# Official Journal C 278/2012

| | ISSN 1977-091X
  doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2012.278.eng |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 278 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5514 September 2012 |

ISSN 1977-091X

doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2012.278.eng

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 278

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5514 September 2012

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | IV   Notices |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2012/C 278/01 | Euro exchange rates | 1 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2012/C 278/02 | Lithuanian Government notice concerning European Parliament and Council Directive 94/22/EC on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons | 2 |

Notice No

Contents

page

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2012/C 278/01

Euro exchange rates

1

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2012/C 278/02

Lithuanian Government notice concerning European Parliament and Council Directive 94/22/EC on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons

2

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2012/C 278/03 | Decision to close the formal investigation procedure after withdrawal by Member State — State aid — Malta (Articles 107 to 109 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union) — Commission notice pursuant to Article 108(2) of the TFEU — Withdrawal of notification — State aid SA.29427 (C 32/10 (ex N 520/09)) — Environmental Project for Delimara Power Station (
  1
  ) | 4 |
| 2012/C 278/04 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6662 — Andritz IV/Schuler) (
  1
  ) | 5 |
| 2012/C 278/05 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6712 — Carlyle/Getty Images) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 6 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2012/C 278/06 | Publication of an amendment application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 7 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2012/C 278/03

Decision to close the formal investigation procedure after withdrawal by Member State — State aid — Malta (Articles 107 to 109 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union) — Commission notice pursuant to Article 108(2) of the TFEU — Withdrawal of notification — State aid SA.29427 (C 32/10 (ex N 520/09)) — Environmental Project for Delimara Power Station (
  1
  )

1

4

2012/C 278/04

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6662 — Andritz IV/Schuler) (
  1
  )

1

5

2012/C 278/05

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.6712 — Carlyle/Getty Images) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

6

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2012/C 278/06

Publication of an amendment application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

7

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

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

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

EN

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 14.9.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 278/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

14.9.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 278/1

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

13 September 2012

2012/C 278/01

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,2910 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 100,24 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4536 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,80145 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 8,5088 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,2130 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 7,4190 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 24,482 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 283,53 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,6962 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,1059 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,5093 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 2,3386 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,2357 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,2599 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,0121 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,5675 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,5873 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 457,37 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 10,8431 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 8,1733 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,4080 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 12 375,34 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 3,9780 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 53,834 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 40,5506 |
| THB | Thai baht | 40,047 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 2,6190 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 16,8038 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 71,5570 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,2910

JPY

Japanese yen

100,24

DKK

Danish krone

7,4536

GBP

Pound sterling

0,80145

SEK

Swedish krona

8,5088

CHF

Swiss franc

1,2130

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

7,4190

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

24,482

HUF

Hungarian forint

283,53

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6962

PLN

Polish zloty

4,1059

RON

Romanian leu

4,5093

TRY

Turkish lira

2,3386

AUD

Australian dollar

1,2357

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,2599

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,0121

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,5675

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,5873

KRW

South Korean won

1 457,37

ZAR

South African rand

10,8431

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

8,1733

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,4080

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

12 375,34

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

3,9780

PHP

Philippine peso

53,834

RUB

Russian rouble

40,5506

THB

Thai baht

40,047

BRL

Brazilian real

2,6190

MXN

Mexican peso

16,8038

INR

Indian rupee

71,5570

---

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

---

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 14.9.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 278/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

14.9.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 278/2

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Lithuanian Government notice concerning European Parliament and Council Directive 94/22/EC on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons

2012/C 278/02

The Lithuanian Geological Survey under the Ministry of the Environment (tender organiser), pursuant to paragraphs 8.1, 8.5 and 11 of the Regulations governing tender procedures for the exploitation of hydrocarbon resources, as approved by Resolution No 299 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 10 March 2003 (Official Gazette 2003, No 26-1036; 2012, No 15-647), and Order No D1-467 of the Minister for the Environment of the Republic of Lithuania of 1 September 2004 on the exercise of the functions of the organiser of a tender for the exploitation of hydrocarbon resources (Official Gazette 2004, No 138-5047),

hereby issues an invitation to tender for the exploitation (prospecting, exploration and extraction) of hydrocarbon resources (hereinafter ‘the invitation to tender’) in the Šilutė-Tauragė and Kudirka-Kybartai fields.

1.   Short descriptions of the fields proposed for tender

1.1.   Šilutė-Tauragė field

The Šilutė-Tauragė field is located within the territory of the Šilutė, Tauragė, Jurbarkas and Pagėgiai district municipalities. It covers an area of 1 800 km2, 132 km2 of which are urbanised and 623 km2 protected.

