# Official Journal C 388/2017

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 388 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 6017 November 2017 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 388

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 6017 November 2017

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2017/C 388/01 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.8636 — Abellio/Mitsui/EJR/West Midlands Passenger Rail Franchise) (
  1
  ) | 1 |
| 2017/C 388/02 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.8440 — DuPont/FMC (Health and Nutrition Business)) (
  1
  ) | 1 |
| 2017/C 388/03 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.8671 — BP/Bridas/Axion) (
  1
  ) | 2 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2017/C 388/01

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.8636 — Abellio/Mitsui/EJR/West Midlands Passenger Rail Franchise) (
  1
  )

1

1

2017/C 388/02

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.8440 — DuPont/FMC (Health and Nutrition Business)) (
  1
  )

1

1

2017/C 388/03

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.8671 — BP/Bridas/Axion) (
  1
  )

1

2

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| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | Council |
| 2017/C 388/04 | Council Decision of 10 November 2017 renewing the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training | 3 |
| | European Commission |
| 2017/C 388/05 | Euro exchange rates | 5 |
| 2017/C 388/06 | New national side of euro coins intended for circulation | 6 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

2017/C 388/04

Council Decision of 10 November 2017 renewing the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training

3

European Commission

2017/C 388/05

Euro exchange rates

5

2017/C 388/06

New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

6

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| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2017/C 388/07 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.8691 — Innogy/European Energy Exchange/JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 7 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2017/C 388/08 | 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 | 9 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2017/C 388/07

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.8691 — Innogy/European Energy Exchange/JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

7

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2017/C 388/08

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

9

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

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance.

1

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

EN

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 17.11.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 388/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.11.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 388/1

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.8636 — Abellio/Mitsui/EJR/West Midlands Passenger Rail Franchise)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2017/C 388/01)

On 9 November 2017, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—

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

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32017M8636. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32017M8636. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

---

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

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| 17.11.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 388/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.11.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 388/1

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.8440 — DuPont/FMC (Health and Nutrition Business))

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2017/C 388/02)

On 27 July 2017, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) in conjunction with Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—

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

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32017M8440. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32017M8440. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

---

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

---

| 17.11.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 388/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.11.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 388/2

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.8671 — BP/Bridas/Axion)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2017/C 388/03)

On 14 November 2017, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—

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

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32017M8671. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32017M8671. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

---

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

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

| 17.11.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 388/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.11.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 388/3

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COUNCIL DECISION

of 10 November 2017

renewing the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training

(2017/C 388/04)

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 nominee submitted to the Council by the Commission as regards the Employees' representatives,

Whereas:

| (1) | By its Decisions of 14 July 2015 (2) and of 14 September 2015 (3), 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 2015 to 17 September 2018. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

By its Decisions of 14 July 2015 (2) and of 14 September 2015 (3), 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 2015 to 17 September 2018.

| (2) | A member's seat on the Governing Board of the Centre in the category of representatives of Employees' organisations has become vacant for Belgium as a result of the resignation of Mr Jan VERCAMST. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

A member's seat on the Governing Board of the Centre in the category of representatives of Employees' organisations has become vacant for Belgium as a result of the resignation of Mr Jan VERCAMST.

| (3) | 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 2018, |
| --- | --- |

(3)

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 2018,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

The following person is hereby appointed member of the Governing Board of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the remainder of its term of office, which runs until 17 September 2018:

REPRESENTATIVES OF EMPLOYEES' ORGANISATIONS:

| BELGIUM | Ms Katrien ALLAERT |
| --- | --- |

BELGIUM

Ms Katrien ALLAERT

Article 2

This Decision shall be published, for information, in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Brussels, 10 November 2017.

For the Council

The President

U. PALO

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

1

(2)  OJ C 232, 16.7.2015, p. 2.

2

(3)  OJ C 305, 16.9.2015, p. 2.

