# Official Journal C 86/2023

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 86 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 668 March 2023 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 86

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 668 March 2023

---

| Contents | page |
| --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 86/01 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10616 – CAF / CORADIA POLYVALENT BUSINESS / TALENT 3 BUSINESS) (
  1
  ) | 1 |
| 2023/C 86/02 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.11009 – PON.BIKE / VWFS / GLINICKE / DML) (
  1
  ) | 2 |
| 2023/C 86/03 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10973 – VODAFONE GROUP / ALTICE LUXEMBOURG / FIBRECO) (
  1
  ) | 3 |
| 2023/C 86/04 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.11038 – ROTHSCHILD & CO / ANDERA PARTNERS / FINANCIERE CANELLA) (
  1
  ) | 4 |

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2023/C 86/01

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10616 – CAF / CORADIA POLYVALENT BUSINESS / TALENT 3 BUSINESS) (
  1
  )

1

1

2023/C 86/02

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.11009 – PON.BIKE / VWFS / GLINICKE / DML) (
  1
  )

1

2

2023/C 86/03

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10973 – VODAFONE GROUP / ALTICE LUXEMBOURG / FIBRECO) (
  1
  )

1

3

2023/C 86/04

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.11038 – ROTHSCHILD & CO / ANDERA PARTNERS / FINANCIERE CANELLA) (
  1
  )

1

4

---

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | Council |
| 2023/C 86/05 | Notice for the attention of the persons and entities subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999, as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/501 and in Council Regulation (EU) 2020/1998, as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/500 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses | 5 |
| 2023/C 86/06 | Notice for the attention of the data subjects to whom the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 and Council Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses apply | 6 |
| 2023/C 86/07 | Notice for the attention of persons subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2013/184/CFSP and in Council Regulation (EU) 401/2013 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma | 8 |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 86/08 | Euro exchange rates – 7 March 2023 | 9 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

2023/C 86/05

Notice for the attention of the persons and entities subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999, as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/501 and in Council Regulation (EU) 2020/1998, as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/500 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses

5

2023/C 86/06

Notice for the attention of the data subjects to whom the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 and Council Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses apply

6

2023/C 86/07

Notice for the attention of persons subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2013/184/CFSP and in Council Regulation (EU) 401/2013 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma

8

European Commission

2023/C 86/08

Euro exchange rates – 7 March 2023

9

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| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 86/09 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.11004 – ITOCHU / AMCI / FITZROY QLD RESOURCES) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 10 |
| 2023/C 86/10 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.11041 – VERDANE CAPITAL 2020 / FSN CAPITAL VI / POLYTECH GROUP) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 12 |
| 2023/C 86/11 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10996 – ICG / SCOPELEC / SETELEN) (
  1
  ) | 14 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 86/12 | Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 | 15 |
| 2023/C 86/13 | Information Notice – Public consultation – Geographical indications from Japan | 26 |
| 2023/C 86/14 | Publication of an approved standard amendment to a product specification of a protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication in the sector of the agricultural products and foodstuffs, as referred to in Article 6b(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014 | 28 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2023/C 86/09

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.11004 – ITOCHU / AMCI / FITZROY QLD RESOURCES) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

10

2023/C 86/10

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.11041 – VERDANE CAPITAL 2020 / FSN CAPITAL VI / POLYTECH GROUP) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

12

2023/C 86/11

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10996 – ICG / SCOPELEC / SETELEN) (
  1
  )

1

14

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2023/C 86/12

Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

15

2023/C 86/13

Information Notice – Public consultation – Geographical indications from Japan

26

2023/C 86/14

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

28

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

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance.

1

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

EN

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 8.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 86/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 86/1

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.10616 – CAF / CORADIA POLYVALENT BUSINESS / TALENT 3 BUSINESS)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 86/01)

On 25 May 2022, 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 policy’ 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 policy’ 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 32022M10616. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32022M10616. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law.

---

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

---

| 8.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 86/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 86/2

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.11009 – PON.BIKE / VWFS / GLINICKE / DML)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 86/02)

On 16 February 2023, 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 policy’ 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 policy’ 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 32023M11009. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32023M11009. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law.

---

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

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| 8.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 86/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 86/3

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.10973 – VODAFONE GROUP / ALTICE LUXEMBOURG / FIBRECO)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 86/03)

On 17 February 2023, 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 policy’ 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 policy’ 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 32023M10973. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32023M10973. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law.

---

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

---

| 8.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 86/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 86/4

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.11038 – ROTHSCHILD & CO / ANDERA PARTNERS / FINANCIERE CANELLA)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 86/04)

On 28 February 2023, 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 French 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 policy’ 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 policy’ 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 32023M11038. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32023M11038. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law.

---

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

---

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

| 8.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 86/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 86/5

---

Notice for the attention of the persons and entities subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999, as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/501 and in Council Regulation (EU) 2020/1998, as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/500 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses

(2023/C 86/05)

The following information is brought to the attention of the persons and entities that appear in the Annex to Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 (1), as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/501 (2), and in Annex I to Council Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 (3) as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/500 (4), concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses.

The Council of the European Union has decided that those persons and entities should be included on the list of natural and legal persons, entities, and bodies subject to restrictive measures provided for in Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 and Regulation (EU) 2020/1998. The grounds for designations of those persons and entities appear in the relevant entries in those Annexes.

The attention of the persons and entities concerned is drawn to the possibility of making an application to the competent authorities of the relevant Member State(s) as indicated in the websites in Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2020/1998, in order to obtain an authorisation to use frozen funds for basic needs or specific payments (cf. Article 4 of the Regulation).

The persons and entities concerned may submit a request to the Council before 31 July 2023, together with supporting documentation that the decision to include them on the above-mentioned list should be reconsidered, to the following address:

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

Council of the European Union

General Secretariat

RELEX.1

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, pursuant to Article 10 of Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999, of the list of designated persons and entities.

---

(1)  OJ L 410I, 7.12.2020, p. 13.

(2)  OJ L 69I, 7.3.2023, p. 11.

(3)  OJ L 410I , 7.12.2020, p. 1.

(4)  OJ L 69I, 7.3.2023, p. 1.

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| 8.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 86/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 86/6

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Notice for the attention of the data subjects to whom the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 and Council Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses apply

(2023/C 86/06)

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 bases for this processing operation are Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 (2), as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/501 (3), and Council Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 (4), as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/500 (5) .

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

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

Council of the European Union General Secretariat

RELEX.1

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Email: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu

The Data Protection Officer of the Council 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) 2020/1999, as amended by Decision (CFSP) 2023/501, and Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 as implemented by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/500, concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses.

The data subjects are the natural persons who fulfil the listing criteria as laid down in Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 and Regulation (EU) 2020/1998.

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

The legal bases for the handling of personal data are the Council Decisions adopted under Article 29 TEU and Council Regulations adopted under Article 215 TFEU designating natural persons (data subjects) and imposing the freezing of assets and travel restrictions.

Processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest in accordance with Article 5(1)(a) and for compliance with legal obligations laid down in above-mentioned legal acts to which the controller is subject in accordance with Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725.

Processing is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest in accordance with Article 10(2)(g) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725.

The Council may obtain personal data of data subjects from Member States and/or the European External Action Service. The recipients of the personal data are Member States, the European Commission and the European External Action Service.

All personal data processed by the Council in the context of EU autonomous restrictive measures will be retained for 5 years from the moment the data subject has been removed from the list of persons subject to the asset freeze or the validity of the measure has expired or, if a legal action is brought before the Court of Justice, until a final judgment has been handed down. Personal data contained in documents registered by the Council are kept by the Council for archiving purposes in the public interest, within the meaning of Art. 4(1)(e) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725.

The Council may need to exchange personal data regarding a data subject with a third country or international organisation in the context of the Council’s transposition of UN designations or in the context of international cooperation regarding the EU’s restrictive measures policy.

In the absence of an adequacy decision, or of appropriate safeguards, transfer of personal data to a third country or an international organisation is based on the following condition(s), pursuant to Article 50 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725:

| — | the transfer is necessary for important reasons of public interest; |
| --- | --- |

—

the transfer is necessary for important reasons of public interest;

| — | the transfer is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims. |
| --- | --- |

—

the transfer is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.

No automated decision-making is involved in the processing of the data subject's personal data.

Data subjects have the right of information and the right of access to their personal data. They also have the right to correct and complete their data. Under certain circumstances, they may have the right to obtain the erasure of their personal data, or the right to object to the processing of their personal data or to ask for it to be restricted.

Data subjects can exercise these rights by sending an e-mail to the controller with a copy to the Data Protection Officer as indicated above.

Attached to their request, the data subjects must provide a copy of an identification document to confirm their identity (ID card or passport). This document should contain an identification number, country of issue, period of validity, name, address and date of birth. Any other data contained in the copy of the identification document such as photo or any personal characteristics may be blacked out.

Data subjects have the right to lodge a complaint with the European Data Protection Supervisor in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 (edps@edps.europa.eu).

Before doing so, it is recommended that data subjects first try to obtain a remedy by contacting the controller and/or the Data Protection Officer of the Council.

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

(2)  OJ L 410 I, 7.12.2020, p. 13.

(3)  OJ L 69 I, 7.3.2023, p. 11.

(4)  OJ L 410 I, 7.12.2020, p. 1.

(5)  OJ L 69 I, 7.3.2023, p. 1.

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| 8.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 86/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 86/8

---

Notice for the attention of persons subject to the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2013/184/CFSP and in Council Regulation (EU) 401/2013 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma

(2023/C 86/07)

The following information is brought to the attention of Aung Aung (No 4), Khin Hlaing (No 10), Sein Win (No 18), Mya Tun Oo (No 20), Maung Maung Kyaw (No 23), Than Hlaing (No 25), Mahn Nyein Maung (a.k.a. P’do, Phado Man Nyein Maung) (No 26), Thein Nyunt (No 27), Khin Maung Swe (No 28), Aye Nu Sein (No 29), Jeng Phang Naw Htaung (No 30), Sai Long Hseng (No 32), Saw Daniel (No 33), Dr Banyar Aung Moe (No 34), U Chit Naing (a.k.a. Sate Pyin Nyar) (No 35), Win Shein (a.k.a. U Win Shein) (No 38), Tin Aung San (No 40), Thida Oo a.k.a. Daw Thida Oo (No 41), Aung Naing Oo (No 44), Thet Thet Khine (No 46), Shwe Kyein (a.k.a. U Shwe Kyein) (No 48), Ni Lin Aung (No 64), Aung Zaw Aye (No 65), U Than Swe (No 71) persons and entity appearing in the Annex to Council Decision 2013/184/CFSP (1) and in Annex IV to Council Regulation (EU) No 401/2013 (2) concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma.

