# Official Journal C 271/2011

| | ISSN 1725-2423
  doi:10.3000/17252423.C_2011.271.eng |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 271 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5414 September 2011 |

ISSN 1725-2423

doi:10.3000/17252423.C_2011.271.eng

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 271

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5414 September 2011

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2011/C 271/01 | Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  ) | 1 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2011/C 271/01

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU — Cases where the Commission raises no objections (
  1
  )

1

1

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | Council |
| 2011/C 271/02 | Draft amending budget No 4 of the European Union for the financial year 2011 — Council position | 6 |
| 2011/C 271/03 | Draft amending budget No 5 of the European Union for the financial year 2011 — Council position | 7 |
| | European Commission |
| 2011/C 271/04 | Euro exchange rates | 8 |
| 2011/C 271/05 | Commission Decision of 12 September 2011 on the financing for the year 2011 of several measures necessary to ensure the application of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 | 9 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2011/C 271/06 | Update of the list of border crossing points referred to in Article 2(8) of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (OJ C 316, 28.12.2007, p. 1; OJ C 134, 31.5.2008, p. 16; OJ C 177, 12.7.2008, p. 9; OJ C 200, 6.8.2008, p. 10; OJ C 331, 31.12.2008, p. 13; OJ C 3, 8.1.2009, p. 10; OJ C 37, 14.2.2009, p. 10; OJ C 64, 19.3.2009, p. 20; OJ C 99, 30.4.2009, p. 7; OJ C 229, 23.9.2009, p. 28; OJ C 263, 5.11.2009, p. 22; OJ C 298, 8.12.2009, p. 17; OJ C 74, 24.3.2010, p. 13; OJ C 326, 3.12.2010, p. 17; OJ C 355, 29.12.2010, p. 34; OJ C 22, 22.1.2011, p. 22; OJ C 37, 5.2.2011, p. 12; OJ C 149, 20.5.2011, p. 8; OJ C 190, 30.6.2011, p. 17; OJ C 203, 9.7.2011, p. 14; OJ C 210, 16.7.2011, p. 30) | 18 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

2011/C 271/02

Draft amending budget No 4 of the European Union for the financial year 2011 — Council position

6

2011/C 271/03

Draft amending budget No 5 of the European Union for the financial year 2011 — Council position

7

European Commission

2011/C 271/04

Euro exchange rates

8

2011/C 271/05

Commission Decision of 12 September 2011 on the financing for the year 2011 of several measures necessary to ensure the application of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004

9

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2011/C 271/06

Update of the list of border crossing points referred to in Article 2(8) of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (OJ C 316, 28.12.2007, p. 1; OJ C 134, 31.5.2008, p. 16; OJ C 177, 12.7.2008, p. 9; OJ C 200, 6.8.2008, p. 10; OJ C 331, 31.12.2008, p. 13; OJ C 3, 8.1.2009, p. 10; OJ C 37, 14.2.2009, p. 10; OJ C 64, 19.3.2009, p. 20; OJ C 99, 30.4.2009, p. 7; OJ C 229, 23.9.2009, p. 28; OJ C 263, 5.11.2009, p. 22; OJ C 298, 8.12.2009, p. 17; OJ C 74, 24.3.2010, p. 13; OJ C 326, 3.12.2010, p. 17; OJ C 355, 29.12.2010, p. 34; OJ C 22, 22.1.2011, p. 22; OJ C 37, 5.2.2011, p. 12; OJ C 149, 20.5.2011, p. 8; OJ C 190, 30.6.2011, p. 17; OJ C 203, 9.7.2011, p. 14; OJ C 210, 16.7.2011, p. 30)

18

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES |
| | European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) |
| 2011/C 271/07 | Notice of open competitions | 19 |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2011/C 271/08 | State aid — Germany — State aid MC 12/10 — Sparkasse KölnBonn divestments to the City of Cologne (Articles 107 to 109 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union) (
  1
  ) | 20 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2011/C 271/09 | Publication of an 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 | 22 |

V   Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)

2011/C 271/07

Notice of open competitions

19

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2011/C 271/08

State aid — Germany — State aid MC 12/10 — Sparkasse KölnBonn divestments to the City of Cologne (Articles 107 to 109 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union) (
  1
  )

1

20

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2011/C 271/09

Publication of an 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

22

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (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

| 14.9.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 271/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

14.9.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 271/1

---

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance)

2011/C 271/01

| Date of adoption of the decision | 23.2.2011 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | N 204/10 |
| Member State | Sweden |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | FoU-stöd till Volvo Aero för mellanhuset till Trent XWB-motorn |
| Legal basis | Regeringsbeslut 2008-07-03 |
| Type of measure | Individual aid |
| Objective | Research and development |
| Form of aid | Reimbursable grant |
| Budget | Overall budget: SEK 120 million |
| Intensity | 40 % |
| Duration (period) | 22.2.2011-31.12.2012 |
| Economic sectors | Manufacturing industry |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Riksgäldskontoret |
| Riksgälden |
| SE-103 74 Stockholm |
| SVERIGE |

Date of adoption of the decision

23.2.2011

Reference number of State Aid

N 204/10

Member State

Sweden

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

FoU-stöd till Volvo Aero för mellanhuset till Trent XWB-motorn

Legal basis

Regeringsbeslut 2008-07-03

Type of measure

Individual aid

Objective

Research and development

Form of aid

Reimbursable grant

Budget

Overall budget: SEK 120 million

Intensity

40 %

Duration (period)

22.2.2011-31.12.2012

Economic sectors

Manufacturing industry

Name and address of the granting authority

Riksgäldskontoret

Riksgälden

SE-103 74 Stockholm

SVERIGE

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/state_aids_texts_en.htm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 4.11.2010 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | N 312/10 |
| Member State | Poland |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Rekompensata kosztów poniesionych na świadczenie usług pocztowych ustawowo zwolnionych od opłat pocztowych |
| Legal basis | — | artykuł 30 ust. 2 i art. 33 ustawy z dnia 12 czerwca 2003 r. Prawo Pocztowe (Dz. U. z 2008 r. nr 189, poz. 1159 ze zm.), |

Date of adoption of the decision

4.11.2010

Reference number of State Aid

N 312/10

Member State

Poland

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Rekompensata kosztów poniesionych na świadczenie usług pocztowych ustawowo zwolnionych od opłat pocztowych

