# Official Journal C 317/2013

| | ISSN 1977-091X
  doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2013.317.eng |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 317 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5631 October 2013 |

ISSN 1977-091X

doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2013.317.eng

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 317

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5631 October 2013

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2013/C 317/01 | Communication from the Commission concerning the quantity not applied for to be added to the quantity fixed for the subperiod 1 January to 31 March 2014 under certain quotas opened by the European Union for poultrymeat, eggs and egg albumin products | 1 |
| 2013/C 317/02 | Communication from the Commission concerning the quantity not applied for to be added to the quantity fixed for the subperiod 1 January to 31 March 2014 under certain quotas opened by the Union for pigmeat products | 2 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2013/C 317/01

Communication from the Commission concerning the quantity not applied for to be added to the quantity fixed for the subperiod 1 January to 31 March 2014 under certain quotas opened by the European Union for poultrymeat, eggs and egg albumin products

1

2013/C 317/02

Communication from the Commission concerning the quantity not applied for to be added to the quantity fixed for the subperiod 1 January to 31 March 2014 under certain quotas opened by the Union for pigmeat products

2

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | Council |
| 2013/C 317/03 | Council Decision of 7 October 2013 appointing and replacing members of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training | 3 |
| | European Commission |
| 2013/C 317/04 | Euro exchange rates | 4 |
| 2013/C 317/05 | Commission communication in the framework of the implementation of Directive 2009/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2009 on the safety of toys (Publication of titles and references of harmonised standards under Union harmonisation legislation)
   (
  1
  ) | 5 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

2013/C 317/03

Council Decision of 7 October 2013 appointing and replacing members of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training

3

European Commission

2013/C 317/04

Euro exchange rates

4

2013/C 317/05

Commission communication in the framework of the implementation of Directive 2009/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2009 on the safety of toys (Publication of titles and references of harmonised standards under Union harmonisation legislation)
   (
  1
  )

(Publication of titles and references of harmonised standards under Union harmonisation legislation)

1

5

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES |
| | European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) |
| 2013/C 317/06 | Notice of open competitions | 7 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2013/C 317/07 | Publication of an application pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 8 |
| 2013/C 317/08 | Publication of an application pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 13 |

V   Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)

2013/C 317/06

Notice of open competitions

7

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2013/C 317/07

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

8

2013/C 317/08

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

13

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

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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

EN

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 31.10.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 317/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

31.10.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 317/1

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Communication from the Commission concerning the quantity not applied for to be added to the quantity fixed for the subperiod 1 January to 31 March 2014 under certain quotas opened by the European Union for poultrymeat, eggs and egg albumin products

2013/C 317/01

Commission Regulations (EC) No 533/2007 (1), (EC) No 536/2007 (2) and (EC) No 539/2007 (3) opened tariff quotas for imports of products in the poultrymeat sector. The import licence applications lodged during the first seven days of September 2013 for the subperiod 1 October to 31 December 2013 are, for quotas 09.4068, 09.4070, 09.4169, 09.4015, 09.4401 and 09.4402, for quantities smaller than those available. Pursuant to the second sentence of Article 7(4) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1301/2006 (4), the quantities that were not applied for are to be added to the quantity fixed for the following quota subperiod, from 1 January to 31 March 2014; they are set out in the Annex to this communication.

---

(1)  OJ L 125, 15.5.2007, p. 9.

(2)  OJ L 128, 16.5.2007, p. 6.

(3)  OJ L 128, 16.5.2007, p. 19.

(4)  OJ L 238, 1.9.2006, p. 13.

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ANNEX

| Quota order number | Quantities not applied for, to be added to the quantity fixed for the subperiod 1 January to 31 March 2014
  (in kg) |
| --- | --- |
| 09.4068 | 3 510 500 |
| 09.4070 | 860 500 |
| 09.4169 | 10 595 500 |
| 09.4015 | 67 500 000 |
| 09.4401 | 1 170 760 |
| 09.4402 | 6 886 588 |

Quota order number

Quantities not applied for, to be added to the quantity fixed for the subperiod 1 January to 31 March 2014

(in kg)

09.4068

3 510 500

09.4070

860 500

09.4169

10 595 500

09.4015

67 500 000

09.4401

1 170 760

09.4402

6 886 588

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| 31.10.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 317/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

31.10.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 317/2

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Communication from the Commission concerning the quantity not applied for to be added to the quantity fixed for the subperiod 1 January to 31 March 2014 under certain quotas opened by the Union for pigmeat products

2013/C 317/02

Commission Regulation (EC) No 442/2009 (1) opened tariff quotas for imports of pigmeat products. The import licence applications lodged during the first seven days of September 2013 for the subperiod 1 October to 31 December 2013 are, for quotas 09.4038, 09.4170 and 09.4204, for quantities smaller than those available. Pursuant to the second sentence of Article 7(4) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1301/2006 (2), the quantities that were not applied for are to be added to the quantity fixed for the following quota subperiod, from 1 January to 31 March 2014; they are set out in the Annex to this communication.

---

(1)  OJ L 129, 28.5.2009, p. 13.

(2)  OJ L 238, 1.9.2006, p. 13.

