |

‘Conditions for removal, transport and slaughter’

A period of feed withdrawal prior to removal of the poultry from the holding has been added, together with a time limit between removal and slaughter and a maximum transport time. Comfort conditions have also been added for the waiting time before slaughter.

| | ‘Production of offal’
  Provisions on the processing and selection of offal have been added, including cleaning and drying conditions and any trimming. |
| --- | --- |

‘Production of offal’

Provisions on the processing and selection of offal have been added, including cleaning and drying conditions and any trimming.

| | ‘Deep-freezing’
  A maximum of 3 days between slaughter and deep-freezing has been prescribed.
  The amendment does not affect the single document |
| --- | --- |

‘Deep-freezing’

A maximum of 3 days between slaughter and deep-freezing has been prescribed.

The amendment does not affect the single document

10.   Link

The ‘Link’ section has been reorganised into three parts to distinguish the specific characteristics of the geographical area, the product and the causal link. The wording is more succinct and the ‘Economic importance’ section has been deleted.

The amendment affects the single document

11.   Inspection body

The ‘Inspection body’ section has been amended in accordance with national guidelines aimed at harmonising how specifications are drafted, to contain only the name and contact details of the competent national authorities (INAO and DGCCRF).

The name and contact details of the certification body can be consulted via the website of the INAO and the European Commission’s database.

The amendment does not affect the single document

12.   Labelling

The ‘Labelling’ section has been amended in accordance with national guidelines aimed at harmonising how specifications are drafted. The current paragraphs have been deleted and replaced by a sentence indicating the mandatory regulatory elements.

The amendment does not affect the single document

13.   National requirements

In accordance with changes to national legislation and rules, the ‘National requirements’ section is presented in the form of a table indicating the main items to be checked and the evaluation methods to be used.

The amendment does not affect the single document

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Volailles du Gers’

EU No: PGI-FR-0147-AM01 - 11.5.2023

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1.   Name(s) [of PDO or PGI]

‘Volailles du Gers’

2.   Member State or Third Country

France

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   
  Type of product [as in Annex XI]

Class 1.1. Fresh meat (and offal)

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

‘Volailles du Gers’ are birds of the Galliformes order. They belong to different families and include several types of bird:

| — | Chicken, capon, and poulard; |
| --- | --- |

—

Chicken, capon, and poulard;

| — | Guinea fowl and guinea fowl capon; |
| --- | --- |

—

Guinea fowl and guinea fowl capon;

| — | Turkey. |
| --- | --- |

—

Turkey.

‘Volailles du Gers’ also include waterfowl:

Muscovy duck.

They are derived from slow-growing strains, with a long rearing period and a slaughter age close to sexual maturity. They are reared free-range on grassy tree-lined runs, and are fed with feed consisting of 100 % plants, minerals and vitamins, including a minimum quantity of cereals and products derived from cereals during the fattening period.

These means of production make it possible to produce poultry characterised by:

| — | a round carcass with plump fillets and fleshy legs, |
| --- | --- |

—

a round carcass with plump fillets and fleshy legs,

| — | firm flesh, |
| --- | --- |

—

firm flesh,

| — | fine skin. |
| --- | --- |

—

fine skin.

‘Volailles du Gers’ have the following characteristics:

| | Minimum eviscerated weight without offal | Skin colour | Leg colour |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Yellow chicken | 1  kg | Yellow | Yellow |
| White chicken | 1  kg | White | White |
| Black chicken | 1  kg | White | Black |
| Grey chicken | 1,150  kg | Yellow | Yellow |
| Capon | 2,500  kg | Yellow | Yellow |
| Poulard | 1,800  kg | Yellow | Yellow |
| Guinea fowl | 0,850  kg | Yellow | Black |
| Guinea fowl capon | 1,400  kg | Yellow | Black |
| Turkey | 2,300  kg | White to yellow | Black |
| Muscovy duck | Males: 2,300  kg
  Females: 1,250  kg | White to yellow | |