The coordinates of the vertices of the field in the LKS-94 coordinate system are:

| Vertex No | Coordinates (1994 Lithuanian coordinate system LKS-94) |
| --- | --- |
| X | Y |
| 1 | 6145300 | 335025 |
| 2 | 6144954 | 349638 |
| 3 | 6144814 | 353327 |
| 4 | 6126284 | 352714 |
| 5 | 6125425 | 381319 |
| 6 | 6124470 | 420523 |
| 7 | 6107857 | 420225 |
| 8 | 6103569 | 420147 |
| 9 | 6135288 | 334077 |

Vertex No

Coordinates (1994 Lithuanian coordinate system LKS-94)

X

Y

1

6145300

335025

2

6144954

349638

3

6144814

353327

4

6126284

352714

5

6125425

381319

6

6124470

420523

7

6107857

420225

8

6103569

420147

9

6135288

334077

The southern boundary of the Šilutė-Tauragė field is the bank of the river Nemunas.

1.2.   Kudirka-Kybartai field

The Kudirka-Kybartai field is located where the Vilkaviškis and Šakiai district municipalities meet. It covers an area of 281 km2, 19,3 km2 of which are urbanised and 8,5 km2 protected.

The coordinates of the vertices of the field in the LKS-94 coordinate system are:

| Vertex No | Coordinates (1994 Lithuanian coordinate system LKS-94) |
| --- | --- |
| X | Y |
| 1 | 6076635 | 427455 |
| 2 | 6076475 | 431055 |
| 3 | 6048355 | 429865 |
| 4 | 6048945 | 416000 |

Vertex No

Coordinates (1994 Lithuanian coordinate system LKS-94)

X

Y

1

6076635

427455

2

6076475

431055

3

6048355

429865

4

6048945

416000

The field’s western boundary coincides with the strip along the Lithuanian State border.

2.   Timeframe (date) for completing the procedure for the issue of a licence to exploit hydrocarbon resources

The scheduled end of the procedure for the issue of a licence to exploit hydrocarbon resources in the Šilutė-Tauragė and Kudirka-Kybartai fields is the second quarter of 2013.

3.   Date and time by which tenders must be submitted

Bids (in Lithuanian) meeting the tender specifications must be sent by post or express courier or delivered direct to the head office of the tender organiser at S. Konarskio g. 35, LT-03123, Vilnius, Lithuania, no later than 17:00 on the 120th calendar day following the publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

4.   Bid assessment criteria

Bids will be assessed in terms of:

| 4.1. | the tenderer’s compliance with the minimum requirements regarding economic and financial standing and experience set out in the tender specifications; |
| --- | --- |

4.1.

the tenderer’s compliance with the minimum requirements regarding economic and financial standing and experience set out in the tender specifications;

| 4.2. | compliance of the bid submitted by the tenderer with the requirements of the tender specifications and the Regulations governing tender procedures for the exploitation of hydrocarbon resources; |
| --- | --- |

4.2.

compliance of the bid submitted by the tenderer with the requirements of the tender specifications and the Regulations governing tender procedures for the exploitation of hydrocarbon resources;

| 4.3. | the tenderer’s proposed premium, which must not be lower than the minimum premium specified in the tender specifications. |
| --- | --- |

4.3.

the tenderer’s proposed premium, which must not be lower than the minimum premium specified in the tender specifications.

5.   The tender specifications are published on the tender organiser’s website at: http://www.lgt.lt

6.   Deadline for submitting requests for clarifications of tender specifications

The deadline for submitting requests for clarifications of the tender specifications is 20 calendar days from publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

7.   The meeting of the evaluation team to open bids will take place within three working days of the last day for submitting bids, as specified in section 3 above. The date and time of the meeting of the evaluation team to open bids will be given in the tenderer’s registration certificate and published on the tender organiser’s website.

8.   Additional information

Information on the invitation to tender may be obtained from:

| The Lithuanian Geological Survey under the Ministry of the Environment |
| --- |
| S. Konarskio g. 35 |
| LT-03123 Vilnius |
| LIETUVA/LITHUANIA |

The Lithuanian Geological Survey under the Ministry of the Environment

S. Konarskio g. 35

LT-03123 Vilnius

LIETUVA/LITHUANIA

Tel. +370 52332889

E-mail: lgt@lgt.lt (quote ‘Konkursas’ (tender))

Additional information on the invitation to tender may also be obtained by calling: +370 52334642 or +370 52337715 (legal questions).