---

ANNEX

| Quota order number | Quantities not applied for, to be added to the quantity fixed for the subperiod 1 January to 31 March 2014
  (in kg) |
| --- | --- |
| 09.4038 | 17 142 500 |
| 09.4170 | 2 461 000 |
| 09.4204 | 2 312 000 |

Quota order number

Quantities not applied for, to be added to the quantity fixed for the subperiod 1 January to 31 March 2014

(in kg)

09.4038

17 142 500

09.4170

2 461 000

09.4204

2 312 000

---

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

| 31.10.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 317/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

31.10.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 317/3

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COUNCIL DECISION

of 7 October 2013

appointing and replacing members of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training

2013/C 317/03

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 337/75 of 10 February 1975 establishing the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, and in particular Article 4 thereof (1),

Having regard to the nomination submitted by the Cypriot government,

Having regard to the nomination submitted by the Latvian government,

Whereas:

| (1) | By its Decision of 16 July 2012 (2), the Council appointed the members of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the period from 18 September 2012 to 17 September 2015. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

By its Decision of 16 July 2012 (2), the Council appointed the members of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the period from 18 September 2012 to 17 September 2015.

| (2) | A member's seat is available for Cyprus on the Governing Board of the Centre in the category of Government representatives as a result of the resignation of Mr George PAPAGEORGIOU. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

A member's seat is available for Cyprus on the Governing Board of the Centre in the category of Government representatives as a result of the resignation of Mr George PAPAGEORGIOU.

| (3) | A member's seat is available for Latvia on the Governing Board of the Centre in the category of Government representatives as a result of the resignation of Mr Janis GAIGALS. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

A member's seat is available for Latvia on the Governing Board of the Centre in the category of Government representatives as a result of the resignation of Mr Janis GAIGALS.

| (4) | The members of the Governing Board of the aforementioned Centre should be appointed for the remainder of the current term of office, which expires on 17 September 2015, |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The members of the Governing Board of the aforementioned Centre should be appointed for the remainder of the current term of office, which expires on 17 September 2015,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

The following persons are hereby appointed as members of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the remainder of the term of office, which runs until 17 September 2015:

GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES:

| CYPRUS | Mr George PANAYIDES |
| --- | --- |
| LATVIA | Ms Sanda LIEPIŅA |

CYPRUS

Mr George PANAYIDES

LATVIA

Ms Sanda LIEPIŅA

Done at Luxembourg, 7 October 2013.

For the Council

The President

J. BERNATONIS

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(1)  OJ L 39, 13.2.1975, p. 1.

1

(2)  OJ C 228, 31.7.2012, p. 3.

2

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European Commission

| 31.10.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 317/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

31.10.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 317/4

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Euro exchange rates (1)

30 October 2013

2013/C 317/04

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,3755 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 135,11 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4586 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,85590 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 8,7820 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,2347 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 8,0800 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 25,742 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 293,63 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,7030 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,1801 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,4288 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 2,7358 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,4471 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4364 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,6644 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,6632 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,7022 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 456,81 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 13,5765 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 8,3831 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,6180 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 15 276,59 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,3290 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 59,340 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 44,0089 |
| THB | Thai baht | 42,709 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 3,0135 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 17,7178 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 84,2320 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,3755

JPY

Japanese yen

135,11

DKK

Danish krone

7,4586

GBP

Pound sterling

0,85590

SEK

Swedish krona

8,7820

CHF

Swiss franc

1,2347

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

8,0800

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

25,742

HUF

Hungarian forint

293,63

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,7030

PLN

Polish zloty

4,1801

RON

Romanian leu

4,4288

TRY

Turkish lira

2,7358

AUD

Australian dollar

1,4471

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4364

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,6644

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,6632

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,7022

KRW

South Korean won

1 456,81

ZAR

South African rand

13,5765

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

8,3831

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,6180

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

15 276,59

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,3290

PHP

Philippine peso

59,340

RUB

Russian rouble

44,0089

THB

Thai baht

42,709

BRL

Brazilian real

3,0135

MXN

Mexican peso

17,7178

INR

Indian rupee

84,2320

---

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

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| 31.10.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 317/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

31.10.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 317/5

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Commission communication in the framework of the implementation of Directive 2009/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2009 on the safety of toys

(Publication of titles and references of harmonised standards under Union harmonisation legislation)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2013/C 317/05

| ESO (1) | Reference and title of the harmonised standard
  (and reference document) | First publication Official Journal | Reference of superseded standard | Date of cessation of presumption of conformity of superseded standard
  Note 1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| CEN | EN 71-1:2011+A2:2013
  Safety of toys — Part 1: Mechanical and physical properties | This is the first publication | EN 71-1:2011
  Note 2.1 | 30.9.2014 |
| CEN | EN 71-2:2011
  Safety of toys — Part 2: Flammability | 21.7.2011 | | |
| CEN | EN 71-3:2013
  Safety of toys — Part 3: Migration of certain elements | 29.6.2013 | | |
| CEN | EN 71-4:2013
  Safety of toys — Part 4: Experimental sets for chemistry and related activities | 28.5.2013 | | |
| CEN | EN 71-5:2013
  Safety of toys — Part 5: Chemical toys (sets) other than experimental sets | 29.6.2013 | | |
| CEN | EN 71-8:2011
  Safety of toys — Part 8: Activity toys for domestic use | 19.10.2011 | | |
| CEN | EN 71-12:2013
  Safety of toys — Part 12: N-Nitrosamines and N-nitrosatable substances | 29.6.2013 | | |
| Cenelec | EN 62115:2005
  Electric toys — Safety
  IEC 62115:2003 (Modified) + A1:2004 | 11.8.2011 | | |
| EN 62115:2005/A2:2011
  IEC 62115:2003/A2:2010 (Modified) | 11.8.2011 | Note 3 | Date expired
  (11.8.2011) |
| EN 62115:2005/A11:2012 | 15.11.2012 | Note 3 | Date expired
  (15.11.2012) |
| EN 62115:2005/A11:2012/AC:2013 | 29.6.2013 | | |
| EN 62115:2005/A2:2011/AC:2011 | 19.10.2011 | | |

ESO (1)

Reference and title of the harmonised standard

(and reference document)