Minimum eviscerated weight without offal

Skin colour

Leg colour

Yellow chicken

1  kg

Yellow

Yellow

White chicken

1  kg

White

White

Black chicken

1  kg

White

Black

Grey chicken

1,150  kg

Yellow

Yellow

Capon

2,500  kg

Yellow

Yellow

Poulard

1,800  kg

Yellow

Yellow

Guinea fowl

0,850  kg

Yellow

Black

Guinea fowl capon

1,400  kg

Yellow

Black

Turkey

2,300  kg

White to yellow

Black

Muscovy duck

Males: 2,300  kg

Females: 1,250  kg

White to yellow

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

The feed of ‘Volailles du Gers’ poultry consists of 100 % plants, minerals and vitamins, including a significant proportion of cereals.

The percentage of products derived from cereals must not exceed 15 % of the total weight of the feed formula.

The maximum total fat content of the feed is 6 %.

The different categories of raw materials that can be included in the feed are as follows:

| — | cereal grains and products derived thereof; |
| --- | --- |

—

cereal grains and products derived thereof;

| — | oil seeds, oil fruits, and products derived thereof; |
| --- | --- |

—

oil seeds, oil fruits, and products derived thereof;

| — | as regards vegetable oils, only crude and refined oils are allowed, except for products derived from palm and palm kernels, which are excluded; |
| --- | --- |

—

as regards vegetable oils, only crude and refined oils are allowed, except for products derived from palm and palm kernels, which are excluded;

| — | legume seeds and products derived thereof; |
| --- | --- |

—

legume seeds and products derived thereof;

| — | tubers, roots and products derived thereof; |
| --- | --- |

—

tubers, roots and products derived thereof;

| — | other seeds and fruits, and products derived thereof; |
| --- | --- |

—

other seeds and fruits, and products derived thereof;

| — | forages and roughage, and products derived thereof; |
| --- | --- |

—

forages and roughage, and products derived thereof;

| — | other plants, algae and products derived thereof; |
| --- | --- |

—

other plants, algae and products derived thereof;

| — | minerals and products derived thereof. |
| --- | --- |

—

minerals and products derived thereof.

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

‘Volailles du Gers’ poultry are reared in the defined geographical area from the age of 1 day until they are removed for slaughter.

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

‘Volailles du Gers’ are presented as whole birds, class A carcasses only, or as class A cuts obtained from carcasses complying with the minimum weight.

Whole birds are presented:

| — | ‘ready to cook’ (RTC: bird plucked, gutted, headless, with or without tarsal joints), |
| --- | --- |

—

‘ready to cook’ (RTC: bird plucked, gutted, headless, with or without tarsal joints),

| — | ‘gutted’ (plucked, gutted, with head, feet and giblets present). |
| --- | --- |

—

‘gutted’ (plucked, gutted, with head, feet and giblets present).

Whole birds and cuts are sold fresh, deep-frozen or cooked.

The giblets (heart, gizzard and liver) are sold fresh or frozen.

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

In addition to the mandatory information required by the rules on the labelling and presentation of foodstuffs, labels must include:

| — | the registered product name ‘Volailles du Gers’; |
| --- | --- |

—

the registered product name ‘Volailles du Gers’;

| — | the European Union’s PGI symbol in the same visual field. |
| --- | --- |

—

the European Union’s PGI symbol in the same visual field.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The geographical area of the ‘Volailles du Gers’ PGI comprises the following departments and municipalities:

| — | The entire Department of Gers. |
| --- | --- |

—

The entire Department of Gers.

| — | Department of Haute-Garonne:






  — | Agassac, Ambax, Anan, Beaufort, Bellegarde-Sainte-Marie, Bellesserre, Bérat, Blajan, Boissède, Bonrepos-sur-Aussonnelle, Boulogne-sur-Gesse, Bragayrac, Brax, Brignemont, Cabanac-Séguenville, Cadours, Cambernard, Cardeilhac, Castelgaillard, Castelnau-Picampeau, Le Castéra, Castéra-Vignoles, Casties-Labrande, Caubiac, Cazac, Charlas, Ciadoux, Coueilles, Cox, Drudas, Empeaux, Escanecrabe, Fabas, Fonsorbes, Fontenilles, Forgues, Le Fousseret, Frontignan-Savès, Fustignac, Garac, Gensac-de-Boulogne, Goudex, Gratens, Le Grès, L'Isle-en-Dodon, Labastide-Clermont, Labastide-Paumès, Lafitte-Vigordane, Lagraulet-Saint-Nicolas, Lahage, Lamasquère, Laréole, Larroque, Lasserre-Pradère, Lautignac, Léguevin, Lespugue, Lévignac, Lilhac, Lussan-Adeilhac, Marignac-Lasclares, Martisserre, Mauvezin, Mérenvielle, Mirambeau, Molas, Mondilhan, Monès, Montastruc-Savès, Montbernard, Montégut-Bourjac, Montesquieu-Guittaut, Montgaillard-sur-Save, Montgras, Montmaurin, Montoussin, Nénigan, Nizan-Gesse, Péguilhan, Pelleport, Pibrac, Le Pin-Murelet, Plagnole, Plaisance-du-Touch, Polastron, Poucharramet, Pouy-de-Touges, Puymaurin, Puysségur, Rieumes, Riolas, Sabonnères, Saiguède, Saint-Araille, Sainte-Foy-de-Peyrolières, Sainte-Livrade, Saint-Élix-le-Château, Saint-Ferréol-de-Comminges, Saint-Frajou, Saint-Lary-Boujean, Saint-Laurent, Saint-Loup-en-Comminges, Saint-Lys, Saint-Pé-Delbosc, Saint-Thomas, Sajas, Salerm, La Salvetat-Saint-Gilles, Saman, Sarrecave, Sarremezan, Savères, Sénarens, Vignaux. |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Department of Haute-Garonne:

—

Agassac, Ambax, Anan, Beaufort, Bellegarde-Sainte-Marie, Bellesserre, Bérat, Blajan, Boissède, Bonrepos-sur-Aussonnelle, Boulogne-sur-Gesse, Bragayrac, Brax, Brignemont, Cabanac-Séguenville, Cadours, Cambernard, Cardeilhac, Castelgaillard, Castelnau-Picampeau, Le Castéra, Castéra-Vignoles, Casties-Labrande, Caubiac, Cazac, Charlas, Ciadoux, Coueilles, Cox, Drudas, Empeaux, Escanecrabe, Fabas, Fonsorbes, Fontenilles, Forgues, Le Fousseret, Frontignan-Savès, Fustignac, Garac, Gensac-de-Boulogne, Goudex, Gratens, Le Grès, L'Isle-en-Dodon, Labastide-Clermont, Labastide-Paumès, Lafitte-Vigordane, Lagraulet-Saint-Nicolas, Lahage, Lamasquère, Laréole, Larroque, Lasserre-Pradère, Lautignac, Léguevin, Lespugue, Lévignac, Lilhac, Lussan-Adeilhac, Marignac-Lasclares, Martisserre, Mauvezin, Mérenvielle, Mirambeau, Molas, Mondilhan, Monès, Montastruc-Savès, Montbernard, Montégut-Bourjac, Montesquieu-Guittaut, Montgaillard-sur-Save, Montgras, Montmaurin, Montoussin, Nénigan, Nizan-Gesse, Péguilhan, Pelleport, Pibrac, Le Pin-Murelet, Plagnole, Plaisance-du-Touch, Polastron, Poucharramet, Pouy-de-Touges, Puymaurin, Puysségur, Rieumes, Riolas, Sabonnères, Saiguède, Saint-Araille, Sainte-Foy-de-Peyrolières, Sainte-Livrade, Saint-Élix-le-Château, Saint-Ferréol-de-Comminges, Saint-Frajou, Saint-Lary-Boujean, Saint-Laurent, Saint-Loup-en-Comminges, Saint-Lys, Saint-Pé-Delbosc, Saint-Thomas, Sajas, Salerm, La Salvetat-Saint-Gilles, Saman, Sarrecave, Sarremezan, Savères, Sénarens, Vignaux.