Legal basis

—

artykuł 30 ust. 2 i art. 33 ustawy z dnia 12 czerwca 2003 r. Prawo Pocztowe (Dz. U. z 2008 r. nr 189, poz. 1159 ze zm.),

| — | rozporządzenie Ministra Finansów z dnia 10 marca 2000 r. w sprawie szczegółowych zasad i trybu udzielania i rozliczania dotacji przedmiotowych (Dz. U. nr 20, poz. 244) – nieobowiązujące, |
| --- | --- |

—

rozporządzenie Ministra Finansów z dnia 10 marca 2000 r. w sprawie szczegółowych zasad i trybu udzielania i rozliczania dotacji przedmiotowych (Dz. U. nr 20, poz. 244) – nieobowiązujące,

| — | rozporządzenie Ministra Finansów z dnia 28 czerwca 2006 r. w sprawie szczegółowego sposobu i trybu udzielania i rozliczania dotacji przedmiotowych (Dz. U. nr 113, poz. 777) – obowiązujące od dnia 31 grudnia 2010 r., |
| --- | --- |

—

rozporządzenie Ministra Finansów z dnia 28 czerwca 2006 r. w sprawie szczegółowego sposobu i trybu udzielania i rozliczania dotacji przedmiotowych (Dz. U. nr 113, poz. 777) – obowiązujące od dnia 31 grudnia 2010 r.,

| — | rozporządzenie Ministra Finansów w sprawie dotacji przedmiotowej do świadczonych usług pocztowych podlegających ustawowemu zwolnieniu z opłat pocztowych:






  — | z dnia 21 kwietnia 2004 r. (Dz. U. nr 87, poz. 822 ze zm.) – nieobowiązujące, |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

rozporządzenie Ministra Finansów w sprawie dotacji przedmiotowej do świadczonych usług pocztowych podlegających ustawowemu zwolnieniu z opłat pocztowych:

—

z dnia 21 kwietnia 2004 r. (Dz. U. nr 87, poz. 822 ze zm.) – nieobowiązujące,

| — | z dnia 22 kwietnia 2005 r. (Dz. U. nr 70, poz. 629) – nieobowiązujące, |
| --- | --- |

—

z dnia 22 kwietnia 2005 r. (Dz. U. nr 70, poz. 629) – nieobowiązujące,

| — | z dnia 28 czerwca 2006 r. (Dz. U. nr 113, poz. 778) – nieobowiązujące, |
| --- | --- |

—

z dnia 28 czerwca 2006 r. (Dz. U. nr 113, poz. 778) – nieobowiązujące,

| — | z dnia 7 lutego 2007 r. (Dz. U. nr 27, poz. 180) – obowiązujące od dnia 31 grudnia 2010 r., |
| --- | --- |

—

z dnia 7 lutego 2007 r. (Dz. U. nr 27, poz. 180) – obowiązujące od dnia 31 grudnia 2010 r.,

| — | projekt rozporządzenia Ministra Finansów w sprawie szczegółowego sposobu i trybu udzielania i rozliczania dotacji przedmiotowych – rozporządzenie zacznie obowiązywać dnia 1 stycznia 2011 r., |
| --- | --- |

—

projekt rozporządzenia Ministra Finansów w sprawie szczegółowego sposobu i trybu udzielania i rozliczania dotacji przedmiotowych – rozporządzenie zacznie obowiązywać dnia 1 stycznia 2011 r.,

| — | projekt rozporządzenia Ministra Finansów w sprawie dotacji przedmiotowej do świadczenia usług pocztowych podlegających ustawowemu zwolnieniu z opłat pocztowych – rozporządzenie zacznie obowiązywać dnia 1 stycznia 2011 r. |
| --- | --- |

—

projekt rozporządzenia Ministra Finansów w sprawie dotacji przedmiotowej do świadczenia usług pocztowych podlegających ustawowemu zwolnieniu z opłat pocztowych – rozporządzenie zacznie obowiązywać dnia 1 stycznia 2011 r.

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Social support to individual consumers, Culture

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

| | Annual budget: 2011 — PLN 2,06 million
  2012 — PLN 2,14 million |
| --- | --- |

Annual budget: 2011 — PLN 2,06 million

2012 — PLN 2,14 million

| | Overall budget: PLN 4,2 million |
| --- | --- |

Overall budget: PLN 4,2 million

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

1.1.2011-31.12.2012

Economic sectors

Post and telecommunications

Name and address of the granting authority

Właściwy minister lub dyrektor izby skarbowej

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/state_aids_texts_en.htm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 24.5.2011 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | N 492/10 |
| Member State | Poland |
| Region | Miasto Kraków |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Pomoc na restrukturyzację Przedsiębiorstwa Geologicznego Budownictwa Wodnego „HYDROGEO” |
| Legal basis | 1) | Ustawa z dnia 30 sierpnia 1996 r. o komercjalizacji i prywatyzacji |

Date of adoption of the decision

24.5.2011

Reference number of State Aid

N 492/10

Member State

Poland

Region

Miasto Kraków

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Pomoc na restrukturyzację Przedsiębiorstwa Geologicznego Budownictwa Wodnego „HYDROGEO”

Legal basis

1)

Ustawa z dnia 30 sierpnia 1996 r. o komercjalizacji i prywatyzacji

| 2) | Rozporządzenie Ministra Skarbu Państwa z dnia 6 kwietnia 2007 r. w sprawie pomocy publicznej na ratowanie i restrukturyzację przedsiębiorców. |
| --- | --- |

2)

Rozporządzenie Ministra Skarbu Państwa z dnia 6 kwietnia 2007 r. w sprawie pomocy publicznej na ratowanie i restrukturyzację przedsiębiorców.