First publication Official Journal

Reference of superseded standard

Date of cessation of presumption of conformity of superseded standard

Note 1

CEN

EN 71-1:2011+A2:2013

Safety of toys — Part 1: Mechanical and physical properties

This is the first publication

EN 71-1:2011

Note 2.1

30.9.2014

CEN

EN 71-2:2011

Safety of toys — Part 2: Flammability

21.7.2011

CEN

EN 71-3:2013

Safety of toys — Part 3: Migration of certain elements

29.6.2013

CEN

EN 71-4:2013

Safety of toys — Part 4: Experimental sets for chemistry and related activities

28.5.2013

CEN

EN 71-5:2013

Safety of toys — Part 5: Chemical toys (sets) other than experimental sets

29.6.2013

CEN

EN 71-8:2011

Safety of toys — Part 8: Activity toys for domestic use

19.10.2011

CEN

EN 71-12:2013

Safety of toys — Part 12: N-Nitrosamines and N-nitrosatable substances

29.6.2013

Cenelec

EN 62115:2005

Electric toys — Safety

IEC 62115:2003 (Modified) + A1:2004

11.8.2011

EN 62115:2005/A2:2011

IEC 62115:2003/A2:2010 (Modified)

11.8.2011

Note 3

Date expired

(11.8.2011)

EN 62115:2005/A11:2012

15.11.2012

Note 3

Date expired

(15.11.2012)

EN 62115:2005/A11:2012/AC:2013

29.6.2013

EN 62115:2005/A2:2011/AC:2011

19.10.2011

| Note 1: | Generally the date of cessation of presumption of conformity will be the date of withdrawal (dow), set by the European standardisation organisation, but attention of users of these standards is drawn to the fact that in certain exceptional cases this can be otherwise. |
| --- | --- |

Note 1:

Generally the date of cessation of presumption of conformity will be the date of withdrawal (dow), set by the European standardisation organisation, but attention of users of these standards is drawn to the fact that in certain exceptional cases this can be otherwise.

| Note 2.1: | The new (or amended) standard has the same scope as the superseded standard. On the date stated, the superseded standard ceases to give presumption of conformity with the essential or other requirements of the relevant Union legislation. |
| --- | --- |

Note 2.1:

The new (or amended) standard has the same scope as the superseded standard. On the date stated, the superseded standard ceases to give presumption of conformity with the essential or other requirements of the relevant Union legislation.

| Note 2.2: | The new standard has a broader scope than the superseded standard. On the date stated, the superseded standard ceases to give presumption of conformity with the essential or other requirements of the relevant Union legislation. |
| --- | --- |

Note 2.2:

The new standard has a broader scope than the superseded standard. On the date stated, the superseded standard ceases to give presumption of conformity with the essential or other requirements of the relevant Union legislation.

| Note 2.3: | The new standard has a narrower scope than the superseded standard. On the date stated, the (partially) superseded standard ceases to give presumption of conformity with the essential or other requirements of the relevant Union legislation for those products or services that fall within the scope of the new standard. Presumption of conformity with the essential or other requirements of the relevant Union legislation for products or services that still fall within the scope of the (partially) superseded standard, but that do not fall within the scope of the new standard, is unaffected. |
| --- | --- |

Note 2.3:

The new standard has a narrower scope than the superseded standard. On the date stated, the (partially) superseded standard ceases to give presumption of conformity with the essential or other requirements of the relevant Union legislation for those products or services that fall within the scope of the new standard. Presumption of conformity with the essential or other requirements of the relevant Union legislation for products or services that still fall within the scope of the (partially) superseded standard, but that do not fall within the scope of the new standard, is unaffected.

| Note 3: | In case of amendments, the referenced standard is EN CCCCC:YYYY, its previous amendments, if any, and the new, quoted amendment. The superseded standard therefore consists of EN CCCCC:YYYY and its previous amendments, if any, but without the new quoted amendment. On the date stated, the superseded standard ceases to give presumption of conformity with the essential or other requirements of the relevant Union legislation. |
| --- | --- |

Note 3:

In case of amendments, the referenced standard is EN CCCCC:YYYY, its previous amendments, if any, and the new, quoted amendment. The superseded standard therefore consists of EN CCCCC:YYYY and its previous amendments, if any, but without the new quoted amendment. On the date stated, the superseded standard ceases to give presumption of conformity with the essential or other requirements of the relevant Union legislation.

NOTE:

| — | Any information concerning the availability of the standards can be obtained either from the European standardisation organisations or from the national standardisation bodies the list of which is published in the Official Journal of the European Union according to Article 27 of the Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 (2). |
| --- | --- |

—

Any information concerning the availability of the standards can be obtained either from the European standardisation organisations or from the national standardisation bodies the list of which is published in the Official Journal of the European Union according to Article 27 of the Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 (2).

| — | Standards are adopted by the European standardisation organisations in English (CEN and Cenelec also publish in French and German). Subsequently, the titles of the standards are translated into all other required official languages of the European Union by the national standardisation bodies. The European Commission is not responsible for the correctness of the titles which have been presented for publication in the Official Journal. |
| --- | --- |

—

Standards are adopted by the European standardisation organisations in English (CEN and Cenelec also publish in French and German). Subsequently, the titles of the standards are translated into all other required official languages of the European Union by the national standardisation bodies. The European Commission is not responsible for the correctness of the titles which have been presented for publication in the Official Journal.

| — | References to Corrigenda ‘.../AC:YYYY’ are published for information only. A corrigendum removes printing, linguistic or similar errors from the text of a standard and may relate to one or more language versions (English, French and/or German) of a standard as adopted by a European standardisation organisation. |
| --- | --- |

—

References to Corrigenda ‘.../AC:YYYY’ are published for information only. A corrigendum removes printing, linguistic or similar errors from the text of a standard and may relate to one or more language versions (English, French and/or German) of a standard as adopted by a European standardisation organisation.

| — | Publication of the references in the Official Journal of the European Union does not imply that the standards are available in all the official languages of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

