# Official Journal C 383/2020

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 383 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 6313 November 2020 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 383

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 6313 November 2020

---

| Contents | page |
| --- | --- |
| | I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions |
| | OPINIONS |
| | European Commission |
| 2020/C 383/01 | Commission opinion of 10 November 2020 relating to the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste arising from the Dessel Surface Repository located in Belgium | 1 |

Contents

page

I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

OPINIONS

European Commission

2020/C 383/01

Commission opinion of 10 November 2020 relating to the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste arising from the Dessel Surface Repository located in Belgium

1

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| | II   Information |
| --- | --- |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2020/C 383/02 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.9929 — EDP/Viesgo) (
  1
  ) | 3 |

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2020/C 383/02

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.9929 — EDP/Viesgo) (
  1
  )

1

3

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| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | Council |
| 2020/C 383/03 | Notice for the attention of the persons subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074, as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1700, and in Council Regulation (EU) 2017/2063, as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1696 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela | 4 |
| 2020/C 383/04 | Notice for the attention of the data subjects to whom the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 and Council Regulation (EU) 2017/2063 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela apply | 6 |
| 2020/C 383/05 | Notice for the attention of one person subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2010/788/CFSP and Council Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 imposing certain specific restrictive measures directed against persons acting in violation of the arms embargo with regard to the Democratic Republic of the Congo | 7 |
| | European Commission |
| 2020/C 383/06 | Euro exchange rates — 12 November 2020 | 8 |
| 2020/C 383/07 | Explanatory Notes to the Combined Nomenclature of the European Union | 9 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

2020/C 383/03

Notice for the attention of the persons subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074, as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1700, and in Council Regulation (EU) 2017/2063, as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1696 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela

4

2020/C 383/04

Notice for the attention of the data subjects to whom the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 and Council Regulation (EU) 2017/2063 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela apply

6

2020/C 383/05

Notice for the attention of one person subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2010/788/CFSP and Council Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 imposing certain specific restrictive measures directed against persons acting in violation of the arms embargo with regard to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

7

European Commission

2020/C 383/06

Euro exchange rates — 12 November 2020

8

2020/C 383/07

Explanatory Notes to the Combined Nomenclature of the European Union

9

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| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2020/C 383/08 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.9892 — Leonardo/Thales/VSB) Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 10 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2020/C 383/09 | Publication of an application for approval of non-minor amendments to a product specification 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 | 12 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2020/C 383/08

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.9892 — Leonardo/Thales/VSB) Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

10

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2020/C 383/09

Publication of an application for approval of non-minor amendments to a product specification 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

12

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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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I Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

OPINIONS

European Commission

| 13.11.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 383/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.11.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 383/1

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COMMISSION OPINION

of 10 November 2020

relating to the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste arising from the Dessel Surface Repository located in Belgium

(Only the French and Dutch texts are authentic)

(2020/C 383/01)

The assessment below is carried out under the provisions of the Euratom Treaty, without prejudice to any additional assessments to be carried out under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and the obligations stemming from it and from secondary legislation (1).

On 18 December 2019, the European Commission received from the Government of Belgium, in accordance with Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty, General Data relating to the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste (2) arising from the Dessel Surface Repository.

On the basis of these data and additional information requested by the Commission on 4 February 2020 and provided by the Belgian authorities on 4 August 2020 and following consultation with the Group of Experts, the Commission has drawn up the following opinion:

| 1. | The distance between the disposal facility and the nearest point of another Member State, in this case the Netherlands is 11 km. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The distance between the disposal facility and the nearest point of another Member State, in this case the Netherlands is 11 km.

| 2. | During the disposal facility’s operational period:






  — | Radioactive waste will be emplaced without intention of retrieval. |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

During the disposal facility’s operational period:

—

Radioactive waste will be emplaced without intention of retrieval.

| — | The disposal facility will not be subjected to a discharge authorisation for airborne and liquid radioactive effluents. Under normal operating conditions the disposal facility will release neither airborne nor liquid radioactive effluents. |
| --- | --- |

—

The disposal facility will not be subjected to a discharge authorisation for airborne and liquid radioactive effluents. Under normal operating conditions the disposal facility will release neither airborne nor liquid radioactive effluents.

| — | In the event of unplanned releases of radioactive effluents, that may follow the accidents of the type and magnitude considered in the General Data, the doses likely to be received by the population in another Member State would not be significant from the point of view of health, in respect of the reference levels laid down in the Basic Safety Standards (Directive 2013/59/Euratom) (3). |
| --- | --- |

—

In the event of unplanned releases of radioactive effluents, that may follow the accidents of the type and magnitude considered in the General Data, the doses likely to be received by the population in another Member State would not be significant from the point of view of health, in respect of the reference levels laid down in the Basic Safety Standards (Directive 2013/59/Euratom) (3).

| 3. | Beyond the disposal facility’s operational period:
  The measures envisaged for the final closure of the disposal facility as described in the General Data provide reliance that the conclusions under point 2 above will remain valid in the long term. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Beyond the disposal facility’s operational period:

The measures envisaged for the final closure of the disposal facility as described in the General Data provide reliance that the conclusions under point 2 above will remain valid in the long term.

In conclusion, the Commission is of the opinion that the implementation of the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste in whatever form, arising from the Dessel Surface Repository located in Belgium, during its normal operational life and after its final closure, as well as in the event of accidents of the type and magnitude considered in the General Data, is not liable to result in a radioactive contamination, significant from the point of view of health, of the water, soil or airspace of another Member State, in respect of the provisions laid down in the Basic Safety Standards (Directive 2013/59/Euratom).

Done at Brussels, 10 November 2020.

For the Commission

Kadri SIMSON

Member of the Commission

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(1)  For instance, under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, environmental aspects should be further assessed. Indicatively, the Commission would like to draw attention to the provisions of Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU; to Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment, as well as to Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora and to Directive 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy.

1

(2)  The disposal of radioactive waste in the meaning of point 1 of Commission Recommendation 2010/635/Euratom of 11 October 2010 on the application of Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty (OJ L 279, 23.10.2010, p. 36).

2

(3)  Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom of 5 December 2013 laying down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation (OJ L 13, 17.1.2014, p. 1).

3

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 13.11.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 383/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.11.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 383/3

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.9929 — EDP/Viesgo)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2020/C 383/02)

On 28 October 2020, 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 32020M9929. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32020M9929. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law.

---

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

---

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

| 13.11.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 383/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.11.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 383/4

---

Notice for the attention of the persons subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074, as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1700, and in Council Regulation (EU) 2017/2063, as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1696 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela

(2020/C 383/03)

The following information is brought to the attention of the persons that appear in Annex I to Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 (1), as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1700 (2), and in Annex IV to Council Regulation (EU) 2017/2063 (3), as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1696 (4) concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela.

The Council of the European Union, after having reviewed the list of designated persons, has decided that the persons that appear in the above-mentioned Annexes should continue to be included in the list of persons subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 and Regulation (EU) 2017/2063 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela. The grounds for the listing of the persons concerned appear in the relevant entries in those Annexes.

The attention of the persons concerned is drawn to the possibility of making an application to the competent authorities of the relevant Member State(s) as indicated on the websites in Annex III to Regulation (EU) 2017/2063 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela, in order to obtain an authorisation to use frozen funds for basic needs or specific payments (cf. Article 9 of the Regulation).

The persons concerned may submit a request to the Council, together with supporting documentation, that the decision to include them on the above-mentioned lists should be reconsidered, before 16 July 2021, to the following address:

| Council of the European Union |
| --- |
| General Secretariat |
| RELEX.1.C |
| Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175 |
| 1048 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

Council of the European Union

General Secretariat

RELEX.1.C

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Email: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu

Any observations received will be taken into account for the purpose of the Council's periodic review, in accordance with Article 13 of Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 and Article 17(4) of Regulation (EU) 2017/2063.

The attention of the persons concerned is also drawn to the possibility of challenging the Council's decision before the General Court of the European Union, in accordance with the conditions laid down in Article 275, second paragraph, and Article 263, fourth and sixth paragraphs, of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

---

(1)  OJ L 295, 14.11.2017, p. 60.