Type of measure

Individual aid

Objective

Restructuring of firms in difficulty

Form of aid

Rescue aid loan

Budget

Overall budget: PLN 1,26 million

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

15.10.2010-15.4.2011

Economic sectors

Service activities

Name and address of the granting authority

| Minister Skarbu Państwa |
| --- |
| ul. Krucza 36/Wspólna 6 |
| 00-522 Warszawa |
| POLSKA/POLAND |

Minister Skarbu Państwa

ul. Krucza 36/Wspólna 6

00-522 Warszawa

POLSKA/POLAND

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/state_aids_texts_en.htm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 1.8.2011 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.33001 (11/N) B |
| Member State | Denmark |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Amendment of the Danish winding-up scheme for credit institutions |
| Legal basis | Lov om håndtering af nødlidende pengeinstitutter (lov nr. 721 af 25. juni 2010) |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Aid to remedy serious disturbances in the economy |
| Form of aid | Direct grant, Guarantee |
| Budget | — |
| Intensity | — |
| Duration (period) | 1.8.2011-31.12.2011 |
| Economic sectors | Financial intermediation |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Økonomi- og Erhvervsministeriet |
| Slotholmsgade 12 |
| 1216 København K |
| DANMARK |

Date of adoption of the decision

1.8.2011

Reference number of State Aid

SA.33001 (11/N) B

Member State

Denmark

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Amendment of the Danish winding-up scheme for credit institutions

Legal basis

Lov om håndtering af nødlidende pengeinstitutter (lov nr. 721 af 25. juni 2010)

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Aid to remedy serious disturbances in the economy

Form of aid

Direct grant, Guarantee

Budget

—

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

1.8.2011-31.12.2011

Economic sectors

Financial intermediation

Name and address of the granting authority

Økonomi- og Erhvervsministeriet

Slotholmsgade 12

1216 København K

DANMARK

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/state_aids_texts_en.htm

| Date of adoption of the decision | 4.8.2011 |
| --- | --- |
| Reference number of State Aid | SA.33022 (11/N) |
| Member State | Denmark |
| Region | — |
| Title (and/or name of the beneficiary) | Beregningsmetode for statsstøtteelementet i garantier |
| Legal basis | Finansloven for 2011, lovbekendtgørelse nr. 549 af 1. juli 2002 om Vækstfonden og bekendtgørelse nr. 1013 af 17. august 2007 om Vækstfondens aktiviteter. |
| Type of measure | Aid scheme |
| Objective | Small and medium-sized enterprises |
| Form of aid | Guarantee |
| Budget | Overall budget: DKK 75 million |
| Intensity | 7 % |
| Duration (period) | Until 31.12.2015 |
| Economic sectors | All sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Vækstfonden |
| Strandevej 104 A |
| 2900 Hellerup |
| DANMARK |

Date of adoption of the decision

4.8.2011

Reference number of State Aid

SA.33022 (11/N)

Member State

Denmark

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Beregningsmetode for statsstøtteelementet i garantier

Legal basis

Finansloven for 2011, lovbekendtgørelse nr. 549 af 1. juli 2002 om Vækstfonden og bekendtgørelse nr. 1013 af 17. august 2007 om Vækstfondens aktiviteter.

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Small and medium-sized enterprises

Form of aid

Guarantee

Budget

Overall budget: DKK 75 million

Intensity

7 %

Duration (period)

Until 31.12.2015

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

Vækstfonden

Strandevej 104 A

2900 Hellerup

DANMARK

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/state_aids_texts_en.htm

---

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

| 14.9.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 271/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

14.9.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 271/6

---

Draft amending budget No 4 of the European Union for the financial year 2011 — Council position

2011/C 271/02

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 314 thereof, in conjunction with the Treaty establishing the European Atomic and Energy Community, and in particular Article 106a thereof,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (1), as last amended by Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1081/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 (2), and in particular Article 37 thereof,

Whereas:

| — | the Union’s budget for the financial year 2011 was definitively adopted on 15 December 2010 (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

the Union’s budget for the financial year 2011 was definitively adopted on 15 December 2010 (3),

| — | on 17 June 2011, the Commission submitted a proposal containing draft amending budget No 4 to the general budget for the financial year 2011, |
| --- | --- |

—

on 17 June 2011, the Commission submitted a proposal containing draft amending budget No 4 to the general budget for the financial year 2011,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

The Council’s position on draft amending budget No 4 of the European Union for the financial year 2011 was adopted on 12 September 2011.

The full text can be accessed for consultation or downloading on the Council’s website: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/

Done at Brussels, 12 September 2011.

For the Council

The President

M. DOWGIELEWICZ

---

(1)  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1, with corrigenda in OJ L 25, 30.1.2003, p. 43 and in OJ L 99, 14.4.2007, p. 18.

1

(2)  OJ L 311, 26.11.2010, p. 9.

2

(3)  OJ L 68, 15.3.2011.

3

---

| 14.9.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 271/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

14.9.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 271/7

---

Draft amending budget No 5 of the European Union for the financial year 2011 — Council position

2011/C 271/03

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 314 thereof, in conjunction with the Treaty establishing the European Atomic and Energy Community, and in particular Article 106a thereof,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (1), as last amended by Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1081/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 (2), and in particular Article 37 thereof,

Whereas:

| — | the Union's budget for the financial year 2011 was definitively adopted on 15 December 2010 (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

the Union's budget for the financial year 2011 was definitively adopted on 15 December 2010 (3),

| — | on 22 June 2011, the Commission submitted a proposal containing draft amending budget No 5 to the general budget for the financial year 2011, |
| --- | --- |

—

on 22 June 2011, the Commission submitted a proposal containing draft amending budget No 5 to the general budget for the financial year 2011,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

The Council's position on draft amending budget No 5 of the European Union for the financial year 2011 was adopted on 12 September 2011.

The full text can be accessed for consultation or downloading on the Council's website: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/

Done at Brussels, 12 September 2011.

For the Council

The President

M. DOWGIELEWICZ

---

(1)  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1, with corrigenda in OJ L 25, 30.1.2003, p. 43 and in OJ L 99, 14.4.2007, p. 18.

1

(2)  OJ L 311, 26.11.2010, p. 9.

2

(3)  OJ L 68, 15.3.2011.

3

---

European Commission

| 14.9.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 271/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

14.9.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 271/8

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

13 September 2011

2011/C 271/04

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,3645 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 105,01 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4476 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,86315 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,1260 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,2037 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 7,7275 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 24,551 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 283,59 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,7093 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,3339 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,2803 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 2,4280 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,3214 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,3545 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,6476 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,6557 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,6973 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 506,35 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 10,0141 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 8,7316 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,4963 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 11 881,56 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,1842 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 58,687 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 41,2463 |
| THB | Thai baht | 41,222 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 2,3370 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 17,5168 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 64,9430 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,3645

JPY

Japanese yen

105,01

DKK

Danish krone

7,4476

GBP

Pound sterling

0,86315

SEK

Swedish krona

9,1260

CHF

Swiss franc

1,2037

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

7,7275

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

24,551

HUF

Hungarian forint

283,59

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,7093

PLN

Polish zloty

4,3339

RON

Romanian leu

4,2803

TRY

Turkish lira

2,4280

AUD

Australian dollar

1,3214

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,3545

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,6476

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,6557

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,6973

KRW

South Korean won

1 506,35

ZAR

South African rand

10,0141

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

8,7316

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,4963

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

11 881,56

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,1842

PHP

Philippine peso

58,687

RUB

Russian rouble

41,2463

THB

Thai baht

41,222

BRL

Brazilian real

2,3370

MXN

Mexican peso

17,5168

INR

Indian rupee

64,9430

---

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

---

| 14.9.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 271/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