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V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 14.9.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 278/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

14.9.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 278/4

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DECISION TO CLOSE THE FORMAL INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE AFTER WITHDRAWAL BY MEMBER STATE

State aid — Malta

(Articles 107 to 109 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union)

Commission notice pursuant to Article 108(2) of the TFEU — Withdrawal of notification

State aid SA.29427 (C 32/10 (ex N 520/09)) — Environmental Project for Delimara Power Station

(Text with EEA relevance)

2012/C 278/03

The Commission has decided to close the formal investigation procedure under Article 108(2) of the TFEU, initiated on 17 November 2010 (1) in respect of the measure referred to above, recording that Malta has withdrawn its notification on 1 December 2011 and will not pursue this aid project further.

---

(1)  OJ C 52, 18.2.2011, p. 3.

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| 14.9.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 278/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

14.9.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 278/5

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.6662 — Andritz IV/Schuler)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2012/C 278/04

| 1. | On 10 September 2012 the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Andritz Beteiligungsgesellschaft IV GmbH (Germany), belonging to the Andritz Group (Austria), acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of Schuler AG (Germany) by way of purchase of shares, and by public bid announced on 2 July 2012. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 10 September 2012 the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Andritz Beteiligungsgesellschaft IV GmbH (Germany), belonging to the Andritz Group (Austria), acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of Schuler AG (Germany) by way of purchase of shares, and by public bid announced on 2 July 2012.

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






  — | The Andritz Group is a global manufacturer and supplier of plant, equipment, and services for hydroelectric power stations, the pulp and paper industry, industrial solid-liquid separation, the steel and metal industry, and for the production of animal feed and biomass pellets, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

The Andritz Group is a global manufacturer and supplier of plant, equipment, and services for hydroelectric power stations, the pulp and paper industry, industrial solid-liquid separation, the steel and metal industry, and for the production of animal feed and biomass pellets,

| — | Schuler AG is a global operator in the metal processing sector, and supplies plants, tools and operational expertise for the metalworking industry. It is also active in the minting technology sector, and sells system solutions for the aeronautical, space and railway industries. |
| --- | --- |

—

Schuler AG is a global operator in the metal processing sector, and supplies plants, tools and operational expertise for the metalworking industry. It is also active in the minting technology sector, and sells system solutions for the aeronautical, space and railway industries.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope the EC Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. |
| --- | --- |

3.

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

| 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. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.6662 — Andritz IV/Schuler, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| 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. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by e-mail to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.6662 — Andritz IV/Schuler, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

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

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| 14.9.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 278/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

14.9.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 278/6

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Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.6712 — Carlyle/Getty Images)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

2012/C 278/05

| 1. | On 7 September 2012, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Griffey Investors, L.P. (‘Griffey Investors’, United States), ultimately controlled by the Carlyle Group (‘Carlyle’, United States) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the undertaking Getty Images, Inc. (‘Getty Images’, United States), by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 7 September 2012, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Griffey Investors, L.P. (‘Griffey Investors’, United States), ultimately controlled by the Carlyle Group (‘Carlyle’, United States) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the undertaking Getty Images, Inc. (‘Getty Images’, United States), by way of purchase of shares.

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






  — | for Carlyle: alternative asset manager, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for Carlyle: alternative asset manager,

| — | for Getty Images: creation and distribution of digital media content, including visual content such as creative or ‘stock’ imagery, stock footage, editorial imagery, illustrations and related services, as well as music downloads, to business clients. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Getty Images: creation and distribution of digital media content, including visual content such as creative or ‘stock’ imagery, stock footage, editorial imagery, illustrations and related services, as well as music downloads, to business clients.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the EC Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the EC Merger Regulation (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 EC Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the EC Merger Regulation (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. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.6712 — Carlyle/Getty Images, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| 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. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number COMP/M.6712 — Carlyle/Getty Images, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

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

(2)  OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32 (‘Notice on a simplified procedure’).

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OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 14.9.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 278/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

14.9.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 278/7

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Publication of an amendment application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

2012/C 278/06

This publication confers the right to object to the application pursuant to Article 7 of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (1). Statements of objection must reach the Commission within six months of the date of this publication.