The Council intends to maintain the restrictive measures against the above-mentioned persons with a new statement of reasons. These persons are hereby informed that they may submit a request to the Council to obtain the intended statement of reasons for their designation, by 15 March 2023, to the following address:

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

Council of the European Union

General Secretariat

RELEX.1

Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175

1048 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Email: sanctions@consilium.europa.eu.

---

(1)  OJ L 111, 23.4.2013, p. 75.

(2)  OJ L 121, 3.5.2013, p. 1.

---

European Commission

| 8.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 86/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 86/9

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Euro exchange rates (1)

7 March 2023

(2023/C 86/08)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,0665 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 145,21 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4426 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,88968 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 11,2285 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 0,9959 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 149,90 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 11,1935 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 23,495 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 377,38 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,6898 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,9178 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 20,1736 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,6002 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4552 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 8,3719 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,7229 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,4357 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 392,09 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 19,5975 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,3975 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 16 403,79 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,7699 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 58,721 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | |
| THB | Thai baht | 36,917 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 5,5224 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 19,2065 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 87,2625 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,0665

JPY

Japanese yen

145,21

DKK

Danish krone

7,4426

GBP

Pound sterling

0,88968

SEK

Swedish krona

11,2285

CHF

Swiss franc

0,9959

ISK

Iceland króna

149,90

NOK

Norwegian krone

11,1935

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

23,495

HUF

Hungarian forint

377,38

PLN

Polish zloty

4,6898

RON

Romanian leu

4,9178

TRY

Turkish lira

20,1736

AUD

Australian dollar

1,6002

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4552

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

8,3719

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,7229

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,4357

KRW

South Korean won

1 392,09

ZAR

South African rand

19,5975

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,3975

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

16 403,79

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,7699

PHP

Philippine peso

58,721

RUB

Russian rouble

THB

Thai baht

36,917

BRL

Brazilian real

5,5224

MXN

Mexican peso

19,2065

INR

Indian rupee

87,2625

---

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

---

V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 8.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 86/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 86/10

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.11004 – ITOCHU / AMCI / FITZROY QLD RESOURCES)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 86/09)

1.

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

| — | ITOCHU Corporation (‘Itochu’, Japan), |
| --- | --- |

—

ITOCHU Corporation (‘Itochu’, Japan),

| — | AMCI Group, LLC (‘AMCI’, United States), |
| --- | --- |

—

AMCI Group, LLC (‘AMCI’, United States),

| — | Fitzroy QLD Resources Limited (‘Fitzroy’, United Kingdom). |
| --- | --- |

—

Fitzroy QLD Resources Limited (‘Fitzroy’, United Kingdom).

Itochu and AMCI will acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) and 3(4) of the Merger Regulation joint control of Fitzroy.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

2.

| — | Itochu is a publicly traded company active in a wide range of industries, including domestic trading, import/export, and overseas trading of various products such as textile, machinery, metals, minerals, energy, chemicals, food, general products, realty, information and communications technology, finance, and business investment, |
| --- | --- |

—

Itochu is a publicly traded company active in a wide range of industries, including domestic trading, import/export, and overseas trading of various products such as textile, machinery, metals, minerals, energy, chemicals, food, general products, realty, information and communications technology, finance, and business investment,

| — | AMCI is a privately held natural resources investment company active in a number of areas concerning energy and metal commodities with investments in coals, minerals and metals, |
| --- | --- |

—

AMCI is a privately held natural resources investment company active in a number of areas concerning energy and metal commodities with investments in coals, minerals and metals,

| — | Fitzroy is a privately held company that owns and operates coking coal mines in Australia, and owns undeveloped interests in tenements in Australia as well as a majority interest in a mining equipment services provider in Australia. |
| --- | --- |

—

Fitzroy is a privately held company that owns and operates coking coal mines in Australia, and owns undeveloped interests in tenements in Australia as well as a majority interest in a mining equipment services provider in Australia.

3.

Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

4.

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

M.11004 – ITOCHU / AMCI / FITZROY QLD RESOURCES

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

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

Postal address:

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

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

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

1

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

2

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| 8.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 86/12 |
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8.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 86/12

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.11041 – VERDANE CAPITAL 2020 / FSN CAPITAL VI / POLYTECH GROUP)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 86/10)

1.

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

| — | FSN Capital VI (United Kingdom), controlled by FSN Capital, |
| --- | --- |

—

FSN Capital VI (United Kingdom), controlled by FSN Capital,

| — | Verdane Capital 2020 (Sweden), controlled by Verdane Advisors Holding AS, |
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—

Verdane Capital 2020 (Sweden), controlled by Verdane Advisors Holding AS,

| — | VC VIII Polytech Holding ApS (‘Polytech Group’, Denmark), currently solely controlled by Verdane Capital 2020 |
| --- | --- |

—

VC VIII Polytech Holding ApS (‘Polytech Group’, Denmark), currently solely controlled by Verdane Capital 2020

Verdane Capital 2020 and FSN Capital VI will acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) and 3(4) of the Merger Regulation joint control over the Polytech Group.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

2.

| — | FSN Capital VI is a private equity fund focusing on investments in the Nordics, Austria, Germany and Switzerland, |
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—

FSN Capital VI is a private equity fund focusing on investments in the Nordics, Austria, Germany and Switzerland,

| — | Verdane Capital 2020 is an investment fund active in the consumer internet, software, energy and advanced industrial sectors. |
| --- | --- |

—

Verdane Capital 2020 is an investment fund active in the consumer internet, software, energy and advanced industrial sectors.

3.

The business activities of the Polytech Group are the following: developing, manufacturing and distributing critical, specialised rotor blade component products for wind turbines worldwide.

4.

Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

5.

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

M.11041 – VERDANE CAPITAL 2020 / FSN CAPITAL VI / POLYTECH GROUP

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

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

Postal address:

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

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

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

1

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

2

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| 8.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 86/14 |
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8.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 86/14

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.10996 – ICG / SCOPELEC / SETELEN)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 86/11)

1.

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

| — | Circet SAS (‘Circet’, France), exclusively controlled by Intermediate Capital Group (‘ICG’, United Kingdom), |
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—

Circet SAS (‘Circet’, France), exclusively controlled by Intermediate Capital Group (‘ICG’, United Kingdom),

| — | Scopelec, société coopérative de production anonyme à capital variable (‘Scopelec’, France), |
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—

Scopelec, société coopérative de production anonyme à capital variable (‘Scopelec’, France),

| — | Setelen SAS (‘Setelen’, France), Scopelec Energies Services (‘SES’, France), Gobé SAS (‘Gobé’, France), exclusively controlled by Scopelec. |
| --- | --- |

—

Setelen SAS (‘Setelen’, France), Scopelec Energies Services (‘SES’, France), Gobé SAS (‘Gobé’, France), exclusively controlled by Scopelec.

ICG will acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control of several parts of Scopelec and Setelen and the whole of SES and Gobé.

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

2.

| — | Circet: provision of design, engineering, deployment, construction, installation and maintenance services for telecommunication networks, |
| --- | --- |

—

Circet: provision of design, engineering, deployment, construction, installation and maintenance services for telecommunication networks,

| — | Scopelec, Setelen, SES and Gobé: provision of installation and maintenance services for telecommunication networks and installation services for electric vehicle charging stations. |
| --- | --- |

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Scopelec, Setelen, SES and Gobé: provision of installation and maintenance services for telecommunication networks and installation services for electric vehicle charging stations.

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.

4.

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

M.10996 – ICG / SCOPELEC / SETELEN

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

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

Postal address:

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

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

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

1

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OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 8.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 86/15 |
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8.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 86/15

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Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

(2023/C 86/12)

This communication is published in accordance with Article 17(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (1).

COMMUNICATING THE APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

‘Coteaux d’Ensérune’

PGI-FR-A1168-AM01

Date of communication: 8.12.2022

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Organoleptic description of the wines

Chapter I, section 3.3 of the specification for the ‘Coteaux d’Ensérune’ protected geographical indication has been supplemented to accommodate additions to the organoleptic description of the PGI wines.

The single document has been supplemented at the point entitled ‘Description of the wine(s)’.

2.   Area in immediate proximity

Chapter I, section 4.2 – Area in immediate proximity – of the specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Coteaux d’Ensérune’ has been amended. The list of municipalities making up the area in immediate proximity has been updated, without any changes, in accordance with the 2021 Official Geographical Code.

This editorial amendment allows the geographical area to be identified with reference to the 2021 version of the Official Geographical Code, which is updated by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), and gives the delimitation of the geographical area legal certainty. This reference to the point entitled ‘area in immediate proximity’ has been added to the single document.

The single document has been updated at the point entitled ‘Further conditions – area in immediate proximity’.

3.   Vine varieties

Chapter I, section 5 – Vine varieties – of the specification for the ‘Coteaux d’Ensérune’ protected geographical indication has been amended.