14.9.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 271/9

---

COMMISSION DECISION

of 12 September 2011

on the financing for the year 2011 of several measures necessary to ensure the application of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004

2011/C 271/05

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (1) (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Financial Regulation’), and in particular Article 75 thereof,

Having regard to Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (2) (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Implementing Rules’), and in particular Article 90 thereof,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on official controls performed to ensure the verification of compliance with feed and food law, animal health and animal welfare rules (3), and in particular Article 66(1)(c) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | In accordance with Article 75 of the Financial Regulation and Article 90(1) of the Implementing Rules, the commitment of expenditure from the Union budget shall be preceded by a financing decision setting out the essential elements of the action involving expenditure and adopted by the institution or the authorities to which powers have been delegated by the institution. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

In accordance with Article 75 of the Financial Regulation and Article 90(1) of the Implementing Rules, the commitment of expenditure from the Union budget shall be preceded by a financing decision setting out the essential elements of the action involving expenditure and adopted by the institution or the authorities to which powers have been delegated by the institution.

| (2) | Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 lays down rules for the performance of official controls to verify compliance with rules aiming in particular at preventing, eliminating or reducing to acceptable levels risks to humans and animals, either directly or through the environment, guaranteeing fair practices in feed and food trade and protecting consumers interests, including feed and food labelling and other forms of consumer information. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 lays down rules for the performance of official controls to verify compliance with rules aiming in particular at preventing, eliminating or reducing to acceptable levels risks to humans and animals, either directly or through the environment, guaranteeing fair practices in feed and food trade and protecting consumers interests, including feed and food labelling and other forms of consumer information.

| (3) | According to Article 66(1)(c) of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004, the appropriations required for the financing of other measures necessary to ensure the application of this regulation shall be authorised each year within the framework of the budgetary procedure. The measures referred to in Article 66 include in particular the organisation of studies, the publication of information and the organisation of meetings and conferences. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

According to Article 66(1)(c) of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004, the appropriations required for the financing of other measures necessary to ensure the application of this regulation shall be authorised each year within the framework of the budgetary procedure. The measures referred to in Article 66 include in particular the organisation of studies, the publication of information and the organisation of meetings and conferences.

| (4) | In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 November 2003 on the control of Salmonella and other specified food-borne zoonotic agents (4), Union targets for the reduction of their prevalence can be determined and Member States should establish national control programmes in order to achieve these targets. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) adopted on 9 December 2009 a scientific opinion on the quantification of the risk posed by broiler meat to human campylobacteriosis in the European Union (5). According to the opinion, campylobacteriosis is the most frequently reported food-borne infection in the European Union (possibly 20 million cases of clinical campylobacteriosis per year). EFSA also adopted on 11 March 2010 a scientific opinion on the quantitative microbiological risk assessment of Salmonella in slaughter and breeder pigs (6), according to which around 10-20 % of human Salmonella infections in the Union may be attributable to the pig reservoir as a whole. Before defining a target for the reduction of the prevalence of these specific zoonoses in the European Union, Article 4(4)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003 requires an analysis of the expected costs and benefits. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 November 2003 on the control of Salmonella and other specified food-borne zoonotic agents (4), Union targets for the reduction of their prevalence can be determined and Member States should establish national control programmes in order to achieve these targets. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) adopted on 9 December 2009 a scientific opinion on the quantification of the risk posed by broiler meat to human campylobacteriosis in the European Union (5). According to the opinion, campylobacteriosis is the most frequently reported food-borne infection in the European Union (possibly 20 million cases of clinical campylobacteriosis per year). EFSA also adopted on 11 March 2010 a scientific opinion on the quantitative microbiological risk assessment of Salmonella in slaughter and breeder pigs (6), according to which around 10-20 % of human Salmonella infections in the Union may be attributable to the pig reservoir as a whole. Before defining a target for the reduction of the prevalence of these specific zoonoses in the European Union, Article 4(4)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003 requires an analysis of the expected costs and benefits.

| (5) | According to Article 6(4) of Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin (7), food business operators importing food containing both products of plant origin and processed products of animal origin have to ensure that the processed products of animal origin contained in such food satisfy the relevant requirements of the Regulation. They must furthermore be able to demonstrate that they have done so during official controls. Because of the potentially high impact of these rules, transitional arrangements derogating from certain of them and valid until 31 December 2013 were laid down in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1162/2009 (8) and a possible modification of the abovementioned provision of Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 is considered. The impacts on the operators and on official controls of these new possible rules after the end of the transitional arrangements should be assessed. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

According to Article 6(4) of Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin (7), food business operators importing food containing both products of plant origin and processed products of animal origin have to ensure that the processed products of animal origin contained in such food satisfy the relevant requirements of the Regulation. They must furthermore be able to demonstrate that they have done so during official controls. Because of the potentially high impact of these rules, transitional arrangements derogating from certain of them and valid until 31 December 2013 were laid down in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1162/2009 (8) and a possible modification of the abovementioned provision of Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 is considered. The impacts on the operators and on official controls of these new possible rules after the end of the transitional arrangements should be assessed.

| (6) | Commission Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 of 15 November 2005 on microbiological criteria for foodstuffs (9) implements the general and specific hygiene measures referred to in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs (10). Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 lays down an analytical reference method for the detection of histamine in certain fishery products to be used within the framework of official controls. The impact of this reference method on the sensitivity and the specificity should be assessed against the Codex Alimentarius standard AOAC 977.13 (11). This study should be performed by the Joint Research Center (JRC). |
| --- | --- |

(6)

Commission Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 of 15 November 2005 on microbiological criteria for foodstuffs (9) implements the general and specific hygiene measures referred to in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs (10). Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 lays down an analytical reference method for the detection of histamine in certain fishery products to be used within the framework of official controls. The impact of this reference method on the sensitivity and the specificity should be assessed against the Codex Alimentarius standard AOAC 977.13 (11). This study should be performed by the Joint Research Center (JRC).

| (7) | The possibility to review the current rules on meat inspection provided for in Regulation (EC) No 854/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 laying down specific rules for the organisation of official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption (12) has to be addressed. A series of conferences and meetings, complemented by studies to evaluate the outcome of pilot studies, should be organised in 2011 with the aim to discuss this issue with competent authorities of Member States and of third countries, stakeholders’ representatives and international scientific organisations. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