—

Publication of the references in the Official Journal of the European Union does not imply that the standards are available in all the official languages of the European Union.

| — | This list replaces all the previous lists published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The European Commission ensures the updating of this list. |
| --- | --- |

—

This list replaces all the previous lists published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The European Commission ensures the updating of this list.

| — | More information about harmonised standards and other European standards is available on the Internet at:
  http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/european-standards/harmonised-standards/index_en.htm |
| --- | --- |

—

More information about harmonised standards and other European standards is available on the Internet at:

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/european-standards/harmonised-standards/index_en.htm

---

(1)  ESO: European Standardisation Organisation:

| — | CEN: Avenue Marnix 17, 1000 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË, Tel. +32 25500811; Fax +32 25500819 (http://www.cen.eu) |
| --- | --- |

—

CEN: Avenue Marnix 17, 1000 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË, Tel. +32 25500811; Fax +32 25500819 (http://www.cen.eu)

| — | Cenelec: Avenue Marnix 17, 1000 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË, Tel. +32 25196871; Fax +32 25196919 (http://www.cenelec.eu) |
| --- | --- |

—

Cenelec: Avenue Marnix 17, 1000 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË, Tel. +32 25196871; Fax +32 25196919 (http://www.cenelec.eu)

| — | ETSI: 650 route des Lucioles, 06921 Sophia Antipolis, FRANCE, Tel. +33 492944200; Fax +33 493654716 (http://www.etsi.eu) |
| --- | --- |

—

ETSI: 650 route des Lucioles, 06921 Sophia Antipolis, FRANCE, Tel. +33 492944200; Fax +33 493654716 (http://www.etsi.eu)

(2)  OJ L 316, 14.11.2012, p. 12.

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V Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)

| 31.10.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 317/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

31.10.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 317/7

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NOTICE OF OPEN COMPETITIONS

2013/C 317/06

The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) is organising the following open competitions:

| — | OHIM/AD/01/13 — Administrators (AD 6) and |
| --- | --- |

—

OHIM/AD/01/13 — Administrators (AD 6) and

| — | OHIM/AST/02/13 — Assistants (AST 3) |
| --- | --- |

—

OHIM/AST/02/13 — Assistants (AST 3)

in the field of intellectual property.

The competition notices are published in 24 languages in Official Journal C 317 A of 31 October 2013.

Further information can be found on the EPSO website: http://blogs.ec.europa.eu/eu-careers.info/

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OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 31.10.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 317/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

31.10.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 317/8

---

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

2013/C 317/07

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

SINGLE DOCUMENT

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs
   (2)

‘ALMENDRA DE MALLORCA’/‘ALMENDRA MALLORQUINA’/‘AMETLLA DE MALLORCA’/‘AMETLLA MALLORQUINA’

EC No: ES-PGI-0005-01037-11.09.2012

PGI ( X ) PDO ( )

1.   Name

‘Almendra de Mallorca’/‘Almendra Mallorquina’/‘Ametlla de Mallorca’/‘Ametlla Mallorquina’

2.   Member State or Third Country

Spain

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

| Class 1.6 | Fruit, vegetables, cereals, fresh or processed |
| --- | --- |

Class 1.6

Fruit, vegetables, cereals, fresh or processed

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

‘Almendra de Mallorca’/‘Almendra Mallorquina’/‘Ametlla de Mallorca’/‘Ametlla Mallorquina’ is the fruit of the almond tree (Prunus amygdalus) intended for human consumption, which may be raw or roasted, with or without the skin.

The almonds must be whole, healthy, clean and dry, and measure at least 12 mm across the transverse axis at the widest point. There must be no sign of fungal, parasite or insect damage, no rancidity or any foreign odour or taste.

The almonds may be sold raw or roasted. In both cases, they may be peeled or unpeeled.

Chemical and organoleptic characteristics:

| 1. | Raw unpeeled or peeled: almonds without the woody endocarp.






  — | Chemical characteristics:






  — | moisture: ≤ 6,5 %, |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

1.

Raw unpeeled or peeled: almonds without the woody endocarp.

—

Chemical characteristics:

—

moisture: ≤ 6,5 %,

| — | fat content: ≥ 55 % in dry matter, |
| --- | --- |

—

fat content: ≥ 55 % in dry matter,

| — | oleic and linoleic acid content: ≥ 88 % of total fat. |
| --- | --- |

—

oleic and linoleic acid content: ≥ 88 % of total fat.

| — | Organoleptic characteristics: the raw unpeeled almonds are white or ivory in colour, with a mat appearance, both inside and outside. The texture is firm, with little stickiness and an oily feel. The taste is slightly sweet, neither sour nor bitter. The aroma is intense and nutty. The unpeeled almonds retain their rough, brown skin. |
| --- | --- |

—

Organoleptic characteristics: the raw unpeeled almonds are white or ivory in colour, with a mat appearance, both inside and outside. The texture is firm, with little stickiness and an oily feel. The taste is slightly sweet, neither sour nor bitter. The aroma is intense and nutty. The unpeeled almonds retain their rough, brown skin.

| 2. | Roasted: almonds without the woody endocarp which are then roasted.






  — | Chemical characteristics:






  — | moisture: < 2 %, |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

2.

Roasted: almonds without the woody endocarp which are then roasted.