The list of varieties selected for the production of the ‘Coteaux d’Ensérune’ protected geographical indication has been amended as follows:

| — | Introduction of disease-resistant varieties:
  Artaban N, Bronner B, Cabernet blanc B, Cabernet Cortis N, Floreal B, Johanniter B, Monarch N, Muscaris B, Pinotin N, Prior N, Saphira B, Sauvignac B, Solaris B, Soreli B, Souvigner gris B, Vidoc N and Voltis B. |
| --- | --- |

—

Introduction of disease-resistant varieties:

Artaban N, Bronner B, Cabernet blanc B, Cabernet Cortis N, Floreal B, Johanniter B, Monarch N, Muscaris B, Pinotin N, Prior N, Saphira B, Sauvignac B, Solaris B, Soreli B, Souvigner gris B, Vidoc N and Voltis B.

| — | Introduction of varieties with the potential to adapt to climate change:
  Agiorgitiko N, Assyrtiko B, Calabrese N, Carricant B, Fiano B, Montepulciano N, Moschofilero Rs, Primitivo N, Roditis Rs, Saperavi N, Touriga Nacional N, Verdejo B, Xinomavro Rs. |
| --- | --- |

—

Introduction of varieties with the potential to adapt to climate change:

Agiorgitiko N, Assyrtiko B, Calabrese N, Carricant B, Fiano B, Montepulciano N, Moschofilero Rs, Primitivo N, Roditis Rs, Saperavi N, Touriga Nacional N, Verdejo B, Xinomavro Rs.

| — | Withdrawal of 35 varieties not recorded as being in production:
  Alphonse Lavallée N, Altesse B, Aramon blanc B, Aranel B, Arvine B, Auxerrois B, Baco blanc B, Cardinal Rg, Chasselas rose Rs, Clairette rose Rs, Clarin B, Couderc noir N, Gamay de Chaudenay N, Jurançon blanc B, Landal N, Lival N, Maréchal Foch N, Mondeuse N, Müller-Thurgau B, Muscadelle B, Muscat à petits grains rouges Rg, Muscat à petits grains rosés Rs, Picardan B, Plant droit N, Ravat blanc b, Rayon d’or B, Rivairenc blanc B, Rivairenc N, Rubilande Rs, Savagnin Rose Rs, Servant B, Seyval B, Valérien B, Villard blanc B, Villard noir N. |
| --- | --- |

—

Withdrawal of 35 varieties not recorded as being in production:

Alphonse Lavallée N, Altesse B, Aramon blanc B, Aranel B, Arvine B, Auxerrois B, Baco blanc B, Cardinal Rg, Chasselas rose Rs, Clairette rose Rs, Clarin B, Couderc noir N, Gamay de Chaudenay N, Jurançon blanc B, Landal N, Lival N, Maréchal Foch N, Mondeuse N, Müller-Thurgau B, Muscadelle B, Muscat à petits grains rouges Rg, Muscat à petits grains rosés Rs, Picardan B, Plant droit N, Ravat blanc b, Rayon d’or B, Rivairenc blanc B, Rivairenc N, Rubilande Rs, Savagnin Rose Rs, Servant B, Seyval B, Valérien B, Villard blanc B, Villard noir N.

The varieties which have been added are known to be resistant to drought and fungal diseases. With similar physiological and oenological properties to the varieties used in the PGI production, they reduce the need for plant protection products. They do not affect the characteristics of the PGI wines.

The amendment of the list of varieties selected for the PGI vine varieties affects the single document in the section entitled ‘Wine grape varieties’.

4.   Maximum yield

Chapter I, section 6 of the specification for the ‘Coteaux d’Ensérune’ protected geographical indication – Maximum yields – has been amended.

Wines with the ‘Coteaux d’Ensérune’ protected geographical indication are produced up to a maximum yield per hectare of 90 hectolitres for red and white wines (no change) and 100 hectolitres instead of 90 hl/ha for rosé wines.

The production of rosé wines dominates, and the objective of growers is to be able to adapt to market developments without affecting the quality of the wines produced.

The ‘Maximum yields’ section of the single document has been amended.

5.   Link with the geographical area

Chapter I, section 7.1 of the specification for the ‘Coteaux d’Ensérune’ protected geographical indication has been amended to enhance the description of the geographical area.

The ‘Link with the geographical area’ section of the single document has been amended and extended.

6.   Inspection body

Chapter III of the specification for the ‘Coteaux d’Ensérune’ protected geographical indication has been amended to simplify the section entitled ‘Inspection body’, specifying that compliance with the product specification must be checked on the basis of an approved control plan and by a third-party body delegated by the INAO and offering guarantees of competence, impartiality and independence.

This simplification does not affect the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name(s)

Coteaux d’Ensérune

2.   Geographical indication type

PGI - Protected geographical indication

3.   Categories of grapevine products

| 1. | Wine |
| --- | --- |

1.

Wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

The ‘Coteaux d’Ensérune’ protected geographical indication covers still red, rosé and white wines.

The white wines of Coteaux d’Ensérune come from a wide range of local or introduced varieties (Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Viognier, Grenache blanc, Vermentino) planted in the most suitable areas. They are produced separately or in blends and are characterised by an aromatic range of ripe, white-fleshed fruit and citrus fruits. These aromatic notes are usually accompanied by a hint of freshness, which lends a remarkable balance to the wines.

The red wines are made from Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Marselan and Pinot, harvested at a ripeness which promotes the aromatic expression of red fruits and spices, combined with present and melted tannins. The wines are characterised by an intense, bright red colour, intense aromas of fresh and ripe fruit, a good mouthfeel, and a fairly long finish.

The rosé wines are made from Cinsaut, Syrah, Carignan and Merlot from suitable areas, harvested in such a way as to preserve their acidity and freshness. They generally display a marked fruitiness and a long finish.

| General analytical characteristics |
| --- |
| Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) | |
| Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) | 9 |
| Minimum total acidity | |
| Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre) | |
| Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre) | |

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

9

Minimum total acidity

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices

Specific oenological practice

All wine-making practices followed must comply with the requirements laid down at EU level and in the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.

5.2.   Maximum yields

| 1. | red and white wines
  90 hectolitres per hectare |
| --- | --- |

1.

red and white wines

90 hectolitres per hectare

| 2. | rosé wines
  100 hectolitres per hectare |
| --- | --- |

2.

rosé wines

100 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

The harvesting of the grapes and the production and development of wines bearing the ‘Coteaux d’Ensérune’ PGI must take place in the territory of the following municipalities in the department of Hérault:

Béziers (sections AI, AH, AK, AL, AM, AV, AW, AX, AY, AZ, BC, BM, BN, BT, BV, part of section BD, Lirou, on the left bank), Capestang, Cazedarnes, Cazouls-lès-Béziers (except for the part of sections C4 and D2 located on the left bank of the Orb), Colombiers, Lespignan, Maraussan, Maureilhan, Montady, Montels, Nissan-lez-Ensérune, Poilhes, Puisserguier, Thézan-lès-Béziers (the part of sections E3 and D3 located on the right bank of the Orb), Vendres (section BR)

7.   Wine grape variety(-ies)

Agiorgitiko N

Alicante Henri Bouschet N

Alvarinho - Albariño

Aramon N

Aramon gris G

Arinarnoa N

Artaban N

Assyrtiko B

Aubun N - Murescola

Bourboulenc B - Doucillon blanc

Bronner B

Cabernet blanc B

Cabernet Cortis N

Cabernet Franc N

Cabernet Sauvignon N

Calabrese N

Caladoc N

Carignan N

Carignan blanc B

Carmenère N

Carricante

Chambourcin N

Chardonnay B

Chasan B

Chasselas B

Chenanson N

Chenin B

Cinsaut N - Cinsault

Clairette B

Colombard B

Cot N - Malbec

Counoise N

Danlas B

Egiodola N

Fer N - Fer Servadou, Braucol, Mansois, Pinenc

Fiano

Floreal B

Gamay N

Gewurztraminer Rs

Grenache N

Grenache blanc B

Grenache gris G

Gros Manseng B

Johanniter B

Listan B - Palomino

Lledoner pelut N

Macabeu B - Macabeo

Marsanne B

Marselan N

Mauzac B

Merlot N

Meunier N

Monarch N

Montepulciano

Morrastel N - Minustellu, Graciano

Moschofilero Rs

Mourvèdre N - Monastrell

Muscardin N

Muscaris B

Muscat d’Alexandrie B - Muscat, Moscato

Muscat de Hambourg N - Muscat, Moscato

Muscat à petits grains blancs B – Muscat, Moscato

Nielluccio N - Nielluciu

Négrette N

Parrellada B

Petit Manseng B

Petit Verdot N

Pinot gris G

Pinot noir N

Pinotin N

Piquepoul blanc B

Piquepoul gris G

Piquepoul noir N

Portan N

Primitivo N - Zinfandel

Prior N

Riesling B

Roditis Rs

Roussanne B

Saperavi N

Saphira B

Sauvignac

Sauvignon B - Sauvignon blanc

Sauvignon gris G - Fié gris

Sciaccarello N

Semillon B

Solaris B

Soreli B

Souvignier gris Rs

Sylvaner B

Syrah N - Shiraz

Tannat N

Tempranillo N

Terret blanc B

Terret gris G

Terret noir N

Touriga Nacional N

Ugni blanc B

Verdejo B

Verdelho B

Vermentino B - Rolle

Vidoc N

Viognier B

Voltis B

Xinomavro N

8.   Description of the link(s)

8.1.   Specificity of the geographical area

The ‘Coteaux d’Ensérune’ PGI production area occupies the part of the plain of Languedoc located between Béziers, in the department of Hérault, and the department of Aude. It stretches southwards from the foothills of the Montagne Noire range in the north across calcareous plateaux and molassic hills, which are known locally as puechs and are often topped with pine trees. Around these features, erosion has created gently-sloping bench terraces and slopes where exposure and water supply naturally favour wine-growing.

The area extends as far as the sea, on land close to the Aude, a historically unpredictable river which in the past has frequently shifted its bed, leaving ancient alluvium and terraces which are currently planted with vines. There are a large number of lakes, and the Aude estuary is a remarkable Natura 2000 site. This complex of wetlands with varying salinity is home not only to bodies of water or lagoons but also to peripheral natural environments: saltmarsh, wet meadows and reed beds.

The name ‘Coteaux d’Ensérune’ reflects the desire of the producers in this area since 1980 to distinguish some of their wines by using the name of the hill of Ensérune, at the top of which are the remains of an archaeological site and which was occupied by a fortified Roman town.

At the foot of this hill is the Canal du Midi, an exceptional UNESCO World Heritage feature which links the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, passing through the geographical area of the PGI.

Limestone and clay-limestone soils cover most of the area, although they vary greatly in terms of texture and depth. This diversity of soil conditions gives rise to an adaptation potential for a wide range of grape varieties.

The production area of the ‘Coteaux d’Ensérune’ PGI has a markedly Mediterranean climate characterised by hot, dry summers and mild winters, with two rainy periods in the autumn and spring. Temperatures are high enough throughout the growing period of the vines to ensure that the grapes ripen well. Rainfall in the area averages 500 mm to 600 mm, with less than 100 mm falling from June to August.

8.2.   Specificity of the product

Bas-Languedoc, and more particularly Hérault, has a tradition of wine-growing stretching back to Roman times and established itself in the middle of the 19th century, with the development of the railway, as an area devoted almost exclusively to wine-growing. The access to the outside world which this afforded has enabled wine-growing to expand alongside major technological and economic developments.

Since the 1950s, a continuous effort has been made to convert vineyards to adapt them to changing consumption patterns, with varieties traditionally associated with regions renowned for controlled designations of origin planted in the areas most suitable for their cultivation.

As early as 1901, wine-growers who were committed to their product were the forerunners of a collective approach by creating, in Maraussan, the first cooperative cellar in the wine-growing South of France. The production of vins de pays (‘country wines’) from the late 1960s proceeded in the same spirit. The merger in 1995 of seven cooperative wineries already involved in the production of vins de pays led to the pooling of resources and expertise for the production of the PGI wines.