The possibility to review the current rules on meat inspection provided for in Regulation (EC) No 854/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 laying down specific rules for the organisation of official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption (12) has to be addressed. A series of conferences and meetings, complemented by studies to evaluate the outcome of pilot studies, should be organised in 2011 with the aim to discuss this issue with competent authorities of Member States and of third countries, stakeholders’ representatives and international scientific organisations.

| (8) | Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 March 2001 on the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment (13) and Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on genetically modified food and feed (14) establish the conditions for the placing on the market and use of GMOs and products containing or derived from GMOs in the European Union. The rules for the performance of official controls to verify compliance with the provisions of both legal acts are laid down by Regulation (EC) No 882/2004. Two evaluations have been carried out in 2010-2011 to assess to what extent this legislative framework has addressed its objective of protecting human and animal health, the environment and consumers’ interests, whilst ensuring the effective functioning of the internal market. Studies should be carried out on subjects, which were not examined in depth in these evaluations, such as the labelling of the absence of GMOs in products. A series of conferences should be organised to increase knowledge as regards current implementation of the GMO legal framework by the Member States and to ensure the follow-up to the Commission's Report of 15 April 2011 on the socio-economic implications of GMO cultivation (15), as requested by the Council Conclusions of December 2008. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 March 2001 on the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment (13) and Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on genetically modified food and feed (14) establish the conditions for the placing on the market and use of GMOs and products containing or derived from GMOs in the European Union. The rules for the performance of official controls to verify compliance with the provisions of both legal acts are laid down by Regulation (EC) No 882/2004. Two evaluations have been carried out in 2010-2011 to assess to what extent this legislative framework has addressed its objective of protecting human and animal health, the environment and consumers’ interests, whilst ensuring the effective functioning of the internal market. Studies should be carried out on subjects, which were not examined in depth in these evaluations, such as the labelling of the absence of GMOs in products. A series of conferences should be organised to increase knowledge as regards current implementation of the GMO legal framework by the Member States and to ensure the follow-up to the Commission's Report of 15 April 2011 on the socio-economic implications of GMO cultivation (15), as requested by the Council Conclusions of December 2008.

| (9) | Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives (16) and Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on flavourings and certain food ingredients with flavouring properties for use in and on foods (17) lay down new rules on additives and flavourings with a view to ensuring the effective functioning of the internal market whilst ensuring a high level of protection of human health and a high level of consumer protection, including the protection of consumer interests. Since 20 January 2011, they are both applicable. Stakeholders and consumers should be informed about the new legal framework, its rules, its further implementation and its consequences for them in order to raise their awareness and to help the enforcement of these new rules. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives (16) and Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on flavourings and certain food ingredients with flavouring properties for use in and on foods (17) lay down new rules on additives and flavourings with a view to ensuring the effective functioning of the internal market whilst ensuring a high level of protection of human health and a high level of consumer protection, including the protection of consumer interests. Since 20 January 2011, they are both applicable. Stakeholders and consumers should be informed about the new legal framework, its rules, its further implementation and its consequences for them in order to raise their awareness and to help the enforcement of these new rules.

| (10) | The present financing decision may also cover the payment of interest due for late payment on the basis of Articles 83 of the Financial Regulation and 106(5) of the Implementing Rules. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The present financing decision may also cover the payment of interest due for late payment on the basis of Articles 83 of the Financial Regulation and 106(5) of the Implementing Rules.

| (11) | It is appropriate to define the terms ‘substantial change’ within the meaning of Article 90(4) of the Implementing Rules for the application of this decision, |
| --- | --- |

(11)

It is appropriate to define the terms ‘substantial change’ within the meaning of Article 90(4) of the Implementing Rules for the application of this decision,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

The annual work programme for the implementation of Article 66(1)(c) of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004, as set out in the Annex, is hereby adopted.

The work programme constitutes a financing decision in the meaning of Article 75 of the Financial Regulation.

Article 2

The maximum contribution authorised by this Decision for the implementation of the programme is set at EUR 1 095 000 to be financed from the following budgetary lines of the general budget of the European Union for 2011:

| — | budgetary line No 17 04 07 01: EUR 1 095 000. |
| --- | --- |

—

budgetary line No 17 04 07 01: EUR 1 095 000.

These appropriations may also cover interest due for late payment.

Article 3

Cumulated changes of the allocations to the specific actions covered by the work programme not exceeding 10 % of the maximum contribution authorised by Article 2 of this Decision are not considered to be substantial within the meaning of Article 90(4) of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002, provided that they do not significantly affect the nature and objective of the work programme.

The authorising officer may adopt such changes in accordance with the principles of sound financial management and of proportionality.

Article 4

This Decision is addressed to the authorising officers by delegation.

Done at Brussels, 12 September 2011.

For the Commission

John DALLI

Member of the Commission

---

(1)  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

1

(2)  OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1.

2

(3)  OJ L 165, 30.4.2004, p. 1.

3

(4)  OJ L 325, 12.12.2003, p. 1.

4

(5)  EFSA Journal 2010; 8(1):1437.

5

(6)  EFSA Journal 2010; 8(4):1547.

6

(7)  OJ L 139, 30.4.2004, p. 55.

7

(8)  OJ L 314, 1.12.2009, p. 10.

8

(9)  OJ L 338, 22.12.2005, p. 1.

9

(10)  OJ L 139, 30.4.2004, p. 1.

10

(11)  http://www.codexalimentarius.net

11

(12)  OJ L 139, 30.4.2004, p. 206.

12

(13)  OJ L 106, 17.4.2001, p. 1.

13

(14)  OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 1.

14

(15)  COM(2011) 214.

15

(16)  OJ L 354, 31.12.2008, p. 16.

16

(17)  OJ L 354, 31.12.2008, p. 34.