—

Chemical characteristics:

—

moisture: < 2 %,

| — | fat content: ≥ 55 % in dry matter, |
| --- | --- |

—

fat content: ≥ 55 % in dry matter,

| — | oleic and linoleic acid content: ≥ 88 % of total fat. |
| --- | --- |

—

oleic and linoleic acid content: ≥ 88 % of total fat.

| — | Organoleptic characteristics: the peeled roasted almonds are cream to light brown in colour, with a shiny appearance and oily feel. Hard, friable, crunchy texture. Slightly sweet taste, not at all sour or astringent, with a trace of bitterness from the roasting. Intense, roasted and caramelised aroma. The unpeeled almonds retain their rough, brown skin, which is friable and comes off easily. |
| --- | --- |

—

Organoleptic characteristics: the peeled roasted almonds are cream to light brown in colour, with a shiny appearance and oily feel. Hard, friable, crunchy texture. Slightly sweet taste, not at all sour or astringent, with a trace of bitterness from the roasting. Intense, roasted and caramelised aroma. The unpeeled almonds retain their rough, brown skin, which is friable and comes off easily.

3.3.   Raw materials (for processed products only)

—

3.4.   Feed (for products of animal origin only)

—

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

Almonds covered by the protected geographical indication must be grown, stored, hulled, peeled and roasted on the island of Mallorca.

3.6.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc.

Packaging at the place of origin is the last stage in the process and is essential in order to preserve the product and guarantee its quality characteristics.

Isolation from the environment is essential in order to guarantee the quality of the almonds, as an increase in water content would alter their chemical composition and affect their organoleptic characteristics. The only way to preserve their quality is by isolating them in suitable, well-sealed packaging which protects them from humidity. The reason for packaging at source is therefore to preserve their organoleptic characteristics over a period of time.

Almonds covered by the protected geographical indication are marketed in homogeneous batches and in packaging holding up to a maximum of 25 kg.

The almonds must be packaged within the geographical production area. These operations must be carried out within the defined geographical area in order to:

| 1. | preserve the product’s typical characteristics and safeguard quality:
  There is a very long tradition of almond production and consumption on the island of Mallorca. Packaging in the defined geographical area is crucial to preserving the almonds’ specific characteristics and their quality. This allows producers and the protected geographical indication inspection body to implement and monitor the rules on transport, processing and packaging of the almonds. Drawing on their experience they can adopt the practices that will best ensure that the final product is of the requisite quality. In other words, the producers and handlers in the defined geographical area have the know-how acquired from experience to avoid operations which could impair the quality of ‘Almendra de Mallorca’ and, in particular, to ensure that there are no bitter almonds, rancidity, mould or broken fruit.
  The PGI almonds are distinguished from other almonds by their organoleptic characteristics. Mallorca is an island so if the almonds were transported elsewhere in bulk it would be by sea and the journey would be long. The almonds could be affected by humidity and temperature, which could alter their texture, taste and aroma, making them go soft and/or rancid and thereby impairing their final quality; |
| --- | --- |

1.

preserve the product’s typical characteristics and safeguard quality:

There is a very long tradition of almond production and consumption on the island of Mallorca. Packaging in the defined geographical area is crucial to preserving the almonds’ specific characteristics and their quality. This allows producers and the protected geographical indication inspection body to implement and monitor the rules on transport, processing and packaging of the almonds. Drawing on their experience they can adopt the practices that will best ensure that the final product is of the requisite quality. In other words, the producers and handlers in the defined geographical area have the know-how acquired from experience to avoid operations which could impair the quality of ‘Almendra de Mallorca’ and, in particular, to ensure that there are no bitter almonds, rancidity, mould or broken fruit.

The PGI almonds are distinguished from other almonds by their organoleptic characteristics. Mallorca is an island so if the almonds were transported elsewhere in bulk it would be by sea and the journey would be long. The almonds could be affected by humidity and temperature, which could alter their texture, taste and aroma, making them go soft and/or rancid and thereby impairing their final quality;

| 2. | guarantee traceability and the origin of the product:
  The control and certification system guarantees the origin and traceability of the product provided that it is prepared, handled and packaged on the island, but not if these operations are performed outside the area of production.
  Almonds can get mixed together with other almonds (from elsewhere), so if handling and packaging outside the defined geographical area were permitted, it would no longer be possible to guarantee the origin of ‘Almendra de Mallorca’. |
| --- | --- |

2.

guarantee traceability and the origin of the product:

The control and certification system guarantees the origin and traceability of the product provided that it is prepared, handled and packaged on the island, but not if these operations are performed outside the area of production.

Almonds can get mixed together with other almonds (from elsewhere), so if handling and packaging outside the defined geographical area were permitted, it would no longer be possible to guarantee the origin of ‘Almendra de Mallorca’.

3.7.   Specific rules concerning labelling

The following must appear on the label of each pack of PGI almonds:

| 1. | the name of the protected geographical indication; |
| --- | --- |

1.

the name of the protected geographical indication;

| 2. | the words ‘Indicación Geográfica Protegida’ and the PGI logo; and |
| --- | --- |

2.

the words ‘Indicación Geográfica Protegida’ and the PGI logo; and

| 3. | a label bearing an alphanumeric code (continuous numbering). |
| --- | --- |

3.

a label bearing an alphanumeric code (continuous numbering).

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The almonds must be grown, stored, husked, peeled, roasted and packaged on the island of Mallorca in the Autonomous Community of the Balearic Islands, Spain.

5.   Link with the geographical area

5.1.   Specificity of the geographical area

On the island of Mallorca the almonds are grown on chalky soil, of medium to hard consistency, containing a large amount of coarse matter and very poor in organic material. The pH tends to be alkaline and the soil has a high calcium carbonate content and is made up of horizontal strata between which a large quantity of fine clays accumulate, which are excellent for the development of the almond trees’ root system. Other specific characteristics are the medium levels of rainfall and long hours of sunshine.

Regarding the producers' contribution, it should be noted that one of the features of almond growing on Mallorca is that the tradition of seed propagation has been maintained for longer than in the rest of Spain, and indigenous varieties were used for the first grafts. This has helped to maintain varietal diversity, with most of the varieties grown in Mallorca being different from those grown elsewhere in Spain. Traditionally, Mallorcan farmers have always selected the varieties which produce the most unctuous and aromatic almonds and are best adapted to the island’s soil and climate.