‘Coteaux d’Ensérune’ PGI wines are produced from black grape varieties (80 % of the area under cultivation, half of which are Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon) and white grape varieties (20 % of the area under cultivation, with Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Viognier predominating).

The varieties are processed separately. Production can be broken down into two types of wine:

| — | wines made by blending varieties which are traditional in the region, such as Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault and Mourvèdre, and |
| --- | --- |

—

wines made by blending varieties which are traditional in the region, such as Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault and Mourvèdre, and

| — | ‘varietal’ wines obtained from one or more varieties chosen from well-known varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon but also less-known and highly valued varieties such as Marselan (red) or Marsanne (white). |
| --- | --- |

—

‘varietal’ wines obtained from one or more varieties chosen from well-known varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon but also less-known and highly valued varieties such as Marselan (red) or Marsanne (white).

Varietal wines have great potential for the renewal and diversification of production for the whole area.

In the case of white and rosé wines, fruit and freshness are the most sought-after qualities in the organoleptic profile.

The red wines are characterised by an intense bright red colour with structured tannins, and they have distinctive aromas of red fruits and spices.

The wines covered by the PGI designation are divided equally between red, rosé and white.

Each year, 25 000 hl are sold under the ‘Coteaux d’Ensérune’ PGI, a significant proportion of which is bottled in the production area and exported to northern European countries.

8.3.   Causal link between the specificity of the geographical area and the specificity of the product

The local conditions described above in which ‘Coteaux d’Ensérune’ PGI wines are produced are reflected in certain specific qualities of the products.

Choosing the right variety for a parcel on the basis of detailed knowledge of the soil and climate data recorded in a database which is updated year after year in the light of field observations contributes decisively to realising the wine-growing potential of the area.

The ripening of the grapes in each parcel is monitored every year in order to determine the optimum harvest date, depending on the final product sought – in particular for the production of white and rosé wines – in order to preserve the aromas.

The reputation of this wine-growing area reaches beyond the department of Hérault. Through historical research and daily work in the various vineyards around the hill of Ensérune, people have generated an enthusiasm which has resulted in controlled production based on a PGI designation for many years of some 25 000 hl.

Aware of the undeniable influence of the natural environment on the specific nature of ‘Coteaux d’Ensérune’ PGI wines, wine-growers in the producers’ trade union have embarked on a collective effort to preserve natural habitats for rare bird species.

Situated in the production area, Béziers, the second-largest town in the department of Hérault and a traditional centre of the wine-growing economy, works to promote the wine-growing economy through its tourist attractions. The city attracts many tourists visiting the surrounding area (beaches, hinterland) during the summer thanks to cultural and festive events, the best known of which is the féria de Béziers. Wine-growers are also involved in organising local festivities, thereby helping to shape the image of the wines of the Coteaux d’Ensérune region in the eyes of summer visitors. This link between tourism centred on Béziers and wine-growing is the cornerstone of the reputation of Coteaux d’Ensérune wines.

9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Labelling

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The ‘Coteaux d’Ensérune’ protected geographical indication may be supplemented by the name of one or more grape varieties.

The ‘Coteaux d’Ensérune’ protected geographical indication may be supplemented by the terms ‘primeur’ or ‘nouveau’.

The European Union PGI logo must appear on the label if the words ‘Indication géographique protégée’ (Protected Geographical Indication) are replaced by the traditional term ‘Vin de pays’.

Area in immediate proximity

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

The area in immediate proximity defined by derogation for the production and development of wines bearing the protected geographical indication ‘Coteaux d’Ensérune’ comprises the following municipalities, in accordance with the Official Geographical Code for 2021:

—   Department of Aude:

Aigues-Vives, Airoux, Alairac, Albas, Albières, Alzonne, Aragon, Argeliers, Argens-Minervois, Armissan, Arquettes-en-Val, Arzens, Auriac, Azille, Badens, Bages, Bagnoles, Baraigne, Barbaira, Belflou, Belpech, Berriac, Bizanet, Bize-Minervois, Blomac, Bouilhonnac, Bouisse, Boutenac, Bram, Brousses-et-Villaret, Les Brunels, Cabrespine, Cahuzac, Camplong-d'Aude, Canet, Capendu, Carcassonne, Carlipa, Cascastel-des-Corbières, La Cassaigne, Les Cassés, Castans, Castelnaudary, Castelnau-d'Aude, Caudebronde, Caunes-Minervois, Caunettes-en-Val, Caux-et-Sauzens, Cavanac, Caves, Cazalrenoux, Cazilhac, Cenne-Monestiés, Citou, Comigne, Conilhac-Corbières, Conques-sur-Orbiel, Couffoulens, Coursan, Coustouge, Cruscades, Cucugnan, Cumiès, Cuxac-Cabardès, Cuxac-d'Aude, Davejean, Dernacueillette, Douzens, Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse, Durban-Corbières, Embres-et-Castelmaure, Escales, Fabrezan, Fajac-en-Val, Fajac-la-Relenque, Fanjeaux, Félines-Termenès, Fendeille, Ferrals-les-Corbières, Feuilla, Fitou, Fleury, Floure, Fontcouverte, Fonters-du-Razès, Fontiers-Cabardès, Fontiès-d'Aude, Fontjoncouse, La Force, Fournes-Cabardès, Fraisse-Cabardès, Fraissé-des-Corbières, Gaja-la-Selve, Generville, Ginestas, Gourvieille, Gruissan, Homps, Les Ilhes, Issel, Jonquières, Labastide-d'Anjou, Labastide-en-Val, Labastide-Esparbairenque, Labécède-Lauragais, Lacombe, Lafage, Lagrasse, Lairière, Lanet, La Palme, Laprade, La Redorte, Laroque-de-Fa, Lasbordes, Lastours, Laurabuc, Laurac, Laure-Minervois, Lavalette, Lespinassière, Leuc, Leucate, Lézignan-Corbières, Limousis, La Louvière-Lauragais, Luc-sur-Orbieu, Mailhac, Maisons, Malves-en-Minervois, Marcorignan, Marquein, Marseillette, Les Martys, Mas-Cabardès, Mas-des-Cours, Massac, Mas-Saintes-Puelles, Mayreville, Mayronnes, Mézerville, Miraval-Cabardès, Mirepeisset, Mireval-Lauragais, Molandier, Molleville, Montauriol, Montbrun-des-Corbières, Montclar, Montferrand, Montgaillard, Montirat, Montjoi, Montmaur, Montolieu, Montréal, Montredon-des-Corbières, Montséret, Monze, Moussan, Moussoulens, Mouthoumet, Moux, Narbonne, Névian, Ornaisons, Orsans, Ouveillan, Padern, Palairac, Palaja, Paraza, Payra-sur-l'Hers, Paziols, Pécharic-et-le-Py, Pech-Luna, Pennautier, Pépieux, Pexiora, Peyrefitte-sur-l'Hers, Peyrens, Peyriac-de-Mer, Peyriac-Minervois, Pezens, Plaigne, Plavilla, La Pomarède, Port-la-Nouvelle, Portel-des-Corbières,

Area in immediate proximity continued

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

Department of Aude (continued):

Pouzols-Minervois, Pradelles-Cabardès, Preixan, Puginier, Puichéric, Quintillan, Raissac-d'Aude, Raissac-sur-Lampy, Ribaute, Ribouisse, Ricaud, Rieux-en-Val, Rieux-Minervois, Roquecourbe-Minervois, Roquefère, Roquefort-des-Corbières, Roubia, Rouffiac-d'Aude, Rouffiac-des-Corbières, Roullens, Rustiques, Saint-Amans, Saint-André-de-Roquelongue, Sainte-Camelle, Saint-Couat-d'Aude, Saint-Denis, Sainte-Eulalie, Saint-Frichoux, Saint-Gaudéric, Saint-Jean-de-Barrou, Saint-Julien-de-Briola, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse, Saint-Marcel-sur-Aude, Saint-Martin-des-Puits, Saint-Martin-Lalande, Saint-Martin-le-Vieil, Saint-Michel-de-Lanès, Saint-Nazaire-d'Aude, Saint-Papoul, Saint-Paulet, Saint-Pierre-des-Champs, Saint-Sernin, Sainte-Valière, Saissac, Sallèles-Cabardès, Sallèles-d'Aude, Salles-d'Aude, Salles-sur-l'Hers, Salsigne, Salza, Serviès-en-Val, Sigean, Souilhanels, Souilhe, Soulatgé, Soupex, Talairan, Taurize, Termes, Thézan-des-Corbières, La Tourette-Cabardès, Tournissan, Tourouzelle, Trassanel, Trausse, Trèbes, Treilles, Tréville, Tuchan, Val-de-Dagne, Ventenac-Cabardès, Ventenac-en-Minervois, Verdun-en-Lauragais, Vignevieille, Villalier, Villanière, Villardonnel, Villar-en-Val, Villarzel-Cabardès, Villasavary, Villautou, Villedaigne, Villedubert, Villegailhenc, Villegly, Villemagne, Villemoustaussou, Villeneuve-la-Comptal, Villeneuve-les-Corbières, Villeneuve-lès-Montréal, Villeneuve-Minervois, Villepinte, Villerouge-Termenès, Villesèque-des-Corbières, Villesèquelande, Villesiscle, Villespy, Villetritouls, Vinassan.

—   Department of Aveyron:

Aguessac, Alrance, Arnac-sur-Dourdou, Ayssènes, Balaguier-sur-Rance, La Bastide-Pradines, La Bastide-Solages, Belmont-sur-Rance, Brasc, Broquiès, Brousse-le-Château, Brusque, Calmels-et-le-Viala, Camarès, Campagnac, La Capelle-Bonance, Castelnau-Pégayrols, La Cavalerie, Le Clapier, Combret, Compeyre, Comprégnac, Cornus, Les Costes-Gozon, Coupiac, La Couvertoirade, Creissels, La Cresse, Curan, Fayet, Fondamente, Gissac, L'Hospitalet-du-Larzac, Lapanouse-de-Cernon, Laval-Roquecezière, Lestrade-et-Thouels, Marnhagues-et-Latour, Martrin, Mélagues, Millau, Montagnol, Montclar, Montfranc, Montjaux, Montlaur, Mostuéjouls, Murasson, Mounes-Prohencoux, Nant, Paulhe, Peux-et-Couffouleux, Peyreleau, Plaisance, Pousthomy, Rebourguil, Rivière-sur-Tarn, Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite, Saint-Affrique, Saint-André-de-Vézines, Saint-Beaulize, Saint-Beauzély, Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon, Saint-Félix-de-Sorgues, Saint-Georges-de-Luzençon, Saint-Izaire, Saint-Jean-d'Alcapiès, Saint-Jean-du-Bruel, Saint-Jean-et-Saint-Paul, Saint-Juéry, Saint-Laurent-de-Lévézou, Saint-Laurent-d'Olt, Saint-Léons, Saint-Martin-de-Lenne, Saint-Rome-de-Cernon, Saint-Rome-de-Tarn, Saint-Saturnin-de-Lenne, Saint-Sernin-sur-Rance, Saint-Sever-du-Moustier, Saint-Victor-et-Melvieu, Salles-Curan, Sauclières, Ségur, La Serre, Sévérac d'Aveyron, Sylvanès, Tauriac-de-Camarès, Tournemire, Le Truel, Vabres-l'Abbaye, Verrières, Versols-et-Lapeyre, Veyreau, Vézins-de-Lévézou, Viala-du-Pas-de-Jaux, Viala-du-Tarn, Villefranche-de-Panat.