AMENDMENT APPLICATION

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

AMENDMENT APPLICATION ACCORDING TO ARTICLE 9

‘ARROZ DEL DELTA DEL EBRO’/‘ARRÒS DEL DELTA DE L’EBRE’

EC No: ES-PDO-0105-0336-04.10.2011

PGI ( ) PDO ( X )

1.   Heading in the product specification affected by the amendment:

| — |  | Name |
| --- | --- | --- |
| — | ☒ | Description |
| — |  | Geographical area |
| — |  | Proof of origin |
| — | ☒ | Method of production |
| — |  | Link |
| — | ☒ | Labelling |
| — |  | National requirements |
| — |  | Other (to be specified) |

—



Name

—

☒

Description

—



Geographical area

—



Proof of origin

—

☒

Method of production

—



Link

—

☒

Labelling

—



National requirements

—



Other (to be specified)

2.   Type of amendment(s):

| — | ☒ | Amendment to single document or summary sheet |
| --- | --- | --- |
| — |  | Amendment to specification of registered PDO or PGI for which neither the single document nor the summary has been published |
| — |  | Amendment to specification that requires no amendment to the published single document (Article 9(3) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006) |
| — |  | Temporary amendment to specification resulting from imposition of obligatory sanitary or phyto-sanitary measures by public authorities (Article 9(4) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006) |

—

☒

Amendment to single document or summary sheet

—



Amendment to specification of registered PDO or PGI for which neither the single document nor the summary has been published

—



Amendment to specification that requires no amendment to the published single document (Article 9(3) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

—



Temporary amendment to specification resulting from imposition of obligatory sanitary or phyto-sanitary measures by public authorities (Article 9(4) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

3.   Amendment(s):

3.1.   Description of product:

3.1.1.   Varieties

The amendment involves the introduction of the ‘Gleva’ variety to replace the ‘Sénia’ variety.

‘Sénia’ was withdrawn because the seeds for this variety are not produced commercially, and the Ministry of the Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs has replaced ‘Sénia’ with ‘Gleva’ as a control variety.

‘Gleva’ is a local variety and is better suited to the area’s climate and soil conditions than ‘Sénia’.

‘Gleva’ has a shorter stalk, which makes it more resistant to flattening.

Its cycle is shorter, meaning that it is a more sustainable variety in terms of water saving.

It is more resistant to cryptogamic diseases, meaning less use of fungicides, which makes it more sustainable for the environment.

It has been well suited to the programme of agri-environmental measures. Greater resistance to attack from Chilo Suppresalis has resulted in the reduction of spray treatments.

‘Gleva’, the variety that is being introduced, maintains the balance between the agronomic model and the respect for and preservation of the Ebro Delta Natural Park.

‘Gleva’ is a variety that can be described as being close to ‘Bahía’ rice since they share characteristics in terms of the grain processed (medium grain and pearl) and are similar with regard to certain organoleptic characteristics and cooking.

3.1.2.   Classification of the grains processed

The classification of the uncooked, unprocessed grains has been changed to ensure compliance with the CMO rules in force.

3.2.   Method of production:

3.2.1.   Growing conditions

Some of the growing techniques and/or tasks have been modified. In view of the developments in working techniques, advances that enable a reduction in the amount of water used in growing have been incorporated. This is significant as regards reducing water consumption and being more respectful of the environment.

3.2.2.   Checks on the labelled product

Section E(b) of the specification has been expanded in respect of the checks on the labelled product pursuant to the explanation set out in Section 3.3 (Labelling).

3.3.   Labelling:

The requirement for the Regulatory Body to send numbered secondary labels with the PDO logo and the EU logo has been deleted from point (h) in the section on labelling in the specification, since other inspection systems now exist to check the product through traceability of production. Packers inform the Regulatory Body as to the numbering of the packages and quantities (kilograms) packaged with the EU logo and those of the designation.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘ARROZ DEL DELTA DEL EBRO’/‘ARRÒS DEL DELTA DE L’EBRE’

EC No: ES-PDO-0105-0336-04.10.2011

PGI ( ) PDO ( X )

1.   Designation:

‘Arroz del Delta del Ebro’/‘Arròs del Delta de l'Ebre’

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 and cereals, fresh or processed — Rice |
| --- | --- |

Class 1.6.

Fruit, vegetables and cereals, fresh or processed — Rice

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

White rice, of the commercial category ‘Extra’, belonging to the ‘Bahía’, ‘Tebre’, ‘Gleva’, ‘Fonsa’, ‘Bomba’ and ‘Montsianell’ varieties of the species Oryza sativa, L.