Almond growing in Mallorca goes back to Roman times and it is possible that the first trees were planted by the Romans. In the 18th century, the almond groves expanded considerably and in the 19th century the phylloxera attack on vines led to crop conversion and large-scale planting of almond trees. Today, the almond trees in bloom are a typical feature of the island's winter landscape.

5.2.   Specificity of the product

‘Almendra de Mallorca’ is distinguished by a high fat content (> 55 %), of which oleic and linoleic acid account for 88 % or more. These fatty acids have a low melting point and liquefy when the almonds are chewed. Together, these factors give the product its characteristic unctuousness and intense aroma.

5.3.   Causal link between the geographical area and the quality or characteristics of the product (for PDO) or a specific quality, the reputation or other characteristic of the product (for PGI)

The link between ‘Almendra de Mallorca’, ‘Almendra Mallorquina’, ‘Ametlla de Mallorca’ and ‘Ametlla Mallorquina’ and the geographical area derives from its reputation. A reputation that is has acquired over the centuries due to its organoleptic characteristics and economic and gastronomic importance.

This reputation is confirmed by fact that the almonds are highly prized by Mallorcan consumers: a consumer survey carried out in 2010 by the Instituto de Calidad Agroalimentaria de las Islas Baleares showed that 52,4 % of almond consumers believed Mallorcan almonds were of higher quality, and in 93,3 % of cases the reason for this was that they had more flavour.

The importance and reputation of ‘Almendra de Mallorca’ is also confirmed in numerous writings and publications. Examples include: Crónica de las Islas Baleares by Fernando Fulgosio (1870), El almendro y su cultivo en el mediodía de España e Islas Baleares (1907) by Pedro Estelrich and Historia económica de España, siglos X-XX by Francisco Comín, Mauro Hernández and Enrique Llopis. In his book Die Balearen (1869), Archduke Ludwig Salvator notes the importance of ‘Almendra de Mallorca’ to the island's economy. On 25 June 1892, issue No 5 of El Agricultor Balear, a magazine on the theory and practice of farming and ancillary sciences, reported that: ‘The varieties of almond shown by Gabriel Fuster at the Barcelona Universal Exposition came from all corners of Mallorca and made such an impression at the fair that the jury awarded them a gold medal’. In No 20 of the Panorama Balear series (1953) entitled Economía Balear, Antoni Colom wrote that almonds were Mallorca’s most reliable source of income. In 1941, 1 698 219 kg of almonds were sold in Spain, of which 1 140 616 kg were Mallorcan almonds. According to F. Saura-Calixto (1979), in the 1970s ‘Almendra de Mallorca’ accounted for 50 % of national almond production.

There are also numerous writings and publications confirming the reputation of the Catalan name ‘Ametlla de Mallorca’/‘Ametlla Mallorquina’. The first, dated 6 January 1593, is in the Llucmajor Municipal Archive (Revista de la Cámara Agrícola Balear, Year III, No 11, 1901). ‘Ametlla de Mallorca’ is also found a number of times in the Llibret de Versos by Teodoro Llorente Olivares (1884), as quoted in Mossen Alcover and Francesc de Borja Mol’s Catalan-Valenciano-Balear dictionary (1930). From Joan Miralles and Catalina Cantallops' 1989 edition of recipes by the Mallorcan friar Jaume Martí i Oliver, it is evident that in the 17th century ‘Ametlla de Mallorca’ was already an important ingredient in Mallorcan cuisine. In Aliments de les Balears, a book published by the Government of the Balearic Islands in 1993, it is also noted that ‘Ametlla Mallorquina’ was widely cultivated in the 18th century. In the study entitled ‘Caracterización, valoración nutricional y estudio de la importancia para la salud de algunos alimentos tradicionales de la zona 5B de la Comunidad Autónoma de las Islas Baleares’ carried out by the University of the Balearic Islands (1994), ‘Ametlla Mallorquina’ is described as a traditional Mallorcan product. Of particular significance is a quote from Les Illes a la taula, published by the Government of the Balearic Islands in 2001, which notes that ‘Ametlla Mallorquina’ has a higher fat and sugar content than Californian almonds, which gives it more flavour.

Other writings and publications mention the culinary uses of ‘Almendra de Mallorca’, showing that the product has had a major influence on the island’s food culture and been part of its culinary tradition for centuries. There are countless culinary references to ‘Almendra de Mallorca’, both raw and roasted. For example, the recipes of brother Jaume Martí y Oliver, where almonds feature as an ingredient in 17th century Mallorcan cuisine. The connection between ‘Almendra de Mallorca’ and fine cuisine is evidenced by countless publications, for example: Libro de Recetas de Can Esteva (1862) by Antoni Esteva Oliver, Nuestra Cocina by Luis Ripoll and Repostería Balear by Catalina Juan del Corral (1987). In Die Balearen (1869), Archduke Ludwig Salvator mentions a number of popular dishes containing Mallorcan almonds, raw or roasted. Mateo Jaume de Ca’n Joan de S'Aigo's collection of recipes (1884-1885) entitled Libro de Jelats includes the most traditional Mallorcan ice cream: almond ice cream.

The excellent reputation of ‘Almendra de Mallorca’ is also due to its organoleptic attributes, which derive from its chemical composition. Notable features are its high fat content and its fatty acid profile, with oleic and linoleic acids accounting for more than 88 % of the fat content. So the fat content is high and the fact that the fatty acids (88 %) have a low melting point of less than 15 °C means that they liquefy when the almonds are chewed. Together, these factors give ‘Almendra de Mallorca’ the characteristic unctuousness and intense aroma which are the basis for its reputation.