Area in immediate proximity continued

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

—   Department of Hérault:

Abeilhan, Adissan, Agde, Agel, Aigne, Aigues-Vives, Les Aires, Alignan-du-Vent, Assas, Assignan, Aumes, Autignac, Azillanet, Babeau-Bouldoux, Baillargues, Balaruc-les-Bains, Balaruc-le-Vieux, Bassan, Beaufort, Beaulieu, Bédarieux, Berlou, Bessan, Béziers (except for sections AI, AH, AK, AL, AM, AV, AW, AX, AY, AZ, BC, BM, BN, BT, BV, and part of section BD on the left bank of the Lirou), Boisseron, Boisset, Boujan-sur-Libron, Bouzigues, Buzignargues, Cabrerolles, Cabrières, Cambon-et-Salvergues, Campagne, Camplong, Candillargues, Carlencas-et-Levas, Cassagnoles, Castanet-le-Haut, Castelnau-de-Guers, Castelnau-le-Lez, Castries, La Caunette, Causses-et-Veyran, Caussiniojouls, Caux, Cazevieille, Cazouls-d'Hérault, Cazouls-lès-Béziers (parts of sections C4 and D2 located on the left bank of the Orb), Cébazan, Cers, Cessenon-sur-Orb, Cesseras, Clapiers, Claret, Colombières-sur-Orb, Combaillaux, Combes, Corneilhan, Coulobres, Courniou, Cournonsec, Cournonterral, Creissan, Le Crès, Cruzy, Entre-Vignes, Espondeilhan, Fabrègues, Faugères, Félines-Minervois, Ferrals-les-Montagnes, Ferrières-les-Verreries, Ferrières-Poussarou, Florensac, Fontanès, Fontès, Fos, Fouzilhon, Fraisse-sur-Agout, Frontignan, Gabian, Galargues, Garrigues, Gigean, Grabels, Graissessac, La Grande-Motte, Guzargues, Hérépian, Jacou, Juvignac, Lamalou-les-Bains, Lansargues, Lattes, Laurens, Lauret, Lavérune, Lézignan-la-Cèbe, Lieuran-Cabrières, Lieuran-lès-Béziers, Lignan-sur-Orb, La Livinière, Loupian, Lunel, Lunel-Viel, Magalas, Margon, Marseillan, Marsillargues, Les Matelles, Mauguio, Mèze, Minerve, Mireval, Mons, Montagnac, Montaud, Montbazin, Montblanc, Montesquieu, Montferrier-sur-Lez, Montouliers, Montpellier, Mudaison, Murles, Murviel-lès-Béziers, Murviel-lès-Montpellier, Neffiès, Nézignan-l'Évêque, Nizas, Olargues, Olonzac, Oupia, Pailhès, Palavas-les-Flots, Pardailhan, Péret, Pérols, Pézenas, Pézènes-les-Mines, Pierrerue, Pignan, Pinet, Pomérols, Portiragnes, Le Poujol-sur-Orb, Poussan, Pouzolles, Le Pradal, Prades-le-Lez, Prades-sur-Vernazobre, Prémian, Puimisson, Puissalicon, Quarante, Restinclières, Rieussec, Riols, Roquebrun, Roquessels, Rosis, Roujan, Saint-Aunès, Saint-Bauzille-de-Montmel, Saint-Brès, Saint-Chinian, Saint-Clément-de-Rivière, Sainte-Croix-de-Quintillargues, Saint-Drézéry, Saint-Étienne-d'Albagnan, Saint-Étienne-Estréchoux,

Area in immediate proximity continued

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

Department of Hérault (continued):

Saint-Gély-du-Fesc, Saint-Geniès-des-Mourgues, Saint-Geniès-de-Varensal, Saint-Geniès-de-Fontedit, Saint-Georges-d'Orques, Saint-Gervais-sur-Mare, Saint-Hilaire-de-Beauvoir, Saint-Jean-de-Cornies, Saint-Jean-de-Cuculles, Saint-Jean-de-Minervois, Saint-Jean-de-Védas, Saint-Julien, Saint-Just, Saint-Martin-de-l'Arçon, Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers, Saint-Nazaire-de-Ladarez, Saint-Nazaire-de-Pézan, Saint-Pons-de-Thomières, Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens, Saint-Sériès, Saint-Thibéry, Saint-Vincent-de-Barbeyrargues, Saint-Vincent-d'Olargues, La Salvetat-sur-Agout, Saturargues, Saussan, Saussines, Sauteyrargues, Sauvian, Sérignan, Servian, Sète, Siran, Le Soulié, Sussargues, Taussac-la-Billière, Teyran, Thézan-lès-Béziers (except for the parts of sections AR and AS located on the right bank of the Orb), Tourbes, La Tour-sur-Orb, Le Triadou, Usclas-d'Hérault, Vacquières, Vailhan, Vailhauquès, Valergues, Valflaunès, Valras-Plage, Valros, Vélieux, Vendargues, Vendres (except for section BR), Verreries-de-Moussans, Vias, Vic-la-Gardiole, Vieussan, Villemagne-l'Argentière, Villeneuve-lès-Béziers, Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone, Villespassans, Villetelle, Villeveyrac.

—   Department of Tarn:

Aguts, Aiguefonde, Albine, Algans, Ambres, Anglès, Appelle, Arfons, Arifat, Aussillon, Bannières, Barre, Belcastel, Belleserre, Berlats, Bertre, Le Bez, Blan, Boissezon, Bout-du-Pont-de-Larn, Brassac, Briatexte, Brousse, Burlats, Busque, Cabanès, Cahuzac, Cambon-lès-Lavaur, Cambounès, Cambounet-sur-le-Sor, Les Cammazes, Carbes, Castres, Caucalières, Cuq, Cuq-Toulza, Damiatte, Dourgne, Durfort, Escoussens, Escroux, Espérausses, Fiac, Fontrieu, Fréjeville, Garrevaques, Garrigues, Gijounet, Giroussens, Graulhet, Guitalens-L'Albarède, Jonquières, Labastide-Rouairoux, Labastide-Saint-Georges, Laboulbène, Labruguière, Lacabarède, Lacaune, Lacaze, Lacougotte-Cadoul, Lacroisille, Lacrouzette, Lagardiolle, Lagarrigue, Lamontélarié, Lasfaillades, Lautrec, Lavaur, Lempaut, Lescout, Lugan, Magrin, Marzens, Le Masnau-Massuguiès, Massac-Séran, Massaguel, Maurens-Scopont, Mazamet, Missècle, Montcabrier, Montdragon, Montfa, Montgey, Montpinier, Montredon-Labessonnié, Mont-Roc, Moulayrès, Moulin-Mage, Mouzens, Murat-sur-Vèbre, Nages, Navès, Noailhac, Palleville, Payrin-Augmontel, Péchaudier, Peyregoux, Pont-de-Larn, Poudis, Prades, Pratviel, Puéchoursi, Puybegon, Puycalvel, Puylaurens, Rayssac, Le Rialet, Roquecourbe, Roquevidal, Rouairoux, Saint-Affrique-les-Montagnes, Saint-Agnan, Saint-Amancet, Saint-Amans-Soult, Saint-Amans-Valtoret, Saint-Avit, Saint-Gauzens, Saint-Genest-de-Contest, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Saint-Germier, Saint-Jean-de-Rives, Saint-Jean-de-Vals, Saint-Julien-du-Puy, Saint-Lieux-lès-Lavaur, Saint-Paul-Cap-de-Joux, Saint-Pierre-de-Trivisy, Saint-Salvi-de-Carcavès, Saint-Salvy-de-la-Balme, Saint-Sernin-lès-Lavaur, Saint-Sulpice-la-Pointe, Saïx, Sauveterre, Sémalens, Senaux, Serviès, Sorèze, Soual, Teulat, Teyssode, Vabre, Valdurenque, Veilhes, Vénès, Verdalle, Viane, Vielmur-sur-Agout, Villeneuve-lès-Lavaur, Le Vintrou, Viterbe, Viviers-lès-Lavaur, Viviers-lès-Montagnes.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-cec5af50-d6c6-423e-bfc7-3a19952cd2f4

---

(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.

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| 8.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 86/26 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 86/26

---

INFORMATION NOTICE – PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Geographical indications from Japan

(2023/C 86/13)

Pursuant to Article 14.30 of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, the Japanese authorities have presented a list of additional geographical indications to be protected under the Agreement. The European Commission is currently considering whether these geographical indications shall be protected under the Agreement.

The Commission invites any Member State or third country or any natural or legal person having a legitimate interest, resident or established in a Member State or in a third country, to submit oppositions to such protection by lodging a duly substantiated statement.