17

---

ANNEX

Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 — Work programme for 2011

1.   Introduction

This programme contains eight implementing measures for the year 2011. On the basis of Article 66(1)(c) of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 on Union financial support of measures necessary to ensure the application of the Regulation, the distribution of the budget and the main actions are the following:

For procurement (implemented in direct centralised management):

| — | Analysis of costs and benefits of establishing targets for the reduction of Campylobacter and Salmonella at the relevant stages of the food chain: EUR 200 000 |
| --- | --- |

—

Analysis of costs and benefits of establishing targets for the reduction of Campylobacter and Salmonella at the relevant stages of the food chain: EUR 200 000

| — | Impact assessments of new possible rules within the framework of the revision of the hygiene package, in particular due to the end of the transitional arrangements derogating from certain provisions of Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin: EUR 150 000 |
| --- | --- |

—

Impact assessments of new possible rules within the framework of the revision of the hygiene package, in particular due to the end of the transitional arrangements derogating from certain provisions of Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin: EUR 150 000

| — | Impact assessment of the analytical reference method used for the application of the histamine food safety criterion in Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 on microbiological criteria for foodstuffs on the specificity and sensitivity of testing compared to Codex Alimentarius standard AOAC 977.13: EUR 55 000 |
| --- | --- |

—

Impact assessment of the analytical reference method used for the application of the histamine food safety criterion in Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 on microbiological criteria for foodstuffs on the specificity and sensitivity of testing compared to Codex Alimentarius standard AOAC 977.13: EUR 55 000

| — | Studies related to the revision of the current meat inspection system: analysis to evaluate the outcome of pilot studies, including expected costs and benefits related to new approaches to hygiene controls in the meat sector as foreseen in Article 17 point 4(a)(iii) of Regulation (EC) No 854/2004 laying down specific rules for the organisation of official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption: EUR 100 000 |
| --- | --- |

—

Studies related to the revision of the current meat inspection system: analysis to evaluate the outcome of pilot studies, including expected costs and benefits related to new approaches to hygiene controls in the meat sector as foreseen in Article 17 point 4(a)(iii) of Regulation (EC) No 854/2004 laying down specific rules for the organisation of official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption: EUR 100 000

| — | Conferences and meetings with competent authorities of Member States and of third countries, stakeholders' representatives and international scientific organisations on the revision of the current rules on meat inspection provided for in Regulation (EC) No 854/2004 laying down specific rules for the organisation of official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption: EUR 100 000 |
| --- | --- |

—

Conferences and meetings with competent authorities of Member States and of third countries, stakeholders' representatives and international scientific organisations on the revision of the current rules on meat inspection provided for in Regulation (EC) No 854/2004 laying down specific rules for the organisation of official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption: EUR 100 000

| — | Studies on GMOs related subjects: EUR 300 000 |
| --- | --- |

—

Studies on GMOs related subjects: EUR 300 000

| — | A series of conferences on the implementation of the GMO legal framework and on the socioeconomic implications of GMO cultivation: EUR 40 000 |
| --- | --- |

—

A series of conferences on the implementation of the GMO legal framework and on the socioeconomic implications of GMO cultivation: EUR 40 000

| — | Stakeholder and consumer information package on additives and flavourings (information sheet, pocket guide, website, video, press conference and/or a press release): EUR 150 000 |
| --- | --- |

—

Stakeholder and consumer information package on additives and flavourings (information sheet, pocket guide, website, video, press conference and/or a press release): EUR 150 000

2.   Work programme for 2011 — procurement

The global budgetary envelope reserved in 2011 for the procurement contracts amounts to EUR 1 095 000.

2.1.   Analysis of costs and benefits of establishing targets for the reduction of Campylobacter and Salmonella at the relevant stages of the food chain

LEGAL BASIS

Regulation (EC) No 882/2004, Article 66(1)(c)

BUDGETARY LINE

Budget line: 17 04 07 01

INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED

One contract

SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE)

Analysis of costs and benefits of establishing targets for the reduction of Campylobacter and Salmonella at the relevant stages of the food chain according to Article 4(4)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003 on the control of salmonella and other specified food-borne zoonotic agents

IMPLEMENTATION

Direct centralised

INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE

Approximately during the third or fourth quarter 2011

INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS

EUR 200 000

SPECIFIC CONTRACT (IF APPLICABLE)

Conclusion of one specific service contract under framework contract SANCO/2008/01/055

2.2.   Impact assessment of new possible rules within the framework of the revision of the hygiene package, in particular due to the end of the transitional arrangements derogating from certain provisions of Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin

LEGAL BASIS

Regulation (EC) No 882/2004, Article 66(1)(c)

BUDGETARY LINE

Budget line: 17 04 07 01

INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED

One contract

SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE)

Impact assessment of new possible rules within the framework of the revision of the hygiene package, in particular due to the end of the transitional arrangements derogating from certain provisions of Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin

IMPLEMENTATION

Direct centralised

INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE

Approximately during the third or fourth quarter 2011

INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS

EUR 150 000

SPECIFIC CONTRACT (IF APPLICABLE)

Conclusion of one specific service contract under framework contract SANCO/2008/01/055

2.3.   Impact assessment of the analytical reference method used for the application of the histamine food safety criterion in Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 on the specificity and sensitivity of testing compared to Codex Alimentarius standard AOAC 977.13

LEGAL BASIS

Regulation (EC) No 882/2004, Article 66(1)(c)

BUDGETARY LINE

Budget line: 17 04 07 01

INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED

One administrative arrangement

SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE)

Impact assessment of the analytical reference method used for the application of the histamine food safety criterion in Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 on microbiological criteria for foodstuffs on the specificity and sensitivity of testing compared to Codex Alimentarius standard AOAC 977.13

IMPLEMENTATION

Direct centralised

INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE

Approximately during the third or fourth quarter 2011

INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS

EUR 55 000

SPECIFIC CONTRACT (IF APPLICABLE)

Conclusion of one administrative arrangement with the Commission's Joint Research Center (JRC)

2.4.   Studies related to the revision of the current rules concerning meat inspection

LEGAL BASIS

Regulation (EC) No 882/2004, Article 66(1)(c)

BUDGETARY LINE

Budget line: 17 04 07 01

INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED

One or several contracts

SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE)

Analysis of expected costs and benefits and pilot projects related to new approaches to meat inspection as foreseen in Article 17 point 4(a)(iii) of Regulation (EC) No 854/2004 laying down specific rules for the organisation of official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption

IMPLEMENTATION

Direct centralised

INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE

Approximately during the third or fourth quarter 2011

INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS

EUR 100 000

SPECIFIC CONTRACT (IF APPLICABLE)

Conclusion of one or several specific service contract(s) under framework contract SANCO/2008/01/055

2.5.   Conferences and meetings on the revision of the current rules concerning meat inspection

LEGAL BASIS

Regulation (EC) No 882/2004, Article 66(1)(c)

BUDGETARY LINE

Budget line: 17 04 07 01

INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED

One or several contracts

SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE)