These distinctive physical, chemical and organoleptic characteristics derive in particular from the soil and climate in the geographical area of production. The limestone soils with a low organic matter content, the medium levels of rainfall and long hours of sunshine produce a small yield per hectare but the fruit has a high average fat content (59 %), which is higher than that of almonds from other regions. This fact was confirmed by a study carried out by the University of the Balearic Islands in 2010.

Publication reference of the specification

(Article 5(7) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (3))

http://www.caib.es/sacmicrofront/contenido.do?mkey=M63&lang=CA&cont=46322

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

(2)  OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12. Replaced by Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

(3)  See footnote 2.

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| 31.10.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 317/13 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

31.10.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 317/13

---

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

2013/C 317/08

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

SINGLE DOCUMENT

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs
   (2)

‘MIELE VARESINO’

EC No: IT-PDO-0005-0990-24.04.2012

PGI ( ) PDO ( X )

1.   Name

‘Miele Varesino’

2.   Member State or Third Country

Italy

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

| Class 1.4. | Other products of animal origin (eggs, honey, various dairy products except butter, etc.) |
| --- | --- |

Class 1.4.

Other products of animal origin (eggs, honey, various dairy products except butter, etc.)

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

‘Miele Varesino’ is a single-flower acacia honey (Robinia pseudoacacia L.)

Chemico-physical characteristics:

‘Miele Varesino’ must have the following chemical and physical characteristics: the HMF (hydroxymethylfurfural) content (when the product is put on sale) must be less than 15 mg/kg and the water content must not exceed 17,50 %.

Sensory characteristics:

‘Miele Varesino’ has the following organoleptic characteristics:

| | colour: transparent, from almost colourless to straw yellow; |
| --- | --- |

colour: transparent, from almost colourless to straw yellow;

| | scent: typical of honey, light and delicate, without any strong tones; |
| --- | --- |

scent: typical of honey, light and delicate, without any strong tones;

| | taste: very sweet; |
| --- | --- |

taste: very sweet;

| | aroma: delicate, sweet and with notes of vanilla; |
| --- | --- |

aroma: delicate, sweet and with notes of vanilla;

| | physical state: generally liquid, rarely crystallises and then only after considerable time; |
| --- | --- |

physical state: generally liquid, rarely crystallises and then only after considerable time;

pollen characteristics:

| | ‘Miele Varesino’ is produced by bees from nectar from Robinia pseudoacacia flowers. Robinia pseudoacacia pollen can be identified by qualitative melissopalynological analyses. |
| --- | --- |

‘Miele Varesino’ is produced by bees from nectar from Robinia pseudoacacia flowers. Robinia pseudoacacia pollen can be identified by qualitative melissopalynological analyses.

| | ‘Miele Varesino’ has to have over 25 % Robinia pseudoacacia pollen with regard to the nectariferous spectrum, calculated excluding pollen from species that do not bear nectar and pollen that can be considered as contaminating. |
| --- | --- |

‘Miele Varesino’ has to have over 25 % Robinia pseudoacacia pollen with regard to the nectariferous spectrum, calculated excluding pollen from species that do not bear nectar and pollen that can be considered as contaminating.

Average PK/10 g has to be below 20 000 (average 9 500).

The main pollen combination associated with Robinia pseudoacacia is composed as follows: non-nectariferous species: Palma trachycarpus fortunei, Ilex aquifolium, Graminaceae, Fraxinus, Quercus robur, Rumex, Sambucus nigra, Chelidonium, Luzula, Actinidia, Pinaceae. Nectariferous species: Acer, Prunus f., Salix, Trifolium repens e Castanea sativa (always present in the pollen spectra), Aesculus, Gleditsia, Liriodendron.

‘Miele Varesino’ must not contain the following pollen: Loranthus europaeus, Hedysarum coronarium, Onobrychis.

3.3.   Raw materials (for processed products only)

—

3.4.   Feed (for products of animal origin only)

It is absolutely prohibited to use pollen that is not strictly local in origin for the bees' protein nutrition.

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

All the production phases, including the bees gathering nectar in the field and that of extracting and preparing the honey for consumption, must take place in the province of Varese.

3.6.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc.

Honey is a living product which depends greatly on atmospheric conditions. It is highly hygroscopic, sensitive to changes in temperature and to light. The maturing — decanting of the honey and the packaging take place in the production area and the honey is not transported until it has been packaged so as not to undermine the quality, freshness and shelf-life.

3.7.   Specific rules concerning labelling

The labelling must contain the following indications:

| — | the name ‘Miele Varesino’, |
| --- | --- |

—

the name ‘Miele Varesino’,

| — | the acronym ‘PDO’ or written out in full ‘Protected Designation of Origin’, |
| --- | --- |

—

the acronym ‘PDO’ or written out in full ‘Protected Designation of Origin’,

| — | the EU symbol, |
| --- | --- |

—

the EU symbol,

| — | the product identification logo, |
| --- | --- |

—

the product identification logo,

| — | information on how to store the product: ‘store in a cool and dry place and away from direct light’, |
| --- | --- |

—

information on how to store the product: ‘store in a cool and dry place and away from direct light’,

| — | the best before date: ‘best before: month and year’ which shall not be longer than 36 months following the date of extraction. |
| --- | --- |

—

the best before date: ‘best before: month and year’ which shall not be longer than 36 months following the date of extraction.

‘Miele Varesino’ acacia honey is packaged in glass jars sealed with a metal lid stamped with the product logo.

The stamp is distributed to producers who have declared that they accept in full the production rules and agree to be subject to the requisite checks.

Packaging the honey in small plastic containers, individual packs and pots or jars made out of a suitable material is also permitted; the labelling on such packs must bear the information required by the legislation currently in force.