Statements of opposition must reach the Commission within two months of the date of this publication. Statements of opposition should be sent to the following e-mail address: AGRI-G3@ec.europa.eu

Statements of opposition shall be examined only if they are received within the time limit set out above and if they show that:

| (a) | the protection of the name proposed would conflict with the name of a plant variety or an animal breed and as a result is likely to mislead the consumer as to the true origin of the product; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the protection of the name proposed would conflict with the name of a plant variety or an animal breed and as a result is likely to mislead the consumer as to the true origin of the product;

| (b) | the name proposed would be wholly or partially homonymous






  a. | with that of a name already protected in the Union






  i. | under Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs (1), |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

(b)

the name proposed would be wholly or partially homonymous

a.

with that of a name already protected in the Union

i.

under Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs (1),

| ii. | under Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products (2), |
| --- | --- |

ii.

under Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products (2),

| iii. | under Regulation (EU) 2019/787 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on the definition, description, presentation, labelling of spirit drinks, the use of names of spirit drinks in the presentation and labelling of other foodstuffs, the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks and the use of ethyl alcohol distillates of agricultural origin in alcoholic beverages (3), |
| --- | --- |

iii.

under Regulation (EU) 2019/787 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on the definition, description, presentation, labelling of spirit drinks, the use of names of spirit drinks in the presentation and labelling of other foodstuffs, the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks and the use of ethyl alcohol distillates of agricultural origin in alcoholic beverages (3),

| b. | or with one of the geographical indications from non-EU countries protected in the EU under bilateral agreements available at the following address: https://www.tmdn.org/giview/ |
| --- | --- |

b.

or with one of the geographical indications from non-EU countries protected in the EU under bilateral agreements available at the following address: https://www.tmdn.org/giview/

| (c) | in the light of a trademark’s reputation and renown and the length of time it has been used, the protection of the name proposed would be liable to mislead the consumer as to the true identity of the product; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

in the light of a trademark’s reputation and renown and the length of time it has been used, the protection of the name proposed would be liable to mislead the consumer as to the true identity of the product;

| (d) | the protection of the name proposed would jeopardise






  a. | the existence of an entirely or partly identical name, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(d)

the protection of the name proposed would jeopardise

a.

the existence of an entirely or partly identical name,

| b. | the existence of a trademark, |
| --- | --- |

b.

the existence of a trademark,

| c. | or the existence of products which have been legally on the market for at least five years preceding the date of the publication of this notice; |
| --- | --- |

c.

or the existence of products which have been legally on the market for at least five years preceding the date of the publication of this notice;

| (e) | or if they can give details from which it can be concluded that the name for which protection is considered is generic. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

or if they can give details from which it can be concluded that the name for which protection is considered is generic.

The criteria referred to above shall be evaluated in relation to the territory of the Union, which in the case of intellectual property rights refers only to the territory or territories where the said rights are protected. The possible protection of these names in the European Union is subject to the successful conclusion of the discussions led under Article 14.30 of the Agreement and subsequent legal act.

List of Geographical Indications (4)

| No | Protected name in Japan | Transcription into Latin alphabet
  (for information purposes) | Category of products and short description
  [in square brackets, for information purposes] |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | 大口れんこん / Okuchi Renkon | Okuchi Renkon | Agricultural product [lotus root] |
| 2 | 氷見稲積梅 / Himi Inazumiume | Himi Inazumiume | Agricultural product [ume (Japanese apricot)] |
| 3 | 種子島安納いも / Tanegashima Annou sweetpotato / Tanegashima Annou Imo | Tanegashima Annou Imo | Agricultural product [sweet potato] |
| 4 | 飛騨牛 / Hidagyu / Hida Beef | Hida Gyu | Fresh meat [beef] |
| 5 | 伊達のあんぽ柿 / Date no Anpo Gaki / Date no Anpo Kaki | Date no Anpo Gaki / Date no Anpo Kaki | Processed agricultural product [dried Japanese persimmon] |
| 6 | サヌキ白みそ / Sanuki Shiro Miso | Sanuki Shiro Miso | Seasonings and soups [miso paste] |
| 7 | たむらのエゴマ油 / Tamura no Egoma oil / Tamura no Egoma Abura | Tamura no Egoma Abura | Oils and fats [perilla oil] |
| 8 | 佐賀 | Saga | Seishu (Sake) |
| 9 | 大阪 | Osaka | Wine |
| 10 | 長野 | Nagano | Wine |
| 11 | 長野 | Nagano | Seishu (Sake) |
| 12 | 山形 | Yamagata | Wine |
| 13 | 新潟 | Niigata | Seishu (Sake) |
| 14 | 滋賀 | Shiga | Seishu (Sake) |

No

Protected name in Japan

Transcription into Latin alphabet

(for information purposes)

Category of products and short description

[in square brackets, for information purposes]

1

大口れんこん / Okuchi Renkon

Okuchi Renkon

Agricultural product [lotus root]

2

氷見稲積梅 / Himi Inazumiume

Himi Inazumiume

Agricultural product [ume (Japanese apricot)]

3

種子島安納いも / Tanegashima Annou sweetpotato / Tanegashima Annou Imo

Tanegashima Annou Imo

Agricultural product [sweet potato]

4

飛騨牛 / Hidagyu / Hida Beef

Hida Gyu

Fresh meat [beef]

5

伊達のあんぽ柿 / Date no Anpo Gaki / Date no Anpo Kaki

Date no Anpo Gaki / Date no Anpo Kaki

Processed agricultural product [dried Japanese persimmon]

6

サヌキ白みそ / Sanuki Shiro Miso

Sanuki Shiro Miso

Seasonings and soups [miso paste]

7

たむらのエゴマ油 / Tamura no Egoma oil / Tamura no Egoma Abura

Tamura no Egoma Abura

Oils and fats [perilla oil]

8

佐賀

Saga

Seishu (Sake)

9

大阪

Osaka

Wine

10

長野

Nagano

Wine

11

長野

Nagano

Seishu (Sake)

12

山形

Yamagata

Wine

13

新潟

Niigata

Seishu (Sake)

14

滋賀

Shiga

Seishu (Sake)

---

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

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

(3)  OJ L 130, 17.5.2019, p. 1.

(4)  List of GIs registered in Japan provided by the Japanese authorities in the framework of the on-going discussions according to Article 14.30 of the Agreement.

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| 8.3.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 86/28 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

8.3.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 86/28

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

(2023/C 86/14)

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

Communicating the approval of a standard amendment to the product specification of a protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication originating in a Member State (Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012)

‘Agneau du Quercy’

EU No: PGI-FR-0185-AM01 –8.12.2022

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1.   Name of product

‘Agneau du Quercy’

2.   Member State to which the geographical area belongs

France

3.   Member State authority communicating the standard amendment

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty

4.   Description of the approved amendment(s)

4.1.   Responsible department in the Member State

The contact details of the National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO), as the competent authority in the Member State in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, have been added.

4.2.   Applicant group

The contact details of the applicant group have been updated. The descriptive part regarding the applicant group has been deleted. The various categories of operators making up the group have been added.

4.3.   Type of product

This section has been revised in line with the nomenclature currently in force.

4.4.   Description of the product

The age of the lambs at slaughter has been changed from between 90 and 180 days, as it was in the initial product specification, to between 60 and 150 days.

The description of the product therefore highlights its main characteristics, namely the fact that the lambs are young (slaughtered at between 60 and 150 days old) and light (carcass weight of 13 to 22 kg) and are suckled for a long period (at least 70 days, or until slaughter if they are slaughtered at between 60 and 69 days).

The criteria for selecting carcasses have been added (‘conformation classes: U, R or O’ and ‘degree of fat cover: 2 or 3’). The characteristics of the lamb meat have also been defined and added to this section (‘firm to very firm fat; fat that is white to slightly pink in colour; raw meat that is light pink in colour.’).

These points are set out again under sub-section 5.6 ‘Slaughter’.

The existing information concerning the breed of the animals, the steps in production that take place in the geographical area and shed farming has been moved and expanded in the section on the production method.

A sentence has been added on the possibility of shipping the products either wholesale or packaged.

For products covered by the PGI, a list of offal products and their characteristics has been added. The offal products concerned are the liver, heart, spleen, lungs, tongue, brain, sweetbreads, kidneys and testicles. Only this offal taken from carcasses of lambs selected for the PGI are allowed.

As regards deep-freezing, the possibility of marketing deep-frozen meat and offal of ‘Agneau du Quercy’ has been added.

The product specification sets out the conditions for the deep-freezing (a process enabling a core temperature of -18 °C to be reached within a maximum of 10 hours), and fixes a date of minimum durability and a maximum period between slaughter and deep-freezing under sub-section 5.8.

4.5.   Geographical area

A sentence has been added recalling the steps of production that take place in the geographical area, namely the lambs’ entire life cycle from birth to slaughter, and indicating the date of the Official Geographic Code.

The description of the geographical area by canton or district has been replaced by a list of municipalities per department. These amendments do not affect the perimeter of the geographical area, which remains unchanged.

The maps in the product specification have been deleted.

4.6.   Evidence that the product originates in the area

In accordance with the guidelines in force at national level to harmonise the drafting of product specifications, a sentence on the need for operators to apply to the applicant group has been added at the beginning of the section.

This section has been completely rewritten and reformatted as a table. The documents, records and information required at each stage of the product’s life cycle (rearing, slaughter, cutting/packaging, deep-freezing) have been added to this section.

A detailed description of bottom-up and top-down traceability to guarantee the origin of ‘Agneau du Quercy’ has also been added.

For the sake of clarity, the concept of a slaughter batch has been defined as a variable quantity of lambs belonging to the same farmer intended to be slaughtered on the same day by the same slaughterer.

The obligation to keep documents related to traceability for 3 years has been added.

The points covered by the control procedure laid down in the control plan have been deleted. The reference to the AGATE software used in slaughterhouses has also been deleted as it is no longer used.

4.7.   Production method

A diagram of the life cycle of the product showing the different stages of the production method has been added in line with the other amendments made to the product specification.

This section has been completely rewritten in order to describe the specific features of farming ‘Agneau du Quercy’ more precisely. New sub-sections have therefore been created for each step of production. The four points of the initial product specification that set out the production steps to be taken in the PGI area (birth, rearing and slaughter), suckling requirements (suckled for at least 70 days on the mother’s milk), shed farming and age at slaughter (slaughtered at between 90 and 180 days old) have been divided into corresponding sub-sections and expanded.

Sub-section 5.2 ‘Specificities relating to farming’

The steps to be taken in the geographical area remain unchanged. The sentence has been amended to add the obligation for lambs to be reared on the same holding from birth to slaughter.

Sub-section 5.3.1 ‘The flock’s diet’

This sub-section has been added to describe the diet of the breeding flock (fathers and mothers), which may alternate periods out of doors or in sheds throughout the year. A list of prohibited raw materials and additives has been added in order to regulate practices, and a requirement for every holding to be at least 55 % feed self-sufficient in dry matter has been added (not applicable to transhumance systems).

Sub-section 5.3.2 ‘Feeding of the lambs’

The obligation for lambs to suckle for 70 days is maintained. In line with the change in the slaughter age, the possibility of slaughtering unweaned lambs between 60 and 69 days old has been added. The sentence has also been amended to replace ‘fed on their mother’s milk’ with ‘suckled’, in order to take account of any exchanges of lambs between mothers due to adoption or suckling problems.

A ban on bottle-feeding has been added.