(2)  OJ L 381, 13.11.2020, p. 24

(3)  OJ L 295, 14.11.2017, p. 21.

(4)  OJ L 381, 13.11.2020, p. 8

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| 13.11.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 383/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.11.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 383/6

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Notice for the attention of the data subjects to whom the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 and Council Regulation (EU) 2017/2063 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela apply

(2020/C 383/04)

The attention of data subjects is drawn to the following information in accordance with Article 16 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1).

The legal basis for this processing operation are Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 (2), as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1700 (3), and Council Regulation (EU) 2017/2063 (4), as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1696 (5).

The controller of this processing operation is the Council of the European Union represented by the Director-General of RELEX (External Relations) of the General Secretariat of the Council and the department entrusted with the processing operation is RELEX.1.C that can be contacted at:

| Council of the European Union |
| --- |
| General Secretariat |
| RELEX.1.C |
| Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175 |
| 1048 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

Council of the European Union

General Secretariat

RELEX.1.C

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Email: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu

The GSC’s Data Protection Officer can be contacted at:

Data Protection Officer

data.protection@consilium.europa.eu

The purpose of the processing operation is the establishment and updating of the list of persons subject to restrictive measures in accordance with Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074, as amended by Decision (CFSP) 2020/1700, and Regulation (EU) 2017/2063, as implemented by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1696.

The data subjects are the natural persons who fulfil the listing criteria as laid down in Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 and Regulation (EU) 2017/2063.

The personal data collected includes data necessary for the correct identification of the person concerned, the statement of reasons and any other data related thereto.

The personal data collected may be shared as necessary with the European External Action Service and the Commission.

Without prejudice to restrictions pursuant to Article 25 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725, the exercise of the rights of the data subjects such as the right of access, as well as the rights to rectification or to object will be answered in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725.

Personal data will be retained for 5 years from the moment the data subject has been removed from the list of persons subject to the restrictive measures or the validity of the measure has expired, or for the duration of court proceedings in the event they had been started.

Without prejudice to any judicial, administrative or non-judicial remedy, data subjects may lodge a complaint with the European Data Protection Supervisor in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 (edps@edps.europa.eu).

---

(1)  OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39.

(2)  OJ L 295, 14.11.2017, p. 60.

(3)  OJ L 381, 13.11.2020, p. 24

(4)  OJ L 295, 14.11.2017, p. 21.

(5)  OJ L 381, 13.11.2020, p. 8

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| 13.11.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 383/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.11.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 383/7

---

Notice for the attention of one person subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2010/788/CFSP and Council Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 imposing certain specific restrictive measures directed against persons acting in violation of the arms embargo with regard to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

(2020/C 383/05)

The following information is brought to the attention of Mr. Thomas LUBANGA, person appearing in Annex I to Council Decision 2010/788/CFSP (1) and Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No 1183/2005 (2) imposing certain specific restrictive measures directed against persons acting in violation of the arms embargo with regard to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Council intends to update the entry of the above-mentioned person in accordance with the amendments of 2 November 2020 by the United Nations Security Council Committee (UNSC) established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo (3).

If the person concerned wishes to present observations before the entries in the above-mentioned Annexes are amended on the basis of the updated information by the UNSC Committee, they should be submitted by 27 November 2020 to the following address:

| Council of the European Union |
| --- |
| General Secretariat |
| RELEX.1.C |
| Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175 |
| 1048 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

Council of the European Union

General Secretariat

RELEX.1.C

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Email: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu

---

(1)  OJ L 336, 21.12.2010, p. 30.

(2)  OJ L 193, 23.7.2005, p. 1.

(3)  See press release of 2 November 2020 in UN document SC/14344: https://www.un.org/press/en/2020/sc14344.doc.htm

---

European Commission

| 13.11.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 383/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.11.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 383/8

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Euro exchange rates (1)

12 November 2020

(2020/C 383/06)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,1791 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 124,25 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4459 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,89765 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 10,1825 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,0805 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 162,10 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 10,7658 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 26,465 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 355,20 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,4886 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,8683 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 9,1207 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,6263 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,5443 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 9,1429 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,7196 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,5921 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 314,39 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 18,4908 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,8105 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,5715 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 16 747,23 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,8703 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 57,175 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 91,2463 |
| THB | Thai baht | 35,715 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 6,3638 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 24,2625 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 88,0660 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,1791

JPY

Japanese yen

124,25

DKK

Danish krone

7,4459

GBP

Pound sterling

0,89765

SEK

Swedish krona

10,1825

CHF

Swiss franc

1,0805

ISK

Iceland króna

162,10

NOK

Norwegian krone

10,7658

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

26,465

HUF

Hungarian forint

355,20

PLN

Polish zloty

4,4886

RON

Romanian leu

4,8683

TRY

Turkish lira

9,1207

AUD

Australian dollar

1,6263

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,5443

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

9,1429

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,7196

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,5921

KRW

South Korean won

1 314,39

ZAR

South African rand

18,4908

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,8105

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,5715

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

16 747,23

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,8703

PHP

Philippine peso

57,175

RUB

Russian rouble

91,2463

THB

Thai baht

35,715

BRL

Brazilian real

6,3638

MXN

Mexican peso

24,2625

INR

Indian rupee

88,0660

---

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

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| 13.11.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 383/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.11.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 383/9

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Explanatory Notes to the Combined Nomenclature of the European Union

(2020/C 383/07)

Pursuant to Article 9(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 (1), the Explanatory Notes to the Combined Nomenclature of the European Union (2) are hereby amended as follows:

On page 210:

Heading 4202

The following text is added:

‘This heading also includes small bags consisting of sheeting of plastics with a closing system (for example, a zipper) designed for prolonged use. They generally have reinforced edges (for example, of plastics or of textiles) or stitched seams. They can be used, for example, as a toilet bag, pencil bag or document bag and may be equipped with a handle or a hanging loop.

Examples of such bags include:

Image 1

This heading does not include small, simple bags consisting of sheeting of plastics with a closure, not designed for prolonged use. Those bags are simply sealed at the edges, without reinforcements (for example, there are no reinforced edges of textiles or plastics, nor stitched seams). They may have a fold at the bottom and/or the sides and they generally have a simple plastic “zip-lock” type closure with a slider. They may be equipped with a small handle or a hanging loop. They are to be classified according to their constituent material (classification under Chapter 39).

Examples of such bags include:

Image 2

’

---

(1)  Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 of 23 July 1987 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tariff (OJ L 256, 7.9.1987, p. 1).

1

(2)  OJ C 119, 29.3.2019, p. 1.

2

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V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 13.11.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 383/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.11.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 383/10

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.9892 — Leonardo/Thales/VSB)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2020/C 383/08)

| 1. | On 30 October 2020, the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1).
  This notification concerns the following undertakings:






  — | Leonardo S.p.A. (‘Leonardo’, Italy), |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

On 30 October 2020, the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1).

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

—

Leonardo S.p.A. (‘Leonardo’, Italy),

| — | Thales S.A. (‘Thales’, France) and |
| --- | --- |

—

Thales S.A. (‘Thales’, France) and

| — | Vitrociset Space Business (‘VSB’, Italy) belonging to Vitrociset S.p.A. (‘Vitrociset’, Italy), controlled by Leonardo. |
| --- | --- |

—

Vitrociset Space Business (‘VSB’, Italy) belonging to Vitrociset S.p.A. (‘Vitrociset’, Italy), controlled by Leonardo.