| — | Department of Landes:






  — | Aire-sur-l'Adour, Artassenx, Arthez-d'Armagnac, Arue, Arx, Bahus-Soubiran, Bascons, Baudignan, Betbezer-d'Armagnac, Bordères-et-Lamensans, Bourdalat, Bourriot-Bergonce, Buanes, Cachen, Castandet, Cazères-sur-l'Adour, Classun, Créon-d'Armagnac, Duhort-Bachen, Escalans, Estigarde, Eugénie-les-Bains, Le Frêche, Gabarret, Grenade-sur-l'Adour, Herré, Hontanx, Labastide-d'Armagnac, Lacquy, Lagrange, Larrivière-Saint-Savin, Latrille, Lencouacq, Losse, Lubbon, Lussagnet, Maillas, Maurrin, Mauvezin-d'Armagnac, Montégut, Parleboscq, Perquie, Pouydesseaux, Pujo-le-Plan, Renung, Retjons, Rimbez-et-Baudiets, Roquefort, Saint-Agnet, Saint-Cricq-Villeneuve, Sainte-Foy, Saint-Gein, Saint-Gor, Saint-Julien-d'Armagnac, Saint-Justin, Saint-Loubouer, Saint-Maurice-sur-Adour, Sarbazan, Sarron, Vielle-Soubiran, Vielle-Tursan, Le Vignau, Villeneuve-de-Marsan. |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Department of Landes:

—

Aire-sur-l'Adour, Artassenx, Arthez-d'Armagnac, Arue, Arx, Bahus-Soubiran, Bascons, Baudignan, Betbezer-d'Armagnac, Bordères-et-Lamensans, Bourdalat, Bourriot-Bergonce, Buanes, Cachen, Castandet, Cazères-sur-l'Adour, Classun, Créon-d'Armagnac, Duhort-Bachen, Escalans, Estigarde, Eugénie-les-Bains, Le Frêche, Gabarret, Grenade-sur-l'Adour, Herré, Hontanx, Labastide-d'Armagnac, Lacquy, Lagrange, Larrivière-Saint-Savin, Latrille, Lencouacq, Losse, Lubbon, Lussagnet, Maillas, Maurrin, Mauvezin-d'Armagnac, Montégut, Parleboscq, Perquie, Pouydesseaux, Pujo-le-Plan, Renung, Retjons, Rimbez-et-Baudiets, Roquefort, Saint-Agnet, Saint-Cricq-Villeneuve, Sainte-Foy, Saint-Gein, Saint-Gor, Saint-Julien-d'Armagnac, Saint-Justin, Saint-Loubouer, Saint-Maurice-sur-Adour, Sarbazan, Sarron, Vielle-Soubiran, Vielle-Tursan, Le Vignau, Villeneuve-de-Marsan.

| — | Department of Lot-et-Garonne:






  — | Astaffort, Aubiac, Brax, Caudecoste, Cuq, Estillac, Fals, Fieux, Francescas, Lamontjoie, Lannes, Laplume, Lasserre, Layrac, Marmont-Pachas, Mézin, Moirax, Moncrabeau, Nomdieu, Poudenas, Réaup-Lisse, Roquefort, Sainte-Colombe-en-Bruilhois, Sainte-Maure-de-Peyriac, Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Balerme, Saint-Pé-Saint-Simon, Saint-Sixte, Saint-Vincent-de-Lamontjoie, Sauveterre-Saint-Denis, Sérignac-sur-Garonne, Sos. |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Department of Lot-et-Garonne:

—

Astaffort, Aubiac, Brax, Caudecoste, Cuq, Estillac, Fals, Fieux, Francescas, Lamontjoie, Lannes, Laplume, Lasserre, Layrac, Marmont-Pachas, Mézin, Moirax, Moncrabeau, Nomdieu, Poudenas, Réaup-Lisse, Roquefort, Sainte-Colombe-en-Bruilhois, Sainte-Maure-de-Peyriac, Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Balerme, Saint-Pé-Saint-Simon, Saint-Sixte, Saint-Vincent-de-Lamontjoie, Sauveterre-Saint-Denis, Sérignac-sur-Garonne, Sos.

| — | Department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques:






  — | Aubous, Aydie, Baliracq-Maumusson, Boueilh-Boueilho-Lasque, Burosse-Mendousse, Castetpugon, Conchez-de-Béarn, Diusse, Garlin, Mascaraàs-Haron, Moncla, Mont-Disse, Mouhous, Portet, Ribarrouy, Saint-Jean-Poudge, Tadousse-Ussau, Taron-Sadirac-Viellenave, Vialer. |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques:

—

Aubous, Aydie, Baliracq-Maumusson, Boueilh-Boueilho-Lasque, Burosse-Mendousse, Castetpugon, Conchez-de-Béarn, Diusse, Garlin, Mascaraàs-Haron, Moncla, Mont-Disse, Mouhous, Portet, Ribarrouy, Saint-Jean-Poudge, Tadousse-Ussau, Taron-Sadirac-Viellenave, Vialer.

| — | Department of Hautes-Pyrénées:






  — | Ansost, Antin, Aries-Espénan, Arné, Auriébat, Barbachen, Barthe, Bazillac, Bazordan, Bernadets-Debat, Betbèze, Betpouy, Bonnefont, Bouilh-Devant, Bugard, Buzon, Campuzan, Castelnau-Magnoac, Castelnau-Rivière-Basse, Casterets, Caubous, Caussade-Rivière, Cizos, Devèze, Escondeaux, Estampures, Estirac, Fontrailles, Fréchède, Gaussan, Gensac, Guizerix, Hachan, Hagedet, Hères, Labatut-Rivière, Lacassagne, Lafitole, Lahitte-Toupière, Lalanne, Lalanne-Trie, Lamarque-Rustaing, Laméac, Lapeyre, Laran, Larreule, Larroque, Lascazères, Lassales, Lescurry, Liac, Lubret-Saint-Luc, Luby-Betmont, Lustar, Madiran, Mansan, Maubourguet, Mazerolles, Mingot, Monfaucon, Monléon-Magnoac, Monlong, Moumoulous, Organ, Osmets, Peyret-Saint-André, Peyrun, Pouy, Puntous, Puydarrieux, Rabastens-de-Bigorre, Sadournin, Saint-Lanne, Saint-Sever-de-Rustan, Sariac-Magnoac, Sarriac-Bigorre, Sauveterre, Ségalas, Sénac, Sère-Rustaing, Sombrun, Soublecause, Thermes-Magnoac, Tostat, Tournous-Darré, Trie-sur-Baïse, Trouley-Labarthe, Ugnouas, Vidou, Vidouze, Vieuzos, Villefranque, Villembits, Villemur |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Department of Hautes-Pyrénées:

—

Ansost, Antin, Aries-Espénan, Arné, Auriébat, Barbachen, Barthe, Bazillac, Bazordan, Bernadets-Debat, Betbèze, Betpouy, Bonnefont, Bouilh-Devant, Bugard, Buzon, Campuzan, Castelnau-Magnoac, Castelnau-Rivière-Basse, Casterets, Caubous, Caussade-Rivière, Cizos, Devèze, Escondeaux, Estampures, Estirac, Fontrailles, Fréchède, Gaussan, Gensac, Guizerix, Hachan, Hagedet, Hères, Labatut-Rivière, Lacassagne, Lafitole, Lahitte-Toupière, Lalanne, Lalanne-Trie, Lamarque-Rustaing, Laméac, Lapeyre, Laran, Larreule, Larroque, Lascazères, Lassales, Lescurry, Liac, Lubret-Saint-Luc, Luby-Betmont, Lustar, Madiran, Mansan, Maubourguet, Mazerolles, Mingot, Monfaucon, Monléon-Magnoac, Monlong, Moumoulous, Organ, Osmets, Peyret-Saint-André, Peyrun, Pouy, Puntous, Puydarrieux, Rabastens-de-Bigorre, Sadournin, Saint-Lanne, Saint-Sever-de-Rustan, Sariac-Magnoac, Sarriac-Bigorre, Sauveterre, Ségalas, Sénac, Sère-Rustaing, Sombrun, Soublecause, Thermes-Magnoac, Tostat, Tournous-Darré, Trie-sur-Baïse, Trouley-Labarthe, Ugnouas, Vidou, Vidouze, Vieuzos, Villefranque, Villembits, Villemur

| — | Department of Tarn-et-Garonne:






  — | Asques, Auterive, Auvillar, Balignac, Bardigues, Beaumont-de-Lomagne, Belbèze-en-Lomagne, Castéra-Bouzet, Le Causé, Cumont, Donzac, Dunes, Escazeaux, Esparsac, Faudoas, Gariès, Gensac, Gimat, Glatens, Goas, Gramont, Lachapelle, Lamothe-Cumont, Larrazet, Lavit, Mansonville, Marignac, Marsac, Maubec, Maumusson, Merles, Montgaillard, Le Pin, Poupas, Puygaillard-de-Lomagne, Saint-Cirice, Saint-Jean-du-Bouzet, Saint-Loup, Saint-Michel, Sérignac, Sistels, Vigueron. |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Department of Tarn-et-Garonne:

—

Asques, Auterive, Auvillar, Balignac, Bardigues, Beaumont-de-Lomagne, Belbèze-en-Lomagne, Castéra-Bouzet, Le Causé, Cumont, Donzac, Dunes, Escazeaux, Esparsac, Faudoas, Gariès, Gensac, Gimat, Glatens, Goas, Gramont, Lachapelle, Lamothe-Cumont, Larrazet, Lavit, Mansonville, Marignac, Marsac, Maubec, Maumusson, Merles, Montgaillard, Le Pin, Poupas, Puygaillard-de-Lomagne, Saint-Cirice, Saint-Jean-du-Bouzet, Saint-Loup, Saint-Michel, Sérignac, Sistels, Vigueron.

5.   Link with the geographical area

The ‘Volailles du Gers’ designation’s link to the area is based on the traditional production method, which combines a long free-range rearing period with a diet containing a high percentage of cereals. These factors give the products their specific characteristics and have contributed to the reputation of ‘Volailles du Gers’, which has grown over time.

The geographical area is located in south-western France, between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, the Pyrenees and the Garonne, centred on the department of Gers. It takes the form of a large sedimentary plateau crossed by a series of watercourses, most of which originate from the foot of the Pre-Pyrenean plateaux. This plateau has a general south-north inclination from the Pyrenees to the Garonne, with altitudes of around 300 m to the south, gradually declining to 80 m towards the north.

The geographical area is characterised by variably rugged hillsides alternating with variably wide valleys.

From a climatological perspective, it is a contact zone and area of climate transition, in which different influences (Atlantic, Continental and Pyrenean, Mediterranean) converge, affecting the vegetation.

The predominantly Atlantic climate is characterised by rather mild and wet winters and springs, hot and very dry summers, and mild, dry autumns, with a decreasing humidity gradient from west to east and a decreasing mildness gradient from north to south.

This area is characterised by mixed farming and, in particular, poultry farming.

Until the 1950s, farming was very diversified and non-specialised, consisting of a few laying hens, broilers, rabbits, geese and ducks intended to meet a family’s needs.