This section has been supplemented with the list of raw materials used to feed the lambs and the list of banned additives and raw materials, in order to describe the actual practices of ‘Agneau du Quercy’ PGI farmers more precisely. This enables farmers to regulate this stage of production precisely, standardise production on all holdings and avoid using raw materials that could affect the health of the lambs (weaken the digestive system) or the quality of the product.

In line with the nomenclature of the European regulation on the catalogue of feed materials (Regulation (EU) No 68/2013), a list of raw materials authorised for feeding the lambs has been added.

A list of banned raw materials and additives has also been added and supplemented by a ban on the use of fodder preserved by silaging and baling in the lambs’ feed.

A minimum percentage of 30 % cereals and cereal derivatives in the lambs’ compound feed has been added to ensure a balanced diet.

The point concerning the definition of ‘Agneau du Quercy’ as a ‘shed-farmed lamb’ has been amended to include the possibility for lambs to accompany their mothers outside.

An obligation to separate the lambs’ pens from the ewes’ feed has been added.

Sub-sections 5.4 ‘Comfort and sanitary conditions on the farm’ and 5.5 ‘Collection and transport of lambs’

With regard to the sub-section on ‘Genetic origin’: The initial product specification stated that ‘Agneau du Quercy’ came ‘mainly’ from the Caussenarde du Lot breed. This name has been replaced with the official name of the breed, Causses du Lot.

Two breeds have been added to the list of authorised breeds for the mothers: the Blanche du Massif Central and the Lacaune viande. These three breeds may be used pure-bred or as first-generation crossbreeds.

A list of breeds for the fathers has been added, taken from hardy and meat breeds and used pure-bred. Depending on what the lambs are intended for, the farmer chooses a father of the most appropriate breed: meat breeds for the conformation of the lambs and hardy breeds for the replacement of ewe lambs.

As regards the fitting-out of buildings (sheds, transit centres), new obligations have been added to cover the PGI producers’ usual practices (access to food and water, density of animals in the building, quality of bedding and cleaning of buildings).

As regards animal care, animal handling requirements have been added (with care, ban on grabbing animals by the wool), as well as a ban on the castration of males.

As regards veterinary care, new obligations have been added to regulate the use and traceability of medicated feed.

In order to regulate the animal transport stage and minimise stress, a maximum journey time of 8 hours has been added.

Sub-section 5.6 ‘Slaughter’

In line with the amendment set out under ‘Description of the product’, the age of the lambs at slaughter has been modified, reducing it to between 60 and 150 days (instead of 90 to 180 days previously).

The requirement has been supplemented by a reference to the fact that lambs slaughtered at between 60 and 69 days old are unweaned.

A maximum period of 24 hours has been set between the arrival of the lambs and slaughter.

Conditions for the chilling of carcasses have been defined and added to this section (core temperature, lack of condensation).

The criteria for the selection of carcasses have been added, as well as the conditions for storing and selecting carcasses (entire carcasses, storage room, after chilling, cold inspection).

Sub-section 5.7 ‘Selection of offal’

Requirements relating to the selection of offal have been added, according to which it should be taken from ‘Agneau du Quercy’ PGI lambs when it is separated from the carcasses.

Sub-section 5.9 ‘Cutting and packaging’

Requirements have been added that packaging must take place in the cutting plant immediately after cutting, and that the meat may be packaged wholesale or in consumer sales units.

4.8.   Link

The section entitled ‘Link with the geographical area’ has been completely rewritten, but the substance has not changed. It has been reorganised into three parts to distinguish the specific characteristics of the geographical area, the specific characteristics of the product and the causal link.

4.9.   Inspection body

In accordance with the guidelines in force at national level to harmonise the drafting of product specifications, the name and contact details of the certification body and the control plan in table form have been deleted.

Under this heading, the contact details of the authorities responsible for national inspections are now provided, i.e. the National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO) and the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF). The name and contact details of the certification body can be consulted via the website of the INAO and the European Commission’s database.

4.10.   
  Labelling

The requirement for the lamb to be sold with a PGI logo has been deleted.

In accordance with the guidelines in force at national level to harmonise the drafting of product specifications, the points relating to labelling in the initial product specification have been deleted and replaced by a sentence describing the mandatory regulatory elements.

4.11.   
  National requirements

In the light of national legislative and regulatory developments, the points in this section have been deleted and replaced by a table of the main points to be checked in accordance with national rules.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Agneau du Quercy’

EU No: PGI-FR-0185-AM01

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1.   Name(s)

‘Agneau du Quercy’

2.   Member State or Third Country

France

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Class 1.1. Fresh meat (and offal)

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

‘Agneau du Quercy’ PGI meat and offal comes from lambs that have a carcass weight of 13 to 22 kg, have suckled for at least 70 days (or until slaughter if they are slaughtered between 60 and 69 days), and are aged between 60 and 150 days.

Carcass characteristics:

conformation classes: U, R or O;

degree of fat cover: 2 or 3.

Lamb meat characteristics:

firm to very firm fat;

fat that is white to slightly pink in colour;

raw meat that is light pink in colour.

Offal characteristics:

Whole pluck (liver, heart, spleen, lungs)

Liver: uniform red to light brown colour.

Heart: firm texture.

Spleen: spongy and soft appearance.

Lungs: well-vascularised lobes and a spongy texture.

Tongue: firm texture, uniform grey colour (without blemishes).

Brain: well-irrigated appearance, well-formed lobe, pale colour.

Sweetbreads: whitish colour and melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Kidneys: no smell of urine, red to light brown colour, firm texture.

Testicles: oval shape, well-developed internal texture.

The lamb meat and offal may be sold fresh or deep-frozen.

The products are shipped either wholesale or packaged.

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

The flock’s diet:

Adult animals alternate periods spent entirely out of doors with periods in sheds and mixed periods including time out of doors and time in sheds.

Apart from transhumance systems, resources produced on the farm (including pasture) make up the bulk of the flock’s diet: the minimum percentage of feed self-sufficiency is 55 % in dry matter.

Feeding of the lambs:

The lambs are suckled for at least 70 days (or until slaughter if they are slaughtered at between 60 and 69 days).

Bottle-feeding is prohibited.

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

‘Agneau du Quercy’ lambs are born and reared in the defined geographical area.

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

Slaughter takes place in the geographical area.

The maximum journey time is 8 hours.

It was already mandatory for the lambs to be slaughtered in the geographical area.

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

The labelling includes the registered name of the product and the European Union PGI symbol in the same field of vision.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The geographical area for ‘Agneau du Quercy’ PGI comprises the following departments, cantons and municipalities:

| — | Department of Aveyron: the cantons of Villefranche de Rouergue and the municipalities of Ambeyrac; Asprieres; Balaguier-d’Olt; Bouillac; Capdenac-Gare; Causse-et-Diege; Foissac; La Capelle-Balaguier; Les Albres; Martiel; Montsales; Morlhon-le-Haut; Naussac; Ols-et-Rinhodes; Sainte-Croix; Saint-Igest; Saint-Remy; Salles-Courbaties; Salvagnac-Cajarc; Saujac; Savignac; Sonnac; Toulonjac; Villeneuve. |
| --- | --- |

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Department of Aveyron: the cantons of Villefranche de Rouergue and the municipalities of Ambeyrac; Asprieres; Balaguier-d’Olt; Bouillac; Capdenac-Gare; Causse-et-Diege; Foissac; La Capelle-Balaguier; Les Albres; Martiel; Montsales; Morlhon-le-Haut; Naussac; Ols-et-Rinhodes; Sainte-Croix; Saint-Igest; Saint-Remy; Salles-Courbaties; Salvagnac-Cajarc; Saujac; Savignac; Sonnac; Toulonjac; Villeneuve.

| — | Department of Corrèze: the cantons of Brive la Gaillarde 1, 2 and 4 and Saint-Pantaléon de Larches and the municipalities of Astaillac; Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne; Bilhac; Branceilles; Brivezac; Chauffour-sur-Vell; Chenailler-Mascheix; Collonges-la-Rouge; Cosnac; Curemonte; Jugeals-Nazareth; La Chapelle-aux-Saints; Lagleygeolle; Ligneyrac; Liourdres; Lostanges; Marcillac-la-Croze; Meyssac; Noailhac; Nonards; Puy-d’Arnac; Queyssac-les-Vignes; Saillac; Saint-Bazile-de-Meyssac; Saint-Julien-Maumont; Sioniac; Tudeils; Végennes. |
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Department of Corrèze: the cantons of Brive la Gaillarde 1, 2 and 4 and Saint-Pantaléon de Larches and the municipalities of Astaillac; Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne; Bilhac; Branceilles; Brivezac; Chauffour-sur-Vell; Chenailler-Mascheix; Collonges-la-Rouge; Cosnac; Curemonte; Jugeals-Nazareth; La Chapelle-aux-Saints; Lagleygeolle; Ligneyrac; Liourdres; Lostanges; Marcillac-la-Croze; Meyssac; Noailhac; Nonards; Puy-d’Arnac; Queyssac-les-Vignes; Saillac; Saint-Bazile-de-Meyssac; Saint-Julien-Maumont; Sioniac; Tudeils; Végennes.

| — | Department of Dordogne: the district of Sarlat la Caneda and the municipalities of Ajat; Auriac-du-Périgord; Azerat; Bars; Blis-et-Born; Brouchaud; Chourgnac; Cubjac; Fanlac; Fossemagne; Gabillou; Hautefort; La Bachellerie; La Boissière-d’Ans; Limeyrat; Mayac; Montagnac-d’Auberoche; Plazac; Saint-Antoine-d’Auberoche; Sainte-Eulalie-d’Ans; Sainte-Orse; Saint-Pantaly-d’Ans; Savignac-les-Eglises; Temple-Laguyon. |
| --- | --- |

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Department of Dordogne: the district of Sarlat la Caneda and the municipalities of Ajat; Auriac-du-Périgord; Azerat; Bars; Blis-et-Born; Brouchaud; Chourgnac; Cubjac; Fanlac; Fossemagne; Gabillou; Hautefort; La Bachellerie; La Boissière-d’Ans; Limeyrat; Mayac; Montagnac-d’Auberoche; Plazac; Saint-Antoine-d’Auberoche; Sainte-Eulalie-d’Ans; Sainte-Orse; Saint-Pantaly-d’Ans; Savignac-les-Eglises; Temple-Laguyon.

| — | The entire Department of Lot |
| --- | --- |

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The entire Department of Lot

| — | Department of Lot-et-Garonne: the municipalities of Anthé; Blanquefort-sur-Briolance; Bourlens; Cazideroque; Condezaygues; Courbiac; Cuzorn; Fumel; Masquières; Monsempron-Libos; Montayral; Saint-Front-sur-Lémance; Saint-Georges; Saint-Vite; Sauveterre-la-Lémance; Thézac; Tournon-d'Agenais. |
| --- | --- |