The specific characteristics of the grain of the principal variety of rice (‘Bahía’) are as follows:

| Characteristics of the uncooked, processed grain | Length 5,53 mm
  Width 2,99 mm
  Thickness 2,14 mm
  Amylose (% of dry matter) 19,41 % |
| --- | --- |
| Milling characteristics: | Total yield 69,90 % |
| behaviour of the rice during processing | % of broken grains 11,63 % |
| Cooking characteristics of the grain | Cooking time 16 minutes
  Absorption of water (2) 1,93
  Increase in length of grain 8,45 % |
| Organoleptic characteristics of the grain after cooking (on the Batcher scale and on the basis of a tasting (3)) | Adhesion of grains 7,83
  Acceptability 5,75
  Visual aspect 5,5 |

Characteristics of the uncooked, processed grain

Length 5,53 mm

Width 2,99 mm

Thickness 2,14 mm

Amylose (% of dry matter) 19,41 %

Milling characteristics:

Total yield 69,90 %

behaviour of the rice during processing

% of broken grains 11,63 %

Cooking characteristics of the grain

Cooking time 16 minutes

Absorption of water (2) 1,93

Increase in length of grain 8,45 %

Organoleptic characteristics of the grain after cooking (on the Batcher scale and on the basis of a tasting (3))

Adhesion of grains 7,83

Acceptability 5,75

Visual aspect 5,5

The ‘Bahía’, ‘Tebre’, ‘Fonsa’, ‘Montsianell’ and ‘Gleva’ varieties share very similar characteristics and although slight differences may exist at the growing stage, there are no significant differences as regards the final product.

‘Bomba’ differs from the other varieties with regard to both how it is grown and the grain obtained. However, it is included in the specification on account of its quality and the tradition in the Ebro Delta area.

In accordance with the measurements of paddy rice, the varieties are classified as follows:

| Variety | Length | Length/width ratio |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ‘Bahí’a | 8,2 mm, medium | 2,20 semi-spherical |
| ‘Tebre’ | 8,1 mm, medium | 2,00 spherical |
| ‘Fonsa’ | 7,9 mm, medium | 2,00 spherical |
| ‘Bomba’ | 7,4 mm, short | 1,85 spherical |
| ‘Montsianell’ | 8,3 mm, medium | 2,16 semi-spherical |
| ‘Gleva’ | 7,9 mm, medium | 2,04 semi-spherical |

Variety

Length

Length/width ratio

‘Bahí’a

8,2 mm, medium

2,20 semi-spherical

‘Tebre’

8,1 mm, medium

2,00 spherical

‘Fonsa’

7,9 mm, medium

2,00 spherical

‘Bomba’

7,4 mm, short

1,85 spherical

‘Montsianell’

8,3 mm, medium

2,16 semi-spherical

‘Gleva’

7,9 mm, medium

2,04 semi-spherical

These varieties have a high starch concentration in the centre of the grain, known as pearl, that absorbs the flavours from the other ingredients accompanying the rice and colours the rice during the cooking.

The processed grain (white rice) is classified as follows:

| Variety | Classification | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ‘Bahía’ | Medium grain | Pearl |
| ‘Tebre’ | Medium grain | Pearl |
| ‘Fonsa’ | Medium grain | Semi-pearl |
| ‘Bomba’ | Medium grain | Pearl |
| ‘Montsianell’ | Medium grain | Pearl |
| ‘Gleva’ | Medium grain | Pearl |

Variety

Classification

Type

‘Bahía’

Medium grain

Pearl

‘Tebre’

Medium grain

Pearl

‘Fonsa’

Medium grain

Semi-pearl

‘Bomba’

Medium grain

Pearl

‘Montsianell’

Medium grain

Pearl

‘Gleva’

Medium grain

Pearl

All these varieties stand out for their uniform cooking characteristics and homogeneous grains and are ideal for the region’s rice-based cuisine since, unlike other types of rice such as long-grain rice, the grain absorbs flavour well.

At the time of dispatch, all of the varieties protected by the ‘Arroz del Delta del Ebro’ PDO possess the characteristics typical of the ‘Extra’ category, and the grains must be healthy, free from fungus, rot, insects, parasites and strange smells and flavours.

Humidity must not exceed 15 %, and there should be no layers of pericarp left on the grain.

3.3.   Raw materials (for processed products only):

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3.4.   Feed (for products of animal origin only):

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

The entire process from production to milling and cleaning of the rice is carried out in the geographic zone set out in Section 4.