Leonardo and Thales acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of the whole of VSB.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares and assets.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:






  — | Leonardo: active in aerospace, defence and security, energy, communications, transportation and automation services at worldwide level. |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

Leonardo: active in aerospace, defence and security, energy, communications, transportation and automation services at worldwide level.

| — | Thales: active in aerospace, space, ground transportation, defence and security, and digital identity services at worldwide level. |
| --- | --- |

—

Thales: active in aerospace, space, ground transportation, defence and security, and digital identity services at worldwide level.

| — | VSB: active in the provision of technical and engineering services, manufacturing, integration, operational management, maintenance, and logistics for the management of space systems. |
| --- | --- |

—

VSB: active in the provision of technical and engineering services, manufacturing, integration, operational management, maintenance, and logistics for the management of space systems.

| 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 the 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. |
| --- | --- |

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 the 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. | 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. The following reference should always be specified:
  M.9892 — Leonardo/Thales/VSB
  Observations can be sent to the Commission by email, by fax, or by post. Please use the contact details below:
  Email: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu
  Fax +32 22964301
  Postal 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. The following reference should always be specified:

M.9892 — Leonardo/Thales/VSB

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

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

Fax +32 22964301

Postal address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

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(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

| 13.11.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 383/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.11.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 383/12

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Publication of an application for approval of non-minor amendments to a product specification 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

(2020/C 383/09)

This publication confers the right to oppose the amendment 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

APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF NON-MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION FOR A PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN OR PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION

Application for approval of amendments in accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

‘ΠΑΤΑΤΑ ΝΑΞΟΥ’ (PATATA NAXOU)

ΕU No: PGI-GR-0708-AM01 – 14.11.2019

PDO ( ) PGI ( Χ )

1.   Applicant group and legitimate interest

INFORMAL PATATA NAXOU PRODUCER AND PROCESSOR GROUP

The informal ‘Patata Naxou’ producer and processor group operates within the defined geographical area and currently grades, processes, packages and markets most of the ‘Patata Naxou’ production. Moreover, one of the members of the informal group (the Naxos Union of Agricultural cooperatives A.E.S. A.E.) has potato growers as members and it submitted the original application for registration of the name ‘Patata Naxou’ in the EU’s PDO-PGI register.

2.   Member State or third country

Greece

3.   Heading in the product specification affected by the amendment(s)

| ☐ | Name of product |
| --- | --- |

☐

Name of product

| ☒ | Description of product |
| --- | --- |

☒

Description of product

| ☐ | Geographical area |
| --- | --- |

☐

Geographical area

| ☒ | Proof of origin |
| --- | --- |

☒

Proof of origin

| ☒ | Method of production |
| --- | --- |

☒

Method of production

| ☒ | Link |
| --- | --- |

☒

Link

| ☐ | Labelling (packaging) |
| --- | --- |

☐

Labelling (packaging)

| ☒ | Other (Checks, technical adaptation) |
| --- | --- |

☒

Other (Checks, technical adaptation)

4.   Type of amendment(s)

| ☒ | Amendment to the product specification of a registered PDO or PGI not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. |
| --- | --- |

☒

Amendment to the product specification of a registered PDO or PGI not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

| ☐ | Amendment to the product specification of a registered PDO or PGI for which a Single Document (or equivalent) has not been published not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. |
| --- | --- |

☐

Amendment to the product specification of a registered PDO or PGI for which a Single Document (or equivalent) has not been published not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

5.   Amendments

Description of the product

| 1. | In Section 2 of the specification (description of the product) the sentence:
  ‘The potato varieties grown in the geographical area (island of Naxos) are: Liseta, Spunta, Marfona, Vivaldi and Alaska.’
  has been amended to read:
  ‘The potato varieties grown in the geographical area (island of Naxos) are: Liseta, Spunta, Marfona, Vivaldi, Alaska, El Beida, Farida, Noha and Burren.’
  The amendment extends the range of potato varieties covered by the specification. The choice of the new varieties is aimed at adapting the specification for ‘Patata Naxou’ to changes in climatic conditions caused by climate change, as the new varieties are better adapted to the rainfall pattern that has been observed, with noticeably fewer days of rain per month and per year but high daily rainfall (heavy rain) that has been noted over the last 5 years in the defined area (island of Naxos). In particular, the new varieties yield a smaller percentage of misshapen potatoes than the currently approved varieties when there is heavy, persistent rain during the tuber-formation period, as there has been in recent years because of climate change. Moreover, because the tubers develop deeper down in the soil than those of the currently approved varieties, they are not left uncovered by heavy rain and the ensuing surface run-off, so they do not turn green.
  It should be noted that the specific characteristics of ‘Patata Naxou’, i.e. early cropping, medium size, smooth appearance, uniformity and freedom from infestation and disease and defects in general, a dry matter content of more than 18 % and a sugar content of less than 1 % are not affected by the addition of the new varieties, i.e. they remain the same. These specific characteristics are due to the island’s specific soil and climatic characteristics and the numerous traditional cultivation methods that the local producers are still using today.
  The new varieties, which are more resistant to dry conditions (drought) and suitable for early planting in years when there is not much rain, when good quality water reserves are already scarce from mid-May, will help producers to raise their income, which has fallen substantially because of climate change. They have desirable characteristics as regards production (high yields per unit area of land) and, in particular, quality (they keep better so there is less waste and a higher percentage of the crop is marketable, they crop early and are resistant to disease), which are adapted to the area’s soil and climatic conditions and they crop early, which is one of the specific characteristics of ‘Patata Naxou’. Conversely, the current situation is as follows: the fact that the large quantities of rain that fall in just a few days each month cannot be collected for irrigation or retained by the soil (surface run-off), something that has been observed in the defined geographical area over the last 5 years, has made the currently approved varieties less productive and the producers’ income has fallen. Thus, the addition of the new varieties, which do not alter the product’s specific quality characteristics, will help to protect the producers against loss of income and to maintain the current level of ‘Patata Naxou’ PGI production because it will be possible to plant more potato fields with these varieties.
  The corresponding sentence in point 3.2 of the single document has also been amended. |
| --- | --- |

1.

In Section 2 of the specification (description of the product) the sentence:

‘The potato varieties grown in the geographical area (island of Naxos) are: Liseta, Spunta, Marfona, Vivaldi and Alaska.’

has been amended to read:

‘The potato varieties grown in the geographical area (island of Naxos) are: Liseta, Spunta, Marfona, Vivaldi, Alaska, El Beida, Farida, Noha and Burren.’

The amendment extends the range of potato varieties covered by the specification. The choice of the new varieties is aimed at adapting the specification for ‘Patata Naxou’ to changes in climatic conditions caused by climate change, as the new varieties are better adapted to the rainfall pattern that has been observed, with noticeably fewer days of rain per month and per year but high daily rainfall (heavy rain) that has been noted over the last 5 years in the defined area (island of Naxos). In particular, the new varieties yield a smaller percentage of misshapen potatoes than the currently approved varieties when there is heavy, persistent rain during the tuber-formation period, as there has been in recent years because of climate change. Moreover, because the tubers develop deeper down in the soil than those of the currently approved varieties, they are not left uncovered by heavy rain and the ensuing surface run-off, so they do not turn green.

It should be noted that the specific characteristics of ‘Patata Naxou’, i.e. early cropping, medium size, smooth appearance, uniformity and freedom from infestation and disease and defects in general, a dry matter content of more than 18 % and a sugar content of less than 1 % are not affected by the addition of the new varieties, i.e. they remain the same. These specific characteristics are due to the island’s specific soil and climatic characteristics and the numerous traditional cultivation methods that the local producers are still using today.

The new varieties, which are more resistant to dry conditions (drought) and suitable for early planting in years when there is not much rain, when good quality water reserves are already scarce from mid-May, will help producers to raise their income, which has fallen substantially because of climate change. They have desirable characteristics as regards production (high yields per unit area of land) and, in particular, quality (they keep better so there is less waste and a higher percentage of the crop is marketable, they crop early and are resistant to disease), which are adapted to the area’s soil and climatic conditions and they crop early, which is one of the specific characteristics of ‘Patata Naxou’. Conversely, the current situation is as follows: the fact that the large quantities of rain that fall in just a few days each month cannot be collected for irrigation or retained by the soil (surface run-off), something that has been observed in the defined geographical area over the last 5 years, has made the currently approved varieties less productive and the producers’ income has fallen. Thus, the addition of the new varieties, which do not alter the product’s specific quality characteristics, will help to protect the producers against loss of income and to maintain the current level of ‘Patata Naxou’ PGI production because it will be possible to plant more potato fields with these varieties.