Gradually, these holdings expanded, resulting in some surplus production that farmers sold at the local markets of Fleurance, Seissan, Samatan, Mirande and Gimont.

This traditional farmyard poultry rearing was subsequently organised and rationalised. Holdings grew in size and became specialised, while maintaining the free-range nature of production.

In the 1960s, the first producer groups emerged, with the particular aim of promoting and growing sales of these poultry products.

In 1975, the various producer groups set up an association with slaughterhouses with the aim of ensuring better technical coordination, but above all, more secure market access, for all this poultry, by indicating its origin and quality. From then on, the reputation of ‘Volailles du Gers’ grew.

Between 1988 and 1993, spontaneous and prompted awareness of the products doubled.

‘Volailles du Gers’ are reared free-range, with permanent access to an outdoor run during the day. The choice of slow-growing strains means the birds can venture outside early but also allows them to make optimal use of the run.

‘Volailles du Gers’ are characterised by the quality of their meat and their appearance:

| — | a round carcass with plump fillets and fleshy legs, |
| --- | --- |

—

a round carcass with plump fillets and fleshy legs,

| — | firm flesh, |
| --- | --- |

—

firm flesh,

| — | fine skin. |
| --- | --- |

—

fine skin.

In the geographical area, the soil and climate have for several decades enabled significant and diversified agricultural production, in particular of oil seeds and cereals.

These cereals have formed the basis for the development of poultry farming and for poultry feed, although nowadays ‘Volailles du Gers’ are no longer necessarily fed with local cereals. The feed is thus made up of at least 80 % cereals in the case of chicken, capon, poulard and turkey. This particularly high level, as well as a long rearing period, contributes to the characteristics of the meat of these birds.

The climate is also particularly suitable for free-range rearing, with permanent access to a grassy and tree-lined outdoor run during the day. The trees provide shelter for the poultry and encourage them to explore the runs. They are naturally very active and fulfil their scratching and pecking needs on the shaded grassy runs provided for them.

This outside activity also contributes to the characteristics of ‘Volailles du Gers’ and their fleshy and plump conformation.

‘Volailles du Gers’ have a long-standing reputation, as evidenced by several references: ‘This year the poultry wholesalers had chosen the Gers capon with its traditional finery as an ambassador and symbol of French gastronomy in poultry products’ (Filières Avicole – Pour la table de Jacques Chirac. Un chapon du Gers à l’Elysée – September 1998); ‘If Gers chickens are the best in the world, it’s because they are the happiest.’‘Here we have always known how to rear poultry.’ (LSA – ‘Fermières Volailles: Dans la grande tradition gastronomique du Gers, quotation André Daguin, April 1990), ‘very fine, well-proportioned size, good-sized legs, tender and smooth flesh, juicy, fragrant and tasty, very crisp, pleasant smell, good fat balance’ (Cuisine et Vins de France – February-March 2012: ‘Banc d’essai les poulets fermiers – Poulet jaune fermier Gers (17/20)).

Reference to publication of the specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-03e9b760-df5f-4e0f-aa3d-b2ad1a3a4a0b

---

(1)  OJ L 179, 19.6.2014, p. 17.

---

Corrigenda

| 10.8.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 281/23 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

10.8.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 281/23

---

Corrigendum to Council Decision of 14 July 2023 amending Decision 98/481/EC approving the external auditors of the European Central Bank

(
  Official Journal of the European Union C 275 of 4 August 2023
  )

(2023/C 281/08)

| 1. | On the second cover page, in the table of contents, and on page 19, in the title: |
| --- | --- |

1.

for:

‘... of 14 July 2023 ...’,

read:

‘... of 25 July 2023 ...’.

| 2. | On page 20, in the concluding formula: |
| --- | --- |

2.

On page 20, in the concluding formula:

for:

‘Done at Brussels, 14 July 2023.’,

read:

‘Done at Brussels, 25 July 2023.’.

---