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

The rice is packed in boxes or bags of 0,25 kg, 0,5 kg, 1 kg, 2 kg and 5 kg that are packed in other packaging to ensure there is no damage. Packages are always made of food contact materials permitted by law.

3.7.   Specific rules concerning labelling:

Labels must bear the words ‘Arroz del Delta del Ebro’ or ‘Arròs del Delta de l’Ebre’, the PDO and EU logos and any other information laid down in the relevant legislation.

Below is the PDO logo in colour:

Image

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area:

The production and processing area of the ‘Arroz del Delta del Ebro’ PDO covers the Ebro Delta, which forms part of the districts of Baix Ebre and El Montsià in the province of Tarragona.

The production area is made up of land situated in the municipalities of Deltebre and Sant Jaume d’Enveja and, in the Ebro Delta, in the municipalities of L’Aldea, Amposta, L’Ampolla, Camarles and Sant Carles de la Ràpita.

Milling and cleaning of the rice will be carried out entirely in the municipalities in the production area.

5.   Link with the geographical area:

5.1.   Specificity of the geographical area:

Historical

Rice is a traditional crop in the Ebro Delta, closely linked to the physical and geological formation and development of the Ebro Delta.

There are numerous written references confirming the link between traditional rice production and the area of the Ebro Delta. Principal among these is the ‘Geografía de Catalunya’ (‘Geography of Catalonia’) by Lluís Solé i Sabaris (1958), who writes that ‘there is evidence of attempts to grow rice in the Ebro Delta in the 15th century; however, rice production reached its height in the 19th century’. The same work also states that ‘... in the Delta, which was used for grazing transhumant livestock, the Canal de la Derecha, constructed in Xerta in the second half of the 19th century, permitted flooding with fresh water and the introduction of rice growing, which has increased continuously, desalting salt-affected land and at the same time producing a good crop...’.

This crop has been grown without interruption ever since and is the main crop produced in the area.

Natural

The development of rice production in the Ebro Delta has been influenced both by the characteristics of the climate and soil and by the land’s salinity and high water table.

The river loam soils in the Ebro Delta are very fertile and excellent for growing rice, the development of which is closely linked to irrigation and silting (the combined action of water and earth to suitably prepare the planting bed before sowing).

Production yields are the highest in the world, reflecting its location at latitude 40° north and 19 °C isotherm.

Another key factor is the salinity of the land, due to the seawater entering the Delta, and the Mediterranean marine climate. Winters are mild with little rainfall and dry N-NW winds (mistral and east wind), while summers are extremely hot, with humid S-SE winds (Migjorn and Garbí). There are few days without a light breeze.

The area’s hydrography is limited to the Ebro in the last section of some 30 km and to two channels (right and left) that emerge from the Xerta-Tivenys weir and run roughly parallel to the river. A major network of channels and irrigation ditches spreads out from the Delta. The fact that all irrigation waters come from the Ebro ensures that production in the area has uniform characteristics that differ from those of rice grown elsewhere.

5.2.   Specificity of the product:

All of the varieties are identified by their uniformity in cooking, the homogeneity of the grain and high absorption capacity, due to the high starch content in the centre, or pearl, of the grain.

The rice is valued for its cooking properties, with grains that do not stick (adhesion of grains 7,3) and high water absorption (1,93 grams of water per gram of rice), ensuring a high uptake of flavours in the various dishes for which this rice is used.

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 product characteristics are uniform in terms of quality since all the varieties, with the exception of ‘Bomba’, share similar characteristics in respect of the final product. The variety is not the only cause of variation in final products: the geographical area, the environment, the climate, the water and the ripening process all have a strong influence and all these factors vary very little throughout the production area.

The features of the area’s natural environment influence the rice’s characteristics. The area’s climate and soil, the salinity and the high water table ensure that rice is the only crop grown within the defined area. The Delta rice paddies possess excellent qualities for growing, with high yields.

Rice from the area has a proven reputation among consumers for the pearled white colour, flavour and texture conferred by the characteristics of the varieties used and the production area. The rice is also valued for its cooking properties, with grains that do not stick and high water absorption ensuring a high uptake of flavours in the various dishes for which this rice is used.

Reference to the publication of the specification:

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

The full text of the product specification is available on the Internet:

http://www.gencat.cat/daam/pliego-arroz-delta-ebro

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(1)  OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12.

(2)  (g, water/g, rice).

(3)  Scale: 9 = very good; 7 = good; 5 = standard; 3 = substandard.

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