The corresponding sentence in point 3.2 of the single document has also been amended.

| 2. | In Section 2 of the specification (description of the product) the sentence:
  ‘The tubers range from 35 to 65 millimetres in length, and are correspondingly round to oblong in shape.’
  has been amended to read:
  ‘The tubers range from 35 mm to 75 mm in length, and are correspondingly round to oblong in shape.’
  The reason for this amendment is that experimental cultivation in the field has shown that some of the new varieties produce slightly larger tubers. These new varieties have been added because they have desirable production characteristics, for example they are more resistant to dry weather conditions, keep better when stored, are resistant to disease and there is little waste, and for the reasons set out in detail in point 1. The increase in the maximum size of the potatoes from 65 mm to 75 mm does not change their classification as medium-sized potatoes, which is one of the specific characteristics of ‘Patata Naxou’.
  The corresponding sentence in point 3.2 of the single document has also been amended. |
| --- | --- |

2.

In Section 2 of the specification (description of the product) the sentence:

‘The tubers range from 35 to 65 millimetres in length, and are correspondingly round to oblong in shape.’

has been amended to read:

‘The tubers range from 35 mm to 75 mm in length, and are correspondingly round to oblong in shape.’

The reason for this amendment is that experimental cultivation in the field has shown that some of the new varieties produce slightly larger tubers. These new varieties have been added because they have desirable production characteristics, for example they are more resistant to dry weather conditions, keep better when stored, are resistant to disease and there is little waste, and for the reasons set out in detail in point 1. The increase in the maximum size of the potatoes from 65 mm to 75 mm does not change their classification as medium-sized potatoes, which is one of the specific characteristics of ‘Patata Naxou’.

The corresponding sentence in point 3.2 of the single document has also been amended.

| 3. | In Section 2 of the specification (description of the product) the following text:
  ‘The skin is yellow and smooth, unbroken with no abrasions. Each tuber has approximately 10 eyes on the surface and the flesh is a typical yellowish-white colour.’
  has been amended to read:
  ‘The skin is pale yellow or yellow and smooth, unbroken with no abrasions. Each tuber has approximately 10 eyes on the surface and the flesh is a typical white, yellow or yellowish-white colour.’
  The reason for these changes is to take account of the physical characteristics of the new varieties. The small changes in the colour of the potato flesh from ‘yellowish-white’ to ‘white, yellow or yellowish-white’ and in the colour of the skin from ‘yellow’ to ‘pale yellow or yellow’ do not alter the product’s specific organoleptic characteristics and will not make any difference to the consumer, as they are not specific characteristics of ‘Patata Naxou’. These new varieties have been added for the reasons set out in detail in point 1.
  The corresponding text in point 3.2 of the single document has also been amended. |
| --- | --- |

3.

In Section 2 of the specification (description of the product) the following text:

‘The skin is yellow and smooth, unbroken with no abrasions. Each tuber has approximately 10 eyes on the surface and the flesh is a typical yellowish-white colour.’

has been amended to read:

‘The skin is pale yellow or yellow and smooth, unbroken with no abrasions. Each tuber has approximately 10 eyes on the surface and the flesh is a typical white, yellow or yellowish-white colour.’

The reason for these changes is to take account of the physical characteristics of the new varieties. The small changes in the colour of the potato flesh from ‘yellowish-white’ to ‘white, yellow or yellowish-white’ and in the colour of the skin from ‘yellow’ to ‘pale yellow or yellow’ do not alter the product’s specific organoleptic characteristics and will not make any difference to the consumer, as they are not specific characteristics of ‘Patata Naxou’. These new varieties have been added for the reasons set out in detail in point 1.

The corresponding text in point 3.2 of the single document has also been amended.

| 4. | In Section 2 of the specification (description of the product) the sentence:
  ‘A small percentage (<10 %) is made up of other varieties which are assessed by the local Propagation Material Production Centre and are periodically made available to the local producers for cultivation and assessment.’
  has been amended to read:
  ‘A small percentage (<10 %) is made up of other varieties which will have the product characteristics described in the specification.’
  Since the PGI was first approved and up until now the local Propagation Material Production Centre has been assessing the seed potatoes. In recent years seed potato production has fallen considerably and most of the land used for potato growing is now planted with potatoes intended for consumption, which was not the case in the year the original application for registration was approved and in the years that followed, when most of the potatoes grown were destined for use as seed potatoes. For this reason we have changed the wording to prevent any misunderstanding. In any event, checking for compliance with the specification is solely the responsibility of the competent inspection body and not the producers themselves. |
| --- | --- |

4.

In Section 2 of the specification (description of the product) the sentence:

‘A small percentage (<10 %) is made up of other varieties which are assessed by the local Propagation Material Production Centre and are periodically made available to the local producers for cultivation and assessment.’

has been amended to read:

‘A small percentage (<10 %) is made up of other varieties which will have the product characteristics described in the specification.’

Since the PGI was first approved and up until now the local Propagation Material Production Centre has been assessing the seed potatoes. In recent years seed potato production has fallen considerably and most of the land used for potato growing is now planted with potatoes intended for consumption, which was not the case in the year the original application for registration was approved and in the years that followed, when most of the potatoes grown were destined for use as seed potatoes. For this reason we have changed the wording to prevent any misunderstanding. In any event, checking for compliance with the specification is solely the responsibility of the competent inspection body and not the producers themselves.

| 5. | In Section 5(g) of the product specification (Harvesting) the sentence:
  ‘Harvesting of the spring crop starts at the end of May and finishes in the first ten days of July.’
  has been amended to read:
  ‘Harvesting of the spring crop starts at the end of April and finishes in the first ten days of July.’
  The reason for this amendment is that the new El Beida variety crops very early (it is harvested 80-85 days after planting).
  The corresponding sentence in point 3.2 of the single document has also been amended. |
| --- | --- |

5.

In Section 5(g) of the product specification (Harvesting) the sentence:

‘Harvesting of the spring crop starts at the end of May and finishes in the first ten days of July.’

has been amended to read:

‘Harvesting of the spring crop starts at the end of April and finishes in the first ten days of July.’

The reason for this amendment is that the new El Beida variety crops very early (it is harvested 80-85 days after planting).

The corresponding sentence in point 3.2 of the single document has also been amended.

| 6. | In Section 5(b) of the product specification (Planting of the seed potatoes) the sentence:
  ‘Today on Naxos there are two planting seasons: the spring crop is planted from mid-February until the beginning of March, while the autumn crop is planted from the beginning of August until the first days of September.’
  has been amended to read:
  ‘Today on Naxos there are two planting seasons: the spring crop is planted from mid-January until the beginning of March, while the autumn crop is planted from the beginning of August until the first days of September.’
  The reason for the amendment is that the new variety El Beida is planted from mid-January for the spring crop, as it is a very early variety, which is harvested 80-85 days after planting, so that the harvest begins at the end of April, when the water reserves used to irrigate the crop are of good quality.
  The corresponding sentence in point 3.2 of the single document has also been amended. |
| --- | --- |

6.

In Section 5(b) of the product specification (Planting of the seed potatoes) the sentence:

‘Today on Naxos there are two planting seasons: the spring crop is planted from mid-February until the beginning of March, while the autumn crop is planted from the beginning of August until the first days of September.’

has been amended to read:

‘Today on Naxos there are two planting seasons: the spring crop is planted from mid-January until the beginning of March, while the autumn crop is planted from the beginning of August until the first days of September.’

The reason for the amendment is that the new variety El Beida is planted from mid-January for the spring crop, as it is a very early variety, which is harvested 80-85 days after planting, so that the harvest begins at the end of April, when the water reserves used to irrigate the crop are of good quality.

The corresponding sentence in point 3.2 of the single document has also been amended.

Proof of origin

| 7. | In Section 4 of the product specification (Proof of origin) the paragraph concerning the register of ‘Patata Naxou’ growers:
  ‘Τhe register lists the current growers and is open to new growers. In order to ensure that the information is correctly updated on time, the register should be kept by the Naxos Union of Agricultural Cooperatives.’
  has been amended to read:
  ‘The register lists the current producers and is open to new growers. It is kept by the “Patata Naxou” grading, packaging and trading companies. The companies must apply a traceability system that shows the relationship between input/raw material and output/final product at any given moment.
  In particular, companies that grade/package the product must keep a record of the producers/growers they work with, which must include, among other things, the IACS land parcel code (cartographic base), the varieties grown on each land parcel and the quantities received from each producer and per land parcel.’
  Under Greek law, in order to be certified as entitled to use the PGI, companies that grade, package and sell ‘Patata Naxou’ must be inspected by the PDO/PGI inspection and certification body ELGO-DIMITRA, which is attached to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food. The companies must apply a traceability system that shows the relationship between input/raw material and output/final product at any given moment. In particular, companies that grade/package the product must keep a record of the producers/growers they work with, which must include, among other things, the IACS land parcel code (cartographic base), the varieties grown on each land parcel and the quantities received from each producer and per land parcel.
  The reason for this amendment is therefore to ensure that the information contained in the register which is notified to ΕLGO-DIMITRA by the ‘Patata Naxou’ grading and packaging companies is reliable and kept up to date. It also removes a restriction (that the registers can only be kept by the Naxos Union of Agricultural Cooperatives) and brings the rules into line with national provisions requiring product traceability checks to be performed by ELGO-DIMITRA. |
| --- | --- |

7.