Conferences and meetings with competent authorities of Member States and of third countries, stakeholders’ representatives and international scientific organisations on the revision of the current rules concerning meat inspection provided for in Regulation (EC) No 854/2004 laying down specific rules for the organisation of official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption

IMPLEMENTATION

Direct centralised

INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE

Approximately during the third or fourth quarter 2011

INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS

EUR 100 000

SPECIFIC CONTRACT (IF APPLICABLE)

Conclusion of one or several specific service contract(s) under framework contract SANCO/2009/A1/005/Lot 2

2.6.   Studies on GMOs related subjects

LEGAL BASIS

Regulation (EC) No 882/2004, Article 66(1)(c)

BUDGETARY LINE

Budget line: 17 04 07 01

INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED

One or several contracts, depending on the results of the two ongoing evaluations

SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE)

Studies on subjects which were not examined in depth in the two evaluations of the EU GMO legal framework

IMPLEMENTATION

Direct centralised

INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE

Approximately during the third or fourth quarter 2011

INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS

EUR 300 000

SPECIFIC CONTRACT (IF APPLICABLE)

Conclusion of one or several specific service contract(s) under framework contract SANCO/2008/01/055

2.7.   A series of conferences on the implementation of the GMO legal framework and on the socioeconomic implications of GMO cultivation

LEGAL BASIS

Regulation (EC) No 882/2004, Article 66(1)(c)

BUDGETARY LINE

Budget line: 17 04 07 01

INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED

One or several contracts, depending on the organisational and logistical modalities

SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE)

A series of conferences on the implementation of the GMO legal framework and on the socioeconomic implications of GMO cultivation

IMPLEMENTATION

Direct centralised

INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE

Approximately during the third or fourth quarter 2011

INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS

EUR 40 000

SPECIFIC CONTRACT (IF APPLICABLE)

Conclusion of one or several specific service contract(s) under framework contract SANCO/2009/A1/005/Lot 2

2.8.   Stakeholder and consumer information package on additives and flavourings

LEGAL BASIS

Regulation (EC) No 882/2004, Article 66(1)(c)

BUDGETARY LINE

Budget line: 17 04 07 01

INDICATIVE NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONTRACTS ENVISAGED

Five contracts as far as the work cannot be done internally

SUBJECT OF THE CONTRACTS ENVISAGED (IF POSSIBLE)

Stakeholder and consumer information package about the new lists of authorised food additives and flavourings and their conditions of use:

| — | information sheet with key facts and Q&A, |
| --- | --- |

—

information sheet with key facts and Q&A,

| — | pocket guide to help consumers to recognise additives when buying food, |
| --- | --- |

—

pocket guide to help consumers to recognise additives when buying food,

| — | website with links to the database, |
| --- | --- |

—

website with links to the database,

| — | video to draw attention to the website, |
| --- | --- |

—

video to draw attention to the website,

| — | press conference and/or press release for the launch of the stakeholder and consumer information package. |
| --- | --- |

—

press conference and/or press release for the launch of the stakeholder and consumer information package.

IMPLEMENTATION

Direct centralised

INDICATIVE TIMEFRAME FOR LAUNCHING THE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE

Approximately during the third or fourth quarter 2011

INDICATIVE AMOUNT OF THE CALL FOR TENDERS

EUR 150 000

SPECIFIC CONTRACT (IF APPLICABLE)

Not applicable

---

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 14.9.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 271/18 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

14.9.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 271/18

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Update of the list of border crossing points referred to in Article 2(8) of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (OJ C 316, 28.12.2007, p. 1; OJ C 134, 31.5.2008, p. 16; OJ C 177, 12.7.2008, p. 9; OJ C 200, 6.8.2008, p. 10; OJ C 331, 31.12.2008, p. 13; OJ C 3, 8.1.2009, p. 10; OJ C 37, 14.2.2009, p. 10; OJ C 64, 19.3.2009, p. 20; OJ C 99, 30.4.2009, p. 7; OJ C 229, 23.9.2009, p. 28; OJ C 263, 5.11.2009, p. 22; OJ C 298, 8.12.2009, p. 17; OJ C 74, 24.3.2010, p. 13; OJ C 326, 3.12.2010, p. 17; OJ C 355, 29.12.2010, p. 34; OJ C 22, 22.1.2011, p. 22; OJ C 37, 5.2.2011, p. 12; OJ C 149, 20.5.2011, p. 8; OJ C 190, 30.6.2011, p. 17; OJ C 203, 9.7.2011, p. 14; OJ C 210, 16.7.2011, p. 30)

2011/C 271/06

The publication of the list of border crossing points referred to in Article 2(8) of Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) is based on the information communicated by the Member States to the Commission in conformity with Article 34 of the Schengen Borders Code.

In addition to the publication in the Official Journal, a regular update is available on the website of the Directorate-General for Home Affairs.

ESTONIA

Replacement of the information published in OJ C 316, 28.12.2007

Section ‘Land borders’ is replaced by the following:

Land borders

| Name of the border crossing point (BCP) | Place where border checks are carried out |
| --- | --- |
| Koidula BCP | Highway Karisilla–Petseri |
| Koidula railway BCP | Koidula railway station |
| Luhamaa BCP | Highway Riga–Pihkva |
| Narva-1 BCP | Highway Tallinn–Narva |
| Narva railway BCP | Narva railway station |
| Praaga BCP | Praaga, Vara parish |
| Narva-2 BCP (1) | Narva city (1) |
| Saatse BCP (1) | Highway Saatse–Petseri (1) |

Name of the border crossing point (BCP)

Place where border checks are carried out

Koidula BCP

Highway Karisilla–Petseri

Koidula railway BCP

Koidula railway station

Luhamaa BCP

Highway Riga–Pihkva

Narva-1 BCP

Highway Tallinn–Narva

Narva railway BCP

Narva railway station

Praaga BCP

Praaga, Vara parish

Narva-2 BCP (1)

Narva city (1)

Saatse BCP (1)

Highway Saatse–Petseri (1)

---

(1)  Border crossing points open only for citizens of the Republic of Estonia and the Russian Federation. Negotiations with the Russian Federation regarding these two border crossing points are on-going in order to change their status (i.e., either to reserve them to local border traffic or to change them into international border crossing points).