3

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European Commission

| 17.11.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 388/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.11.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 388/5

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Euro exchange rates (1)

16 November 2017

(2017/C 388/05)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,1771 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 133,12 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4418 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,89183 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,8868 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,1686 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 9,6553 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 25,559 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 312,52 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,2340 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,6390 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 4,5465 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,5507 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,5025 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 9,1919 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,7204 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,5971 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 291,59 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 16,8050 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,8065 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,5663 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 15 919,10 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,9148 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 59,786 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 70,4460 |
| THB | Thai baht | 38,797 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 3,8579 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 22,5323 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 76,8910 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,1771

JPY

Japanese yen

133,12

DKK

Danish krone

7,4418

GBP

Pound sterling

0,89183

SEK

Swedish krona

9,8868

CHF

Swiss franc

1,1686

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

9,6553

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

25,559

HUF

Hungarian forint

312,52

PLN

Polish zloty

4,2340

RON

Romanian leu

4,6390

TRY

Turkish lira

4,5465

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5507

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,5025

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

9,1919

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,7204

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,5971

KRW

South Korean won

1 291,59

ZAR

South African rand

16,8050

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,8065

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,5663

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

15 919,10

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,9148

PHP

Philippine peso

59,786

RUB

Russian rouble

70,4460

THB

Thai baht

38,797

BRL

Brazilian real

3,8579

MXN

Mexican peso

22,5323

INR

Indian rupee

76,8910

---

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

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| 17.11.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 388/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.11.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 388/6

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New national side of euro coins intended for circulation

(2017/C 388/06)

Euro coins intended for circulation have legal tender status throughout the euro area. For the purpose of informing the public and all parties who handle the coins, the Commission publishes a description of the designs of all new coins (1). In accordance with the Council conclusions of 10 February 2009 (2), euro-area Member States and countries that have concluded a monetary agreement with the European Union providing for the issuing of euro coins are allowed to issue commemorative euro coins intended for circulation, provided that certain conditions are met, particularly that only the 2-euro denomination is used. These coins have the same technical characteristics as other 2-euro coins, but their national face features a commemorative design that is highly symbolic in national or European terms.

Issuing country
  : Austria

Subject of commemoration
  : 100 years of the Austrian Republic

Description of the design
  : The design depicts the statue of Pallas Athena in front of the Greek-style building of the Austrian Parliament in Vienna. The goddess of wisdom serves as a symbol of the Austrian parliamentarism and stands for knowledge, reason and strategic talent. At the left side is the year ‘2018’ and underneath the text ‘100 JAHRE’ (100 YEARS). The text ‘REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH’ (AUSTRIAN REPUBLIC) is inscribed at the bottom right in semi-circle.

The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Number of coins to be issued
  :

Date of issue
  : December 2017

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(1)  See OJ C 373, 28.12.2001, p. 1 for the national faces of all the coins issued in 2002.

(2)  See the conclusions of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council of 10 February 2009 and the Commission Recommendation of 19 December 2008 on common guidelines for the national sides and the issuance of euro coins intended for circulation (OJ L 9, 14.1.2009, p. 52).

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V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 17.11.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 388/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.11.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 388/7

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.8691 — Innogy/European Energy Exchange/JV)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2017/C 388/07)

| 1. | On 10 November 2017, the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1).
  This notification concerns the following undertakings:






  — | innogy SE (‘innogy’, Germany), controlled by RWE AG, |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

On 10 November 2017, the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1).

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

—

innogy SE (‘innogy’, Germany), controlled by RWE AG,

| — | European Energy Exchange AG (‘EEX’, Germany), controlled by Deutsche Börse AG, |
| --- | --- |

—

European Energy Exchange AG (‘EEX’, Germany), controlled by Deutsche Börse AG,

| — | newly created joint venture (‘the JV’, Germany). |
| --- | --- |

—

newly created joint venture (‘the JV’, Germany).

Innogy — directly and through its daughter company Süwag Vertrieb AG & Co. KG — and EEX acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) and Article 3(4) of the Merger Regulation joint control of the JV.