In Section 4 of the product specification (Proof of origin) the paragraph concerning the register of ‘Patata Naxou’ growers:

‘Τhe register lists the current growers and is open to new growers. In order to ensure that the information is correctly updated on time, the register should be kept by the Naxos Union of Agricultural Cooperatives.’

has been amended to read:

‘The register lists the current producers and is open to new growers. It is kept by the “Patata Naxou” grading, packaging and trading companies. The companies must apply a traceability system that shows the relationship between input/raw material and output/final product at any given moment.

In particular, companies that grade/package the product must keep a record of the producers/growers they work with, which must include, among other things, the IACS land parcel code (cartographic base), the varieties grown on each land parcel and the quantities received from each producer and per land parcel.’

Under Greek law, in order to be certified as entitled to use the PGI, companies that grade, package and sell ‘Patata Naxou’ must be inspected by the PDO/PGI inspection and certification body ELGO-DIMITRA, which is attached to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food. The companies must apply a traceability system that shows the relationship between input/raw material and output/final product at any given moment. In particular, companies that grade/package the product must keep a record of the producers/growers they work with, which must include, among other things, the IACS land parcel code (cartographic base), the varieties grown on each land parcel and the quantities received from each producer and per land parcel.

The reason for this amendment is therefore to ensure that the information contained in the register which is notified to ΕLGO-DIMITRA by the ‘Patata Naxou’ grading and packaging companies is reliable and kept up to date. It also removes a restriction (that the registers can only be kept by the Naxos Union of Agricultural Cooperatives) and brings the rules into line with national provisions requiring product traceability checks to be performed by ELGO-DIMITRA.

Method of production

| 8. | In Section 5(b) of the product specification (Planting of the seed potatoes) the sentence:
  ‘The quantity of seed potato used is between 150 and 300 kilos per stremma depending on the size and the planting distances.’
  has been amended to read:
  ‘The quantity of seed potato used is between 100 and 500 kilos per stremma depending on the size and the planting distances.’
  The reason for this amendment is to adjust the quantity of seed potato planted per stremma to take account of the new potato varieties and the experimental data collected so far. The minimum quantity of certified seed potatoes depends on their size, the number of eyes per tuber, the planting distances, which are mainly determined by the machinery used on each holding, and the way in which the seed potatoes are cut into pieces, which varies from one producer to another and from one land parcel to another (for some land parcels where water retention and/or diseases are a problem, or there are simply not enough workers, the seed potatoes are not cut into pieces). For August-September planting the quantity of seed potatoes is between 300 and 500 kilos depending on size, as they are not usually cut into pieces, so they are heavier, while for January-March planting the quantity is between 110 and 180 kilos per stremma.
  This amendment does not affect the product’s quality characteristics and is necessary to ensure crop yield and profitability. |
| --- | --- |

8.

In Section 5(b) of the product specification (Planting of the seed potatoes) the sentence:

‘The quantity of seed potato used is between 150 and 300 kilos per stremma depending on the size and the planting distances.’

has been amended to read:

‘The quantity of seed potato used is between 100 and 500 kilos per stremma depending on the size and the planting distances.’

The reason for this amendment is to adjust the quantity of seed potato planted per stremma to take account of the new potato varieties and the experimental data collected so far. The minimum quantity of certified seed potatoes depends on their size, the number of eyes per tuber, the planting distances, which are mainly determined by the machinery used on each holding, and the way in which the seed potatoes are cut into pieces, which varies from one producer to another and from one land parcel to another (for some land parcels where water retention and/or diseases are a problem, or there are simply not enough workers, the seed potatoes are not cut into pieces). For August-September planting the quantity of seed potatoes is between 300 and 500 kilos depending on size, as they are not usually cut into pieces, so they are heavier, while for January-March planting the quantity is between 110 and 180 kilos per stremma.

This amendment does not affect the product’s quality characteristics and is necessary to ensure crop yield and profitability.

| 9. | In Section 5(g) of the product specification (Harvesting) the sentence:
  ‘Today harvesting takes place around 90-120 days after planting, depending on the variety and the area where the potatoes are grown.’
  has been amended to read:
  ‘Today harvesting takes place around 80-120 days after planting, depending on the variety and the area where the potatoes are grown.’
  The reason for this amendment is the addition of the El Beida variety, which crops very early (it is harvested 80-85 days after planting). |
| --- | --- |

9.

In Section 5(g) of the product specification (Harvesting) the sentence:

‘Today harvesting takes place around 90-120 days after planting, depending on the variety and the area where the potatoes are grown.’

has been amended to read:

‘Today harvesting takes place around 80-120 days after planting, depending on the variety and the area where the potatoes are grown.’

The reason for this amendment is the addition of the El Beida variety, which crops very early (it is harvested 80-85 days after planting).