The ‘Miele Varesino’ acacia honey logo, as depicted below, is made up of: a central design on a white background made up of three orange hexagons out of which springs a ‘flower-bee’ with five petals, flanked by three blue mountains over six blue lines of decreasing thickness representing a lake; a yellow circle surrounds the central design, printed with the words ‘MIELE VARESINO D.O.P’ and ‘di acacia’ in blue; the logo is placed in an orange frame.

Image

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The geographical area extends from the foot of the Alps, between the Ticino and Olona rivers and the Maggiore and Lugano lakes. This area coincides with the territory of the province of Varese.

5.   Link with the geographical area

5.1.   Specificity of the geographical area

The geographical area enjoys a mild continental climate with low fluctuations in temperature during both summer and winter due to the moderating effect of the lakes. This geographical area is characterised by such conditions which are also propitious for exotic trees to flourish.

The lakes make the climate more clement and spring comes earlier than in the region of Milan: this renders multiple and long-lasting flowerings possible on the gentle, sun-bathed hills.

The species that provides the bees' main sustenance — robinia (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), grows widely and densely such that it has taken over marginal farmland areas and is the main species of tree growing in the woods.

During the Robinia pseudoacacia L. flowering season in the area of the province of Varese, it is by far the most abundant nectariferous species in flower. The flowering of Robinia pseudoacacia L. in the majority of the Varese territory is in fact progressive and lasts for a considerable time thanks to the valleys that extend southwards, such as the Ticino and Olona, and to the sun-bathed hillsides that are protected from the wind.

The vegetation of the territory of the province of Varese is therefore the result of the interaction between topographic, climatic and pedological aspects, plus of course the influence of human intervention.

In this geographical area, many cities with extensive parks were built between the 17th and 20th centuries; these parks were planted with exotic ornamental species that over time, thanks to the propitious climatic conditions, thrived to the point of overrunning parks and gardens and also local woodland.

Bee-keeping has always been widespread in the province of Varese, principally among farmers, members of the various ecclesiastic orders based in this area and by the bourgeoisie with a passion for scientific research.

At the beginning of the last century, the dramatic growth and spread of Robinia pseudoacacia L. in woodland areas due to the propitious environmental conditions led local bee-keepers to specialise increasingly in the production of acacia honey which, on account of its particular organoleptic and physical characteristics, stood out from the other honey produced in this area up to that point.

Bee-keeping in the province of Varese at that time had been able to develop a high degree of specialisation in honey production of honey and in particular acacia honey which became the honey most commonly produced in this province.

Bee-keeping in this province gradually became professional with the start of experiments with new types of hive and new production methods.

The modernisation of production methods happened with the change over from the traditional, rustic hives to modern rational hives, as traditional cone shaped skep beehives were replaced with rational beehives and the introduction of the honey extractor, which enabled the production of monofloral honey and the removal of the honey from the honeycomb placed in movable frames without killing the bees.

Lastly, even the continued selection of varieties of bees that were more productive and more resistant to the various diseases contributed to further improving both the quality and the quantity of the honey produced by province's bee-keepers.

5.2.   Specificity of the product

‘Miele Varesino’ is a monofloral acacia honey with a high level of purity with regard to the origin of the nectar, which is typically robinia nectar and pollen, with some pollen from ornamental plants.

The sediment of this honey contains pollen from both nectariferous and non-nectariferous species as specified in point 3.2.

This honey is particularly liquid and light in colour, varying from transparent to straw yellow; it has a light and delicate fragrance, without any strong odours and has a very sweet taste. Its fragrance is delicate and sweet with a note of vanilla.

‘Miele Varesino’ also stands out from other honey due to the absence of pollen from sainfoin (Onobrychis), French honeysuckle (Hedysarum coronarium) and most importantly from mistletoe (Loranthus europaeus), as certified by the research of renowned botanists indicating that mistletoe does not grow in the production area for this honey.

5.3.   Causal link between the geographical area and the quality or characteristics of the product (for PDO) or a specific quality, the reputation or other characteristic of the product (for PGI)

The presence in this geographical area of extensive, plentiful and consistent Robinia pseudoacacia flowerings has led to, since at least the last 150 years if not longer, the development of bee-keeping and the successful production of ‘Miele Varesino’. The extensive presence of Robinia pseudoacacia L. in the woods of the area around Varese has contributed to the development and evolution of local bee-keeping, in terms of improved production, breeding and race selection.

Indeed, over the years ever more bee-keepers have adopted bee-keeping as their main profession or as a hobby or semi-professional activity, as testified by the progressive increase of bee hives in the Varese woods during the Robinia pseudoacacia flowering season. This increase can be attributed to the fact that, distinct from other areas which produce acacia honey, in the area of Varese there are no flowering crops or wild plants that adversely influence the quality of the product, thus resulting in purer honey that is fully consistent with the best examples of acacia honey.

Furthermore, the specificities of the geographical area, including its climatic and environmental characteristics, enable the production of an acacia honey that can be distinguished from other types of honey. The tradition in this region of cultivating ornamental plants to embellish gardens and parks, distinguishes ‘Miele Varesino’ from other Lombardy acacia honeys due to the presence of pollen from ornamental exotic species well adapted to the environmental conditions. The presence of such species influences the organoleptic characteristics of the Varese honey, not least the aroma, thanks to pollen from evergreens (Ilex aquifolium, Trachycarpus fortunei).

Reference to publication of the specification

(Article 5(7) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (3))

The Ministry launched the national objection procedure with the publication of the proposal for recognising ‘Miele Varesino’ PDO as a protected designation of origin in Official Gazette of the Italian Republic No 297 of 22 December 2011. The full text of the product specification is available on the following website:

http://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/3335

or alternatively:

by going directly to the home page of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy (http://www.politicheagricole.it) and clicking on ‘Qualità e sicurezza’ (at the top right of the screen), and then on ‘Disciplinari di produzione all’esame dell’UE’.

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

(2)  OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12. Replaced by Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

(3)  See footnote 2.

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