The concentration is accomplished by way of a purchase of shares in a newly created company constituting a joint venture.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:
  —   for innogy: European energy supplier active in infrastructure, supply and renewable energy. The RWE group is active in generation, transport, trading and supply of electricity and gas, as well as water and district heating,
  —   for EEX: develops and operates exchanges for energy and commodity products,
  —   for the JV: will develop and operate an online price comparison and intermediary platform for German retail energy suppliers in the business-to-business (‘B2B’) segment. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—   for innogy: European energy supplier active in infrastructure, supply and renewable energy. The RWE group is active in generation, transport, trading and supply of electricity and gas, as well as water and district heating,

—   for EEX: develops and operates exchanges for energy and commodity products,

—   for the JV: will develop and operate an online price comparison and intermediary platform for German retail energy suppliers in the business-to-business (‘B2B’) segment.

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

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

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

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. The following reference should always be specified:
  M.8691 — Innogy/European Energy Exchange/JV
  Observations can be sent to the Commission by email, by fax, or by post. Please use the contact details below:





  E-mail: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu |
| --- | --- |
| Fax +32 22964301 |
| Postal address: |
| European Commission |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

4.

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

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

M.8691 — Innogy/European Energy Exchange/JV

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

E-mail: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Fax +32 22964301

Postal address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

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

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

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OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 17.11.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 388/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

17.11.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 388/9

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

(2017/C 388/08)

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

‘BEELITZER SPARGEL’

EU No: PGI-DE-02167 — 9.2.2016

PDO ( ) PGI ( X )

1.   Name

‘Beelitzer Spargel’

2.   Member State or Third Country

Germany

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

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

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

The name ‘Beelitzer Spargel’ refers to the edible stalk of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis). The shrubs are perennial. There is a distinction between the production of white and green asparagus. Depending on its colour, the white asparagus is subdivided into white and violet categories. Ripened by the sun, the green asparagus has a typical green colour. All types of asparagus can be cultivated, with no exceptions. The asparagus cultivated in the identified geographical area (see specifications and map under point 4) all comes under the designation ‘Beelitzer Spargel’.

Depending on the variety, the base of the stem, the scales and the tip may have a violet tinge. Through regular harvesting, which generally takes place once or twice a day, and prompt processing, the product remains fresh until it reaches the consumer. White asparagus is cut in the mound; green asparagus above ground. ‘Beelitzer Spargel’ is marketed as stems with a length of 16 to 24 cm and as short lengths and tips. ‘Short lengths’ and ‘tips’ do not meet the minimum length requirement of 16 cm. The tips always have an asparagus tip on one end, whereas the short lengths may not have a tip on either end.

The thickness of ‘Beelitzer Spargel’ is measured in millimetres. The minimum thickness is 8 mm. Usually, the asparagus is sorted into 4 mm ranges: 8-12 mm, 12-16 mm, 16-20 mm, 20-24 mm, 24-28 mm, 28 mm+. However, customer requirements may necessitate departures from the sorting scale. For example, the sorting boundaries may be raised from 12 to 14 mm and from 16 to 18 mm.

There is no margin of tolerance.

The stalks are offered for sale peeled and unpeeled. Peeling can be done mechanically or by hand. The minimum requirements set out in the UNECE standard for ‘Beelitzer Spargel’ must be fulfilled. In particular, this includes the following characteristics:

| — | whole, |
| --- | --- |

—

whole,

| — | sound (produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded), |
| --- | --- |

—

sound (produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded),

| — | clean; practically free of any visible foreign matter, |
| --- | --- |

—

clean; practically free of any visible foreign matter,

| — | a fresh smell and appearance, |
| --- | --- |

—

a fresh smell and appearance,

| — | practically free of parasites and parasite damage, |
| --- | --- |

—

practically free of parasites and parasite damage,

| — | practically free from bruises, |
| --- | --- |

—

practically free from bruises,

| — | free of abnormal external moisture, i.e. appropriately ‘dried off’ if it has been washed or cooled with cold water, |
| --- | --- |

—

free of abnormal external moisture, i.e. appropriately ‘dried off’ if it has been washed or cooled with cold water,

| — | free of any foreign smell and/or taste. |
| --- | --- |

—

free of any foreign smell and/or taste.