| 10. | In Section 5(h) of the product specification (Post-harvest handling) the following text:
  ‘Today this is still done and it contributes significantly to the high quality of the potatoes.
  After the potatoes have been cured, each producer declares his harvest to the cooperative and then, depending on the harvest records, sacks are distributed in order of precedence.
  After the initial sorting of the pile in the field, the potatoes are packed in sacks and the agronomist in the field performs an initial quality check. The batch deemed suitable will be taken to the packhouse where a second quality check will be performed and any defective tubers removed, so that the potatoes can be repacked in sacks as checked.’
  has been amended to read:
  ‘Today this is still done and it contributes significantly to the high quality of the potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes, while for potatoes intended for consumption the practice is now optional. Alternatively, the local producers, after harvesting and an initial sorting, which must be carried out once the potatoes have been dug up, may transport the potatoes intended for consumption to the modern cold stores that are now part of the island’s packaging facilities but did not exist before, where the potatoes intended for consumption retain their specific quality characteristics for months before being transported to final consumers all over Greece. Curing under cover of straw is no longer mandatory for the potatoes intended for consumption because: (a) when, immediately after harvesting, the potatoes intended for consumption are transported in sacks or bins to suitable storage facilities and kept in the right conditions (temperature and humidity) they are less susceptible to infestation by the potato tuber moth, whose development is slowed down in today’s cold stores, as local agronomists have observed; and (b) if the potatoes intended for consumption are directly transported to cold stores after harvesting, they can be quality checked before being packed into batches, as the potato blight life cycle speeds up in the cold, and any affected tubers can be removed before sale.
  After the initial sorting in the field, the potatoes are put in sacks or bins and the agronomist in the field performs an initial quality check. Batches deemed suitable will be taken to the packhouse where a second quality check will be performed and any defective tubers removed, so that the potatoes can be repacked in sacks as checked.’
  Accordingly, in point 3.4 (formerly point 3.5) of the single document the following text:
  ‘These steps must take place in the defined area because the local potato farmers have acquired the know-how to ensure an early harvest by capitalising on the local environmental conditions (timing of planting in relation to rainfall). In addition, after the potatoes are pulled up a specific step takes place whereby they are covered with straw so that the skin will thicken, making them more resistant to damage during transport, and superficial wounds can heal.’
  has been amended to read:
  ‘These steps must take place in the defined area because the local potato farmers have acquired the know-how to ensure an early harvest by capitalising on the local environmental conditions (timing of planting in relation to rainfall). In addition, after the potatoes are pulled up a specific step takes place whereby they are covered with straw so that the skin will thicken, making them more resistant to damage during transport, and superficial wounds can heal. This step is mandatory for the potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes and optional for the potatoes intended for consumption.’
  Accordingly, in point 5.1.C of the single document the following sentence:
  ‘Another specific feature of potato cultivation on Naxos is that the harvested potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes are cured under cover of straw.’
  has been amended to read:
  ‘Another specific feature of potato cultivation on Naxos is that the harvested potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes are cured under cover of straw. For the potatoes intended for consumption, this step is retained on an optional basis.’
  Accordingly, in point 5.3. of the single document entitled ‘Causal link between the geographical area and a specific quality, the reputation and other characteristic of the product’ the following text:
  ‘After the potatoes have been pulled up, the local potato farmers carry out an initial sorting in the field to discard foreign material and damaged tubers. The potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes are then arranged in piles in the field and covered with a layer of straw and then a layer of potato plants to protect them from the sun. The curing in the field improves the keeping qualities of the product: the skin hardens and thickens, which makes it more resistant to damage during transport, surface wounds can heal and the toxic glycoalkaloid content is reduced. The potatoes intended for consumption are transported immediately after harvesting to the “Patata Naxou” grading, storage, packaging and trading companies, where they are kept in suitable conditions (temperature and humidity).’
  has been amended to read:
  ‘After the potatoes have been pulled up, the local potato farmers carry out an initial sorting in the field to discard foreign material and damaged tubers. The potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes are then arranged in piles in the field and covered with a layer of straw and then a layer of potato plants to protect them from the sun. For the potatoes intended for consumption, this step is retained on an optional basis. The curing in the field improves the keeping qualities of the product: the skin hardens and thickens, which makes it more resistant to damage during transport, surface wounds can heal and the toxic glycoalkaloid content is reduced. Alternatively, the potatoes intended for consumption may be transported immediately after harvesting to the “Patata Naxou” grading, storage, packaging and trading companies, where they are kept in suitable conditions (temperature and humidity).’
  Accordingly, in Section 6.c.Ι of the product specification entitled ‘Link between the quality of the product and the geographical area’ the following text:
  ‘Another specific cultivation practice on Naxos, which contributes significantly to the high quality of the local potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes, is that the harvested tubers are cured under cover in the field. The skin hardens, which reduces the risk of secondary infestations and protects the potatoes from damage during transport (Attachment 23). This practice also reduces the risk of the glycoalkaloid content (toxins) increasing during further handling operations (Attachment 24).’
  has been amended to read:
  ‘Another specific cultivation practice on Naxos, which contributes significantly to the high quality of the local potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes, is that the harvested tubers are cured under cover in the field. The skin hardens, which reduces the risk of secondary infestations and protects the potatoes from damage during transport (Attachment 23). This practice also reduces the risk of the glycoalkaloid content (toxins) increasing during further handling operations (Attachment 24). Curing under cover in the field is a mandatory post-harvest handling operation for potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes and an optional post-harvest handling operation for potatoes intended for consumption. Alternatively, the local producers, after harvesting and an initial sorting, which must be carried out once the potatoes have been dug up, may transport the potatoes intended for consumption to the modern cold stores that are now part of the island’s packaging facilities but did not exist before, where the potatoes intended for consumption retain their specific quality characteristics for months before being transported to final consumers all over Greece.’
  The reason for these amendments is that when the application to have ‘Patata Naxou’ registered as a PGI was approved in March 2011, most of the potatoes produced were destined for use as seed potatoes, whereas for the last six years most of the ‘Patata Naxou’ production has been intended for consumption, and only a small percentage has been destined for use as seed potato. This is why curing under cover of straw no longer needs to be mandatory for the potatoes intended for consumption. The drop in demand for seed potatoes is mainly due to fierce competition in recent years from Cypriot seed potatoes, which are harvested earlier than on Naxos and consequently meet the needs of the different parts of Greece for early planting.
  Curing in the field under cover of straw is mandatory for potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes, as it has been up to now, because while it is under cover ‘Patata Naxou’ matures and the skin hardens and thickens, so that it is more resistant to damage during transport and surface wounds can heal. These characteristics are desirable, as seed potatoes are stored for a long time for use the following growing season and they are transported for long distances all over Greece. This practice also reduces the risk of the glycoalkaloid content (toxins) in the seed potatoes increasing during further handling operations.
  Curing under cover of straw is no longer mandatory for potatoes intended for consumption because: (a) when, immediately after harvesting, the potatoes intended for consumption are transported in sacks or bins to suitable storage facilities and kept in the right conditions (temperature and humidity) they are less susceptible to infestation by the potato tuber moth, whose development is slowed down in today’s cold stores, as local agronomists have observed; and (b) since the potatoes intended for consumption are directly transported to cold stores after harvesting, they can be quality checked before being packed into batches, as the potato blight life cycle speeds up in the cold, and any affected tubers can be removed before sale. Transporting the product to modern cold stores after harvesting and initial sorting in the field thus helps to improve the quality characteristics of ‘Patata Naxou’ (potatoes intended for consumption).
  The amendment that ‘after the potatoes have been cured each grower declares his harvest to the cooperative and then, depending on the harvest records, sacks are distributed in order of precedence’ has been deleted because of the amendments under Proof of origin.
  Lastly, the reason for adding bins as an alternative to sacks for transport and storage is that the potatoes suffer less damage and their quality is therefore less impaired, as they are less bumped about in the bins than in sacks and they breathe better during storage and keep longer as a result. |
| --- | --- |

10.

In Section 5(h) of the product specification (Post-harvest handling) the following text:

‘Today this is still done and it contributes significantly to the high quality of the potatoes.

After the potatoes have been cured, each producer declares his harvest to the cooperative and then, depending on the harvest records, sacks are distributed in order of precedence.

After the initial sorting of the pile in the field, the potatoes are packed in sacks and the agronomist in the field performs an initial quality check. The batch deemed suitable will be taken to the packhouse where a second quality check will be performed and any defective tubers removed, so that the potatoes can be repacked in sacks as checked.’

has been amended to read:

‘Today this is still done and it contributes significantly to the high quality of the potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes, while for potatoes intended for consumption the practice is now optional. Alternatively, the local producers, after harvesting and an initial sorting, which must be carried out once the potatoes have been dug up, may transport the potatoes intended for consumption to the modern cold stores that are now part of the island’s packaging facilities but did not exist before, where the potatoes intended for consumption retain their specific quality characteristics for months before being transported to final consumers all over Greece. Curing under cover of straw is no longer mandatory for the potatoes intended for consumption because: (a) when, immediately after harvesting, the potatoes intended for consumption are transported in sacks or bins to suitable storage facilities and kept in the right conditions (temperature and humidity) they are less susceptible to infestation by the potato tuber moth, whose development is slowed down in today’s cold stores, as local agronomists have observed; and (b) if the potatoes intended for consumption are directly transported to cold stores after harvesting, they can be quality checked before being packed into batches, as the potato blight life cycle speeds up in the cold, and any affected tubers can be removed before sale.

After the initial sorting in the field, the potatoes are put in sacks or bins and the agronomist in the field performs an initial quality check. Batches deemed suitable will be taken to the packhouse where a second quality check will be performed and any defective tubers removed, so that the potatoes can be repacked in sacks as checked.’

Accordingly, in point 3.4 (formerly point 3.5) of the single document the following text:

‘These steps must take place in the defined area because the local potato farmers have acquired the know-how to ensure an early harvest by capitalising on the local environmental conditions (timing of planting in relation to rainfall). In addition, after the potatoes are pulled up a specific step takes place whereby they are covered with straw so that the skin will thicken, making them more resistant to damage during transport, and superficial wounds can heal.’

has been amended to read:

‘These steps must take place in the defined area because the local potato farmers have acquired the know-how to ensure an early harvest by capitalising on the local environmental conditions (timing of planting in relation to rainfall). In addition, after the potatoes are pulled up a specific step takes place whereby they are covered with straw so that the skin will thicken, making them more resistant to damage during transport, and superficial wounds can heal. This step is mandatory for the potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes and optional for the potatoes intended for consumption.’

Accordingly, in point 5.1.C of the single document the following sentence:

‘Another specific feature of potato cultivation on Naxos is that the harvested potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes are cured under cover of straw.’

has been amended to read:

‘Another specific feature of potato cultivation on Naxos is that the harvested potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes are cured under cover of straw. For the potatoes intended for consumption, this step is retained on an optional basis.’