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Department of Lot-et-Garonne: the municipalities of Anthé; Blanquefort-sur-Briolance; Bourlens; Cazideroque; Condezaygues; Courbiac; Cuzorn; Fumel; Masquières; Monsempron-Libos; Montayral; Saint-Front-sur-Lémance; Saint-Georges; Saint-Vite; Sauveterre-la-Lémance; Thézac; Tournon-d'Agenais.

| — | Department of Tarn-et-Garonne: the municipalities of Bouloc; Caussade; Caylus; Cayrac; Cayriech; Cazes-Mondenard; Durfort-Lacapelette; Espinas; Labastide-de-Penne; Lacapelle-Livron; Lafrançaise; Lapenche; Lauzerte; Lavaurette; Loze; Mirabel; Montagudet; Montalzat; Montbarla; Monteils; Montfermier; Montpezat-de-Quercy; Montricoux; Mouillac; Puylagarde; Puylaroque; Réalville; Roquecor; Saint-Amans-de-Pellagal; Saint-Cirq; Sainte-Juliette; Saint-Georges; Saint-Projet; Saint-Vincent; Sauveterre; Septfonds; Tréjouls. |
| --- | --- |

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Department of Tarn-et-Garonne: the municipalities of Bouloc; Caussade; Caylus; Cayrac; Cayriech; Cazes-Mondenard; Durfort-Lacapelette; Espinas; Labastide-de-Penne; Lacapelle-Livron; Lafrançaise; Lapenche; Lauzerte; Lavaurette; Loze; Mirabel; Montagudet; Montalzat; Montbarla; Monteils; Montfermier; Montpezat-de-Quercy; Montricoux; Mouillac; Puylagarde; Puylaroque; Réalville; Roquecor; Saint-Amans-de-Pellagal; Saint-Cirq; Sainte-Juliette; Saint-Georges; Saint-Projet; Saint-Vincent; Sauveterre; Septfonds; Tréjouls.

5.   Link with the geographical area

The link with the geographical area is based on the quality of the product, which in turn is thanks to the natural and human factors that characterise the area, and on the product’s reputation.

The geographical area of the ‘Agneau du Quercy’ PGI is situated in the south-west of the Massif Central. The Causses du Quercy are located in the Department of Lot and stretch into Corrèze to the north, Dordorgne to the north-west, and Tarn et Garonne and Aveyron to the south. This area stands out for the presence of the causses, or plateaus, that give it its name and cover a substantial part of its area, with the remainder alternating between hills and valleys. The Quercy extension of the Massif Central to the East is more mountainous.

The Causses du Quercy are characterised by a set of limestone plateaus with numerous and varied karstic phenomena. The soluble limestone rocks have been hollowed out and shaped by water, forming underground rivers, chasms like the famous Padirac chasm, dolines and other cavities, some of which have been filled in over time.

It is a fairly harsh and arid region, despite high average rainfall. The soils are shallow and rich in coarse fragments (stones), facilitating drainage. Their useful reserve is severely affected by this, despite their texture being predominantly clayey (75 %) or occasionally loamy (15 %, found mainly in the east of the Causses). ‘The forests are just small, often sparse coppice, becoming garide (grassland with scattered shrubs) on the dry slopes. Crops and grasslands cover only areas of clay resulting from decalcification, in the depressions in the plateau (dolines and dry valleys) or, in particular, at the bottom of the deep valleys where the Lias marl topsoils appear.’ (National Geographic Institute (IGN) Report, 2013).

Quercy’s climate is dominated by oceanic and Mediterranean influences. It is very variable, with hot summers and cold winters; there are many vagaries. Rainfall is slightly higher in the east than in the west (~ 100 mm more).

The dominant botanical landscape is made up of a grouping of three plant communities, the garrisade, the glèbes and the grèzes. The garrisade is the sparsely stocked pubescent oak forest with thorny undergrowth (juniper, blackthorn). The trees are poorly developed, particularly as most of them are debranched for livestock feed. The term ‘glèbes’ refers to the short grass pastures on the plateaus, scrubby grassland interspersed with trees or shrubs. The grèzes are the steppic and bare plant communities where tufts of grass nestle among the dry, rough limestone. The plateaus’ grasslands are naturally stocked with plants beneficial for livestock farming. They are known as ‘dry’ or ‘xeric’ grasslands, because of the high drainage soil. They are self-maintained by the soil’s low capacity to retain rainfall and are also maintained by domestic or wild grazing animals.

It is difficult to make use of this poor-quality land, with low primary productivity. Very early on, the inhabitants of Quercy therefore turned to a type of livestock farming that can cope with poor land – sheep farming. Traces of sheep farming dating from Neolithic times can be found in Quercy: ‘The excavations show that the traditional landscape of the plateaus, with their oak woods, flocks of sheep and wheat fields in the dolines, was formed as early as the Neolithic period’ (Les Richesses de France, No 122, 1985). Traces of its renown can also be found dating from Gallo-Roman times: ‘Sheep farming is the traditional source of income in the Causse: as early as the Gallo-Roman period, bedding and blankets from Cahors were in high demand on the market in Rome (Strabo, Pliny).’ (Bulletin de l’Association de géographes français, No 64, December 1932).

Between the 17th and 18th century, the prosperity of livestock farming was due to two pastoral practices: common grazing, thanks to the existence of devèses, or common land, and normal summer or winter transhumance, the winter transhumance being more unusual. The sheep were raised first and foremost for wool, which was used to make ‘cadis’, a rough but very robust fabric.

Between 1760 and 1830, farming for wool in Quercy was in decline, the transhumance ceased, and at the same time meat from Quercy sheep began to gain recognition. In 1830, there were around 230 000 animals in small flocks for domestic use.

During the 20th century, the adoption of new livestock farming practices enabled farmers to complete the entire pastoral cycle on the plateaus and forage crops were introduced. Livestock farming was then clearly geared towards meat production.

The Causses du Lot breed, an ancestral and hardy breed, has always been present in Quercy. Well adapted to the constraints of the environment, it makes the best possible use of the natural resources in the geographical area. This breed has been, and still is, the predominant breed on ‘Agneau du Quercy’ farms. From the 20th century onwards, wool production gave way to meat production and farmers started to take an interest in genetic advances. Two other breeds started to be reared in Quercy: the Lacaune and the Blanche du Massif Central. These hardy breeds have adapted well to the conditions of the environment and have developed similar abilities to the ancestral breed. They are also easy to breed out of season, allowing lamb to be produced for a large part of the year.

Farmers have been able to put in place a food system adapted to the constraints of the area, using and making the most of natural resources throughout the year in order to produce high-quality lambs. The flock is fed in such a way as to adjust intake according to the needs of the ewes and lambs. Every holding must be at least 55 % feed self-sufficient in dry matter.

‘Agneau du Quercy’ is reared on a single holding from birth to slaughter. At first, the lambs feed exclusively by suckling and stay with the mothers. After this initial stage, the lambs are gradually given a feed supplement for fattening. They also have access to fodder and can accompany the mothers outside.

‘Agneau du Quercy’ lambs are young (maximum 150 days old) and light (carcass weight of 13 to 22 kg). They are suckled and reared principally on the mother’s milk for at least 70 days. They have good conformation and good fat cover.

‘Agneau du Quercy’ meat is characterised by:

firm to very firm fat;

fat that is white to slightly pink in colour;

raw meat that is light pink in colour.

‘Agneau du Quercy’ is a product with a long-standing reputation.

Quercy, and particularly the poor land of the Causses, combined with highly variable climatic conditions, have resulted in an adaptation of the farming systems that now produce ‘Agneau du Quercy’. The Causses offer paths and vegetation that are particularly well suited to sheep, often the only animals able to make use of them. The maintenance of sensitive and abandoned areas is also of significant environmental interest throughout the geographical area.

Due to natural constraints, the ewes reared are of ancestral breeds or breeds selected for their hardiness and ability to exploit the poor land of the Causses. Today’s flocks are shaped by several breeds (pure-bred and cross-bred): the Causses du Lot, the Lacaune and the Blanche du Massif Central. These breeds have very good maternal qualities, in terms of both lambing and suckling. These hardy breeds are crossed with rams to improve conformation. The sheep farmers are masters of cross-breeding, choosing ram breeds in order to have the mating either improve the carcass of the lambs or conserve the maternal qualities of the future mother sheep.

The significant feed self-sufficiency of the holdings enables farmers to make the most of the natural resources in this difficult environment, so mixed farming dominates in the geographical area. The production of cereals on the holding also helps to ensure that the flock’s feed is monitored and optimised.

The specific characteristics of ‘Agneau du Quercy’ are mainly attributable to the traditional way in which the lambs are reared: suckling for at least 70 days, followed by the gradual introduction of a supplement to achieve optimal conformation and fat cover.

The pale pink colour of ‘Agneau du Quercy’ raw meat is attributable to both the age of the lambs at slaughter and to suckling on their mother’s milk for the first 2 months. These characteristics are preserved by the farmers’ willingness and knowledge of how to respect the animals. The animals are reared and transported with care, minimising any source of stress from birth to slaughter and reducing the risk of deterioration of the meat.

The white to slightly pink, firm fat is a result of the lambs’ diet during the fattening stage and the nature of the supplements. Compounds are fed to the lambs in limited quantities so that they eat more fodder and improve their salivation and stomach balance. These elements increase the saturated fatty acid content in the covering fat and ensure a balanced intrinsic fat content. The long suckling period and age at slaughter also have a beneficial effect on the quality of the fat, as the mother’s milk is very rich in fatty acid and young lambs generally have firmer fat.

‘Agneau du Quercy’ has won awards at many events, and the butchers who showcase it sweep up prizes: in total, three 1st prizes for butcher’s shops at the Trophées des Viandes d’Excellence, 1st prize at the international gastronomy competition in 1993, four prizes for traditional butchery at the Trophées des Viandes d’Excellence, including a 1st prize and a prize for excellence, and 1st prize for a farmer/technician partnership in 2011. Finally, ‘Agneau du Quercy’ was awarded a gold medal at the Concours Général Agricole in 2019.

Michelin starred chef Stéphane Andrieux honoured ‘Agneau du Quercy’ by creating a recipe based on it – ‘Rack of Agneau du Quercy lamb with lemon and confit tomato stuffing, and warm multi-coloured carrot jelly’.

Reference to publication of the specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-4217040f-0f67-4f40-927a-81b4b22cf804

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

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