A slight curving of the stalk is permitted. The tip of the asparagus must be mainly closed.

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

—

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

Without exception, ‘Beelitzer Spargel’ is cultivated in the identified geographical area. This applies to the production and harvesting in the fields, as well as steps in preparation such as sorting, bundling and, where applicable, peeling. The short journey thus achieved from field to preparation and the consequent limit on the distance and duration of transport help to ensure freshness.

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

Preparation and packaging take place, like production and harvesting, in the identified geographical area.

The freshness of the product can thus be preserved by avoiding long journey times. Avoiding long journeys also has a decisive effect on preserving quality, as it guarantees the cool chain and prevents avoidable breakages of stalks.

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

The product is labelled with the term ‘Beelitzer Spargel’. When offered for sale, ‘Beelitzer Spargel’ may also be designated with the following logo:

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The territory to which the designation ‘Beelitzer Spargel’ applies takes in the Beelitzer Sander in the Potsdam-Mittelmark rural district, and parts of the Teltow-Fläming rural district. The size of the area arises from the agricultural necessity to rotate this perennial crop.

The boundaries of the geographical area are as follows:

To the east: the inter-urban road from Saarmund to Tremsdorf (starting from the A10), Schiaß (up to the junction with the L 793), Blankensee, Schönhagen, Ahrensdorf, Märtensmühle, Liebätz, Ruhlsdorf up to the junction with the B101.

To the south: the inter-urban road from the Woltersdorf settlement, along the B101 up to the junction with the inter-urban road from Neu Frankenfelde to Berkenbrück, on to Berkenbrück, Gottsdorf, Kemnitz to Buchholz and along the B2 main road until the fork to Brachwitz, and from this fork to Brachwitz, Schlalach and Linthe.

To the west: the inter-urban road from Linthe to Brück, Damelang, Cammer to Golzow and, along the B102 main road, from Golzow to the A2 motorway.

To the north: the A2 motorway (from the Brandenburg junction to the Werder three-leg interchange) and the A10 motorway (from the Werder three-leg interchange to the motorway bridge over the inter-urban road from Saarmund to Tremsdorf).

5.   Link with the geographical area

| (1) | The taste and quality of ‘Beelitzer Spargel’ arise from the climatic and soil conditions typical for the area. The Beelitz production area has a continental climate characterised by limited precipitation, intensive sunshine and wide variations in temperature. Temperatures can vary within a short period from night frosts to well above 25 °C. Stable continental high pressure areas over Poland typify local conditions in the spring. The average annual temperature is 8,5 °C and average rainfall is 530 mm. The soil is light, sandy and deep, with a high level of air permeability. Specifically, the following soil types are typical: Sand (S) and slightly loamy sand (S1).
  The favourable cultivation conditions and the rapid growth facilitated by the sandy soil and continental climate give rise to a tender product characterised by a balanced taste free of excessive bitterness and undesirable flavours. The slower an asparagus stem grows, the more time is available for undesirable bitter substances to form and for substances to accumulate that promote woodiness. The fast growth thanks to local conditions significantly minimises these characteristics. It also significantly curbs the development of excessive physiological russeting. These facts — the tender stalks, the low bitterness and the low woodiness — are the reasons for its popularity among consumers.
  The cause of this rapid growth lies firstly in the light, sandy soil of the Beelitzer Sander, which warms up very quickly, and secondly in the very sunny spring weather influenced by eastern Europe’s continental climate. This period is decisive for rapid growth at harvest time. The colder winter temperatures, which keep the annual average temperature down, also have a positive influence on the dormancy of the asparagus and promote vigorous budding. The taste of ‘Beelitzer Spargel’ is characterised by the typically strong asparagus aroma. Thanks to the light, sandy soil and the daily harvest, ‘Beelitzer Spargel’ has particularly tender stalks. The soil that warms up quickly acts together with the strong sun to promote rapid growth and thus favours that tenderness. Rapid growth also helps keep the stalks straight.
  The cultivation of ‘Beelitzer Spargel’ on the fields of the Beelitzer Sander gives the asparagus its unrivalled original and pleasant taste.
  In addition, specialised, high-tech production methods and the proximity of the production and preparation sites ensure that quality is cultivated and maintained. The long tradition of cultivation in this region has led to an enormous amount of expertise being accumulated, which has been and continues to be passed down through the generations and is reflected in the high standard of production. |
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(1)