Accordingly, in point 5.3. of the single document entitled ‘Causal link between the geographical area and a specific quality, the reputation and other characteristic of the product’ the following text:

‘After the potatoes have been pulled up, the local potato farmers carry out an initial sorting in the field to discard foreign material and damaged tubers. The potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes are then arranged in piles in the field and covered with a layer of straw and then a layer of potato plants to protect them from the sun. The curing in the field improves the keeping qualities of the product: the skin hardens and thickens, which makes it more resistant to damage during transport, surface wounds can heal and the toxic glycoalkaloid content is reduced. The potatoes intended for consumption are transported immediately after harvesting to the “Patata Naxou” grading, storage, packaging and trading companies, where they are kept in suitable conditions (temperature and humidity).’

has been amended to read:

‘After the potatoes have been pulled up, the local potato farmers carry out an initial sorting in the field to discard foreign material and damaged tubers. The potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes are then arranged in piles in the field and covered with a layer of straw and then a layer of potato plants to protect them from the sun. For the potatoes intended for consumption, this step is retained on an optional basis. The curing in the field improves the keeping qualities of the product: the skin hardens and thickens, which makes it more resistant to damage during transport, surface wounds can heal and the toxic glycoalkaloid content is reduced. Alternatively, the potatoes intended for consumption may be transported immediately after harvesting to the “Patata Naxou” grading, storage, packaging and trading companies, where they are kept in suitable conditions (temperature and humidity).’

Accordingly, in Section 6.c.Ι of the product specification entitled ‘Link between the quality of the product and the geographical area’ the following text:

‘Another specific cultivation practice on Naxos, which contributes significantly to the high quality of the local potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes, is that the harvested tubers are cured under cover in the field. The skin hardens, which reduces the risk of secondary infestations and protects the potatoes from damage during transport (Attachment 23). This practice also reduces the risk of the glycoalkaloid content (toxins) increasing during further handling operations (Attachment 24).’

has been amended to read:

‘Another specific cultivation practice on Naxos, which contributes significantly to the high quality of the local potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes, is that the harvested tubers are cured under cover in the field. The skin hardens, which reduces the risk of secondary infestations and protects the potatoes from damage during transport (Attachment 23). This practice also reduces the risk of the glycoalkaloid content (toxins) increasing during further handling operations (Attachment 24). Curing under cover in the field is a mandatory post-harvest handling operation for potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes and an optional post-harvest handling operation for potatoes intended for consumption. Alternatively, the local producers, after harvesting and an initial sorting, which must be carried out once the potatoes have been dug up, may transport the potatoes intended for consumption to the modern cold stores that are now part of the island’s packaging facilities but did not exist before, where the potatoes intended for consumption retain their specific quality characteristics for months before being transported to final consumers all over Greece.’

The reason for these amendments is that when the application to have ‘Patata Naxou’ registered as a PGI was approved in March 2011, most of the potatoes produced were destined for use as seed potatoes, whereas for the last six years most of the ‘Patata Naxou’ production has been intended for consumption, and only a small percentage has been destined for use as seed potato. This is why curing under cover of straw no longer needs to be mandatory for the potatoes intended for consumption. The drop in demand for seed potatoes is mainly due to fierce competition in recent years from Cypriot seed potatoes, which are harvested earlier than on Naxos and consequently meet the needs of the different parts of Greece for early planting.

Curing in the field under cover of straw is mandatory for potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes, as it has been up to now, because while it is under cover ‘Patata Naxou’ matures and the skin hardens and thickens, so that it is more resistant to damage during transport and surface wounds can heal. These characteristics are desirable, as seed potatoes are stored for a long time for use the following growing season and they are transported for long distances all over Greece. This practice also reduces the risk of the glycoalkaloid content (toxins) in the seed potatoes increasing during further handling operations.

Curing under cover of straw is no longer mandatory for potatoes intended for consumption because: (a) when, immediately after harvesting, the potatoes intended for consumption are transported in sacks or bins to suitable storage facilities and kept in the right conditions (temperature and humidity) they are less susceptible to infestation by the potato tuber moth, whose development is slowed down in today’s cold stores, as local agronomists have observed; and (b) since the potatoes intended for consumption are directly transported to cold stores after harvesting, they can be quality checked before being packed into batches, as the potato blight life cycle speeds up in the cold, and any affected tubers can be removed before sale. Transporting the product to modern cold stores after harvesting and initial sorting in the field thus helps to improve the quality characteristics of ‘Patata Naxou’ (potatoes intended for consumption).

The amendment that ‘after the potatoes have been cured each grower declares his harvest to the cooperative and then, depending on the harvest records, sacks are distributed in order of precedence’ has been deleted because of the amendments under Proof of origin.

Lastly, the reason for adding bins as an alternative to sacks for transport and storage is that the potatoes suffer less damage and their quality is therefore less impaired, as they are less bumped about in the bins than in sacks and they breathe better during storage and keep longer as a result.

Inspections

| 11. | Section 7 of the specification:






  ‘1. | Organisation for the Certification and Supervision of Agricultural Products





  (O.P.E.GE.P.) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Address: Patision & Androu 1, 11257 Athens, Greece |
| Tel. +30 2108231253 |
| Fax +30 2108231438 |

11.

Section 7 of the specification:

‘1.

Organisation for the Certification and Supervision of Agricultural Products

(O.P.E.GE.P.)

Address: Patision & Androu 1, 11257 Athens, Greece

Tel. +30 2108231253

Fax +30 2108231438

| 2. | Cyclades Prefectural Authority





  Directorate for Rural Development |
| --- | --- |
| Address: Afroditis 2, 84100 Ermoupoli, Greece |
| Tel. +30 2281082696 |

2.

Cyclades Prefectural Authority

Directorate for Rural Development

Address: Afroditis 2, 84100 Ermoupoli, Greece

Tel. +30 2281082696

Email: u14403@minagric.gr’

has been amended to read:

‘The authorities responsible for checking that “Patata Naxou” complies with the requirements of the product specification are:

| (1) | The Directorate-General for Quality Assurance of Agricultural Products of “ΕLGO-DIMITRA” (a legal person governed by private law) (address: Kourtidou 56-58 & Nirvana, 11145 Athens, Greece. Tel. +30 2108392000). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The Directorate-General for Quality Assurance of Agricultural Products of “ΕLGO-DIMITRA” (a legal person governed by private law) (address: Kourtidou 56-58 & Nirvana, 11145 Athens, Greece. Tel. +30 2108392000).

| (2) | The Directorate-General for the Regional Rural Economy and Veterinary Affairs of the South Aegean Region (address: G. Mavrou 2, Zefiros, Rhodes, Greece. Tel. +30 2241364912 and +30 2241364876). |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The Directorate-General for the Regional Rural Economy and Veterinary Affairs of the South Aegean Region (address: G. Mavrou 2, Zefiros, Rhodes, Greece. Tel. +30 2241364912 and +30 2241364876).

| (3) | Rural Economic Affairs Department, Naxos Regional Unit (address: Chora, Naxos, Greece).’ |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Rural Economic Affairs Department, Naxos Regional Unit (address: Chora, Naxos, Greece).’

The reason for the amendment is to update the details of the authorities responsible for checking that the product specification is complied with.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘ΠΑΤΑΤΑ ΝΑΞΟΥ’ (PATATA NAXOU)

EU No: PGI-GR-0708-AM01 – 14.11.2019

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1.   Name

‘Πατάτα Νάξου’ (Patata Naxou)

2.   Member State or third country

Greece

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

‘Patata Naxou’ is the edible tuber of the plant Solanum tuberosum, which can be consumed in its natural state without the need for any processing (edible potatoes). The tubers range from 35 mm to 75 mm in length, and are correspondingly round to oblong in shape. The skin is pale yellow or yellow and smooth, unbroken with no abrasions. Each tuber has approximately 10 eyes on the surface and the flesh is a typical white, yellow or yellowish-white colour.

‘Patata Naxou’ is uniform in size, has a smooth appearance and is free of infestation and disease. It contains over 18 % dry matter and less than 1 % sugar. The spring crop is harvested very early.