The taste and quality of ‘Beelitzer Spargel’ arise from the climatic and soil conditions typical for the area. The Beelitz production area has a continental climate characterised by limited precipitation, intensive sunshine and wide variations in temperature. Temperatures can vary within a short period from night frosts to well above 25 °C. Stable continental high pressure areas over Poland typify local conditions in the spring. The average annual temperature is 8,5 °C and average rainfall is 530 mm. The soil is light, sandy and deep, with a high level of air permeability. Specifically, the following soil types are typical: Sand (S) and slightly loamy sand (S1).

The favourable cultivation conditions and the rapid growth facilitated by the sandy soil and continental climate give rise to a tender product characterised by a balanced taste free of excessive bitterness and undesirable flavours. The slower an asparagus stem grows, the more time is available for undesirable bitter substances to form and for substances to accumulate that promote woodiness. The fast growth thanks to local conditions significantly minimises these characteristics. It also significantly curbs the development of excessive physiological russeting. These facts — the tender stalks, the low bitterness and the low woodiness — are the reasons for its popularity among consumers.

The cause of this rapid growth lies firstly in the light, sandy soil of the Beelitzer Sander, which warms up very quickly, and secondly in the very sunny spring weather influenced by eastern Europe’s continental climate. This period is decisive for rapid growth at harvest time. The colder winter temperatures, which keep the annual average temperature down, also have a positive influence on the dormancy of the asparagus and promote vigorous budding. The taste of ‘Beelitzer Spargel’ is characterised by the typically strong asparagus aroma. Thanks to the light, sandy soil and the daily harvest, ‘Beelitzer Spargel’ has particularly tender stalks. The soil that warms up quickly acts together with the strong sun to promote rapid growth and thus favours that tenderness. Rapid growth also helps keep the stalks straight.

The cultivation of ‘Beelitzer Spargel’ on the fields of the Beelitzer Sander gives the asparagus its unrivalled original and pleasant taste.

In addition, specialised, high-tech production methods and the proximity of the production and preparation sites ensure that quality is cultivated and maintained. The long tradition of cultivation in this region has led to an enormous amount of expertise being accumulated, which has been and continues to be passed down through the generations and is reflected in the high standard of production.

| (2) | ‘Beelitzer Spargel’ has a long-standing tradition. This was founded by the master glazier and smallholder Karl Friedrich Wilhelm Hermann, who in 1861 became the first person to plant whole fields of asparagus in Beelitz. The first ‘Beelitzer Spargel’ was sold in large quantities at the town’s market from 1870 onwards. An appeal to establish an asparagus marketing cooperative was published on 4 April 1908 in the local newspaper, the Beelitzer Zeitung, with the aim of counteracting the downward pressure on prices exerted by Berlin-based wholesalers and processors by doing its own sales and marketing for the asparagus. On 24 October 1910, an independent asparagus, fruit and horticulture association was established in Beelitz. In 1910, around 600 asparagus growers were managing around 1 000 acres (250 ha) of asparagus-growing land in the Beelitz area. Every day at 6 p.m., the asparagus was collected from the distribution point in Beelitz by lorries from the Berlin central market and taken to its destination.
  The long-standing tradition and importance of asparagus cultivation in Beelitz is also attested by articles in the Beelitzer Zeitung from 1910 and 1912.
  Amongst other things, joint participation in a vegetable exhibition in Berlin was being discussed as long ago as that. From 1927, the Beelitz area’s 450 ha made it the largest asparagus cultivation area in the then Zauch-Belzig district. This accounted for around 10 % of the total in Germany.
  From 1990 onwards, it was very quickly possible once again to seize on the traditional high regard in which Beelitz asparagus was held, which is justified by the particularly high quality of the product, which in turn is positively influenced by the favourable cultivation conditions. Since 1990, the cultivation area has continued to grow and now stands at over 1 500 ha, making it the largest single asparagus-growing area in Brandenburg. Asparagus is now Brandenburg’s most important vegetable crop. The season launch that takes place there every year makes the growing area a shop window for Brandenburg’s vegetable growing and has established it as a leader in cultivation, marketing and commercialisation. Moreover, the town of Beelitz has for many years borne the name of its famous product and describes itself as the ‘asparagus town of Beelitz’.
  The many tourist attractions promote the high regard in which customers hold ‘Beelitzer Spargel’. Farm restaurants and the Beelitz asparagus route draw many tourists to the area. The Beelitz asparagus museum is very popular.
  Local restaurants, too, put asparagus at the heart of their menus during the season. The annual asparagus festival is a high point in the calendar of the town of Beelitz. It showcases fresh ‘Beelitzer Spargel’ and, thanks to its popularity with customers, it results in a huge boost to sales. Since 1997, a Beelitz asparagus queen has been crowned every year and represents the noble produce from the Beelitz growing area at the many events that take place at the launch of the season and the many farm festivals that take place during it. |
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(2)