The potato varieties grown on the island of Naxos are: Liseta, Spunta, Marfona, Vivaldi, Alaska, El Beida, Farida, Noha and Burren.

Today on Naxos there are two planting seasons: the spring crop is planted from mid-January until the beginning of March, while the autumn crop is planted from the beginning of August until the first days of September. Harvesting of the spring crop starts at the end of April and finishes in the first ten days of July.

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

Raw materials

—

Feed

—

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

The following steps take place in the defined geographical area: planting, cultivation, harvesting and curing of the potatoes.

These steps must take place in the defined area because the local potato farmers have acquired the know-how to ensure an early harvest by capitalising on the local environmental conditions (timing of planting in relation to rainfall). In addition, after the potatoes are pulled up a specific steps takes place whereby they are covered with straw, so that the skin will thicken, making them more resistant to damage during transport, and superficial wounds can heal. This step is mandatory for the potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes and optional for the potatoes intended for consumption.

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

—

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

—

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

‘Patata Naxou’ is produced on the island of Naxos. With a surface area of 428 km2, Naxos is the largest island in the Prefecture of the Cyclades in the region of the South Aegean. The total area planted with potatoes depends on the growing season and ranges from 1 500 to 1 700stremmata (150 to 170 hectares) for the autumn crop and 3 000stremmata (300 hectares) for the spring crop.

5.   Link with the geographical area

5.1.   Specificity of the geographical area

Α. Climate: the climate data set out below are considered to be specific climatic factors responsible for the quality classification of the product:

| (1) | relative humidity, which stays at an annual average of 71 %; |
| --- | --- |

(1)

relative humidity, which stays at an annual average of 71 %;

| (2) | maximum annual rainfall of 370 mm; |
| --- | --- |

(2)

maximum annual rainfall of 370 mm;

| (3) | northerly winds that prevail throughout the year; |
| --- | --- |

(3)

northerly winds that prevail throughout the year;

| (4) | annual average temperature of 17,5 °C; |
| --- | --- |

(4)

annual average temperature of 17,5 °C;

| (5) | 202 days of sunshine a year; |
| --- | --- |

(5)

202 days of sunshine a year;

| (6) | virtually no frost. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

virtually no frost.

Climatic factors that are especially important for cultivation of ‘Patata Naxou’ are the air humidity and the high temperatures. These conditions prevent Phytophthora spp. infestation, which causes the highest percentage of potato crop losses. Specifically, such infestation is favoured by relative humidity higher than 90 % and temperatures lower than 27 °C. The climatic conditions on Naxos are therefore crucial to preventing infestation by the most serious potato pest and, as there is minimal manifestation of other pathogens in the area, the use of plant protection products can be kept to a minimum.

In addition, the high temperatures combined with the long hours of sunshine extend the potato’s vegetative cycle to cover the whole year, and constitute optimal curing conditions for the tubers. Lastly, the temperature difference between day and night favours tuber formation.

Β. Soil: the bedrock of Naxos is crystalline rock, mainly granite, gneiss, marble and schists in the mountainous part of the island and tertiary sediments, mainly marls, sandstone and conglomerate rock in the lowland and coastal areas.

The island’s soil is deep, coarse-textured sandy loam, non-sodic and with zero erosion risk. It contains sufficient amounts of phosphorus and potassium and has medium magnesium and low organic matter content. Sandy loam drains well and permits the unhindered development of regular, clean tubers.

C. Human factor: the cultivation practices are also specifically adapted to the local environment; in combination with the aforementioned advantages, the growers take full advantage of the seasonal rainfall. The period of heavy rainfall, from November to February, coincides with the tuber development of the autumn crop and the sprouting of the spring crop. The cultivation practices are therefore clearly adapted to the local climatic conditions, and one of the main characteristics of the Patata Naxou, the fact that it crops early, is due to this adaptation.

Another specific feature of potato cultivation on Naxos is that the harvested potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes are cured under cover of straw. For the potatoes intended for consumption, this step is retained on an optional basis. After the potatoes have been pulled up and initial sorting has been carried out in order to discard foreign material and damaged tubers, the growers cover the potatoes with a layer of straw in the field, which is then covered with potato plants to protect them from the sun. During this time, the skin of ‘Patata Naxou’ hardens and thickens, which makes it more resistant to damage during transport, and surface wounds can heal. This practice also reduces the risk of the glycoalkaloid content increasing during further handling operations.

5.2.   Specificity of the product

‘Patata Naxou’ has acquired an excellent reputation on the market, as a product of consistently high quality. This reputation goes back almost two centuries to the beginnings of the modern Greek state. It is a product of great importance to the local community and is identified with the island of Naxos. It features in tourist guides to the island and in recipes of well-known chefs, and has been mentioned in the Greek and foreign press.

In addition, the fact that the spring crop is harvested early is a specific characteristic of ‘Patata Naxou’ that enhances its commercial value.

5.3.   Causal link between the geographical area and a specific quality, the reputation or other characteristic of the product

The link between the product and the geographical area derives from its reputation. The specificity of ‘Patata Naxou’ results from the combination of the specific soil and climatic conditions of the island of Naxos and local cultivation practices that have been adapted to these conditions. This differentiation has given ‘Patata Naxou’ a specific reputation throughout Greece, which is attested by references dating back to the first half of the 19th century, when the potato was first introduced into the country.

‘Patata Naxou’ first became famous in 1841, when it was offered to King Otto as a local speciality when he visited the island. In 1874 Dugit described it as one of the important agricultural products of Naxos. Later, in 1911, the first archived agricultural census in Greece recorded 1 119stremmata planted with potatoes on Naxos. In 1926, the reputation of ‘Patata Naxou’ had spread to such an extent that the community of Glinado chose the potato plant as the emblem for its seal.

The excellent quality of the potatoes produced on Naxos led the Greek state to set up the National Seed Potato Production Centre on the island in 1953, and in 1959 ‘Patata Naxou’ was entered in the list of products that the State must protect. Since then ‘Patata Naxou’ has been one of the local products promoted in Greek and foreign tourist guides.

Today, ‘Patata Naxou’ is famous throughout Greece and has been mentioned in many magazine and newspaper articles. It also features in tourist guides and cookery magazines, in the recipes of well-known Greek chefs and food critics and on the menus of well-known restaurants. In addition, every year the Naxos local authorities organise potato festivals, which confirm its reputation and its historical importance for the local community.

A specific feature of the spring crop of ‘Patata Naxou’ is that it is harvested very early. In particular, the cultivation practices are very important as the planting of the potatoes is timed to take full advantage of the seasonal rainfall and the availability of water resources. The fact that the spring crop of ‘Patata Naxou’ is harvested very early is a specific characteristic that enhances its market value and makes it highly sought after at the beginning of summer, when early potatoes are difficult to find.

After the potatoes have been pulled up, the local potato farmers carry out an initial sorting in the field to discard foreign material and damaged tubers. The potatoes destined for use as seed potatoes are then arranged in piles in the field and covered with a layer of straw and then a layer of potato plants to protect them from the sun. For the potatoes intended for consumption this step is retained on an optional basis. The curing in the field improves the keeping qualities of the product: the skin hardens and thickens, which makes it more resistant to damage during transport, surface wounds can heal and the toxic glycoalkaloid content is reduced. Alternatively, the potatoes intended for consumption may be transported immediately after harvesting to the ‘Patata Naxou’ grading, storage, packaging and trading companies, where they are kept in suitable conditions (temperature and humidity)..

The climatic factors that are favourable for the cultivation of ‘Patata Naxou’ are the humidity and the high temperatures, which prevent Phytophthora spp. infestation, thus minimising losses caused by this serious potato pest. This, together with the minimal manifestation of other pathogens in the area means that the use of plant protection products can be kept to a minimum. In addition, the high temperatures combined with the long hours of sunshine extend the vegetative cycle of the potato to cover the whole year, and constitute optimal curing conditions for the tubers. Lastly, the temperature difference between day and night favours tuber formation, while the sandy loam soil drains well and permits the unhindered development of regular, clean tubers.

Publication reference of the specification

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

http://www.minagric.gr/images/stories/docs/agrotis/POP-PGE/prodiagrafes_patata_naxou120520.pdf

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

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