‘Beelitzer Spargel’ has a long-standing tradition. This was founded by the master glazier and smallholder Karl Friedrich Wilhelm Hermann, who in 1861 became the first person to plant whole fields of asparagus in Beelitz. The first ‘Beelitzer Spargel’ was sold in large quantities at the town’s market from 1870 onwards. An appeal to establish an asparagus marketing cooperative was published on 4 April 1908 in the local newspaper, the Beelitzer Zeitung, with the aim of counteracting the downward pressure on prices exerted by Berlin-based wholesalers and processors by doing its own sales and marketing for the asparagus. On 24 October 1910, an independent asparagus, fruit and horticulture association was established in Beelitz. In 1910, around 600 asparagus growers were managing around 1 000 acres (250 ha) of asparagus-growing land in the Beelitz area. Every day at 6 p.m., the asparagus was collected from the distribution point in Beelitz by lorries from the Berlin central market and taken to its destination.

The long-standing tradition and importance of asparagus cultivation in Beelitz is also attested by articles in the Beelitzer Zeitung from 1910 and 1912.

Amongst other things, joint participation in a vegetable exhibition in Berlin was being discussed as long ago as that. From 1927, the Beelitz area’s 450 ha made it the largest asparagus cultivation area in the then Zauch-Belzig district. This accounted for around 10 % of the total in Germany.

From 1990 onwards, it was very quickly possible once again to seize on the traditional high regard in which Beelitz asparagus was held, which is justified by the particularly high quality of the product, which in turn is positively influenced by the favourable cultivation conditions. Since 1990, the cultivation area has continued to grow and now stands at over 1 500 ha, making it the largest single asparagus-growing area in Brandenburg. Asparagus is now Brandenburg’s most important vegetable crop. The season launch that takes place there every year makes the growing area a shop window for Brandenburg’s vegetable growing and has established it as a leader in cultivation, marketing and commercialisation. Moreover, the town of Beelitz has for many years borne the name of its famous product and describes itself as the ‘asparagus town of Beelitz’.

The many tourist attractions promote the high regard in which customers hold ‘Beelitzer Spargel’. Farm restaurants and the Beelitz asparagus route draw many tourists to the area. The Beelitz asparagus museum is very popular.

Local restaurants, too, put asparagus at the heart of their menus during the season. The annual asparagus festival is a high point in the calendar of the town of Beelitz. It showcases fresh ‘Beelitzer Spargel’ and, thanks to its popularity with customers, it results in a huge boost to sales. Since 1997, a Beelitz asparagus queen has been crowned every year and represents the noble produce from the Beelitz growing area at the many events that take place at the launch of the season and the many farm festivals that take place during it.

Reference to publication of the product specification

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

https://register.dpma.de/DPMAregister/geo/detail.pdfdownload/41617

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

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