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V Announcements

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)

| 14.9.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 271/19 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

14.9.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 271/19

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NOTICE OF OPEN COMPETITIONS

2011/C 271/07

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

| | EPSO/AD/227/11 — Archivistics (AD 6) |
| --- | --- |

EPSO/AD/227/11 — Archivistics (AD 6)

| | EPSO/AD/228/11 — Information and communication technologies (ICT) (AD 7) |
| --- | --- |

EPSO/AD/228/11 — Information and communication technologies (ICT) (AD 7)

| | EPSO/AD/229/11 — Cooperation and management of aid to non-member countries (AD 7) |
| --- | --- |

EPSO/AD/229/11 — Cooperation and management of aid to non-member countries (AD 7)

The competition notice is published in 23 languages in Official Journal C 271 A of 14 September 2011.

Further details can be found on the EPSO website: http://eu-careers.eu

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PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 14.9.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 271/20 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

14.9.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 271/20

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STATE AID — GERMANY

State aid MC 12/10 — Sparkasse KölnBonn divestments to the City of Cologne

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

(Text with EEA relevance)

2011/C 271/08

The Commission notified Germany by letter of 30 March 2011 of its sui generis decision regarding the aid MC 12/10.

TEXT OF LETTER

‘I.   PROCEDURE

| (1) | By decision of 29 September 2010, the Commission approved capital injection measures of EUR 650 million in favour of Sparkasse KölnBonn (“the Bank”) in case C 32/09 (“SpKB Decision”) (1). That approval was subject to a number of commitments made by Germany. One of the commitments was that the Bank would sell its stakes in 11 real estate subsidiaries (“the subsidiaries”) by the end of March 2011. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

By decision of 29 September 2010, the Commission approved capital injection measures of EUR 650 million in favour of Sparkasse KölnBonn (“the Bank”) in case C 32/09 (“SpKB Decision”) (1). That approval was subject to a number of commitments made by Germany. One of the commitments was that the Bank would sell its stakes in 11 real estate subsidiaries (“the subsidiaries”) by the end of March 2011.

| (2) | On 6 December 2010, Germany informed the Commission that it will not be possible to divest the subsidiaries within the committed time frame. On 2 February 2011, Germany notified a request for an extension of the divestment period until 31 October 2011. On 23 February 2011, Germany submitted further information demonstrating that the Bank had done everything possible to conclude the sales process within the committed deadline. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

On 6 December 2010, Germany informed the Commission that it will not be possible to divest the subsidiaries within the committed time frame. On 2 February 2011, Germany notified a request for an extension of the divestment period until 31 October 2011. On 23 February 2011, Germany submitted further information demonstrating that the Bank had done everything possible to conclude the sales process within the committed deadline.

| (3) | On 17 March 2011, Germany informed the Commission that for reasons of urgency it exceptionally accepts that this Decision is adopted in the English language. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

On 17 March 2011, Germany informed the Commission that for reasons of urgency it exceptionally accepts that this Decision is adopted in the English language.

II.   FACTS

| (4) | The SpKB Decision was approved subject to the implementation of several commitments. According to point 13 of the Commitments (2), Sparkasse KölnBonn is to sell the following 11 participations by no later than 31 March 2011 to the City of Cologne, a company connected with the City of Cologne or a third party:






  — | [...] (3) |
| --- | --- | --- |

(4)

The SpKB Decision was approved subject to the implementation of several commitments. According to point 13 of the Commitments (2), Sparkasse KölnBonn is to sell the following 11 participations by no later than 31 March 2011 to the City of Cologne, a company connected with the City of Cologne or a third party:

—

[...] (3)

| — | [...] |
| --- | --- |

—

[...]

| — | [...] |
| --- | --- |

—

[...]

| — | [...] |
| --- | --- |

—

[...]

| — | [...] |
| --- | --- |

—

[...]

| — | [...] |
| --- | --- |

—

[...]

| — | [...] |
| --- | --- |

—

[...]

| — | [...] |
| --- | --- |

—

[...]

| — | [...] |
| --- | --- |

—

[...]

| — | [...] |
| --- | --- |

—

[...]

| — | [...] |
| --- | --- |

—

[...]

The Decision does not provide for a prolongation of that deadline.

| (5) | Point 14 of the Commitments stipulates that “The individual transactions with the City of Cologne are to be carried out under normal market conditions. For this purpose, the current market value of the sales object at the time of transfer is to be determined by an independent expert.” According to point 15 “An auditing company is to verify the valuation of the assets and the contractually agreed general business data on behalf of the purchaser.” |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Point 14 of the Commitments stipulates that “The individual transactions with the City of Cologne are to be carried out under normal market conditions. For this purpose, the current market value of the sales object at the time of transfer is to be determined by an independent expert.” According to point 15 “An auditing company is to verify the valuation of the assets and the contractually agreed general business data on behalf of the purchaser.”

| (6) | The participations concerned are small entities (4) active mainly in the infrastructure, urban and regional development projects. Their business is to develop, hold and/or manage a real estate object. None of them is active in the financial services sector. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The participations concerned are small entities (4) active mainly in the infrastructure, urban and regional development projects. Their business is to develop, hold and/or manage a real estate object. None of them is active in the financial services sector.

| (7) | On 7 October 2010, the City of Cologne passed the general resolution to acquire the participations and mandated its executives to enter into negotiations with the Bank. In accordance with public procurement rules, the City of Cologne has to conduct a public, European-wide tender in order to choose an auditing company, which will verify the valuation of the participations on the City's behalf. The tender process is already ongoing. According to the applicable rules, minimum deadlines have to be respected at the different stages of the process. Due to these binding deadlines the tender process and subsequently the valuation's verification by the chosen auditor cannot be finished before the targeted transfer date of 31 March 2011. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

On 7 October 2010, the City of Cologne passed the general resolution to acquire the participations and mandated its executives to enter into negotiations with the Bank. In accordance with public procurement rules, the City of Cologne has to conduct a public, European-wide tender in order to choose an auditing company, which will verify the valuation of the participations on the City's behalf. The tender process is already ongoing. According to the applicable rules, minimum deadlines have to be respected at the different stages of the process. Due to these binding deadlines the tender process and subsequently the valuation's verification by the chosen auditor cannot be finished before the targeted transfer date of 31 March 2011.

| (8) | According to the current planning, it will be feasible to finalise the whole process, including tender, verification of the valuation, the municipal approval, signing and closing of the transaction, by 31 October 2011. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

According to the current planning, it will be feasible to finalise the whole process, including tender, verification of the valuation, the municipal approval, signing and closing of the transaction, by 31 October 2011.

| (9) | Germany has committed that from 31 March 2011 until the closing of the sale Sparkasse KölnBonn will refrain from taking any strategic decisions concerning the participations to be transferred and will only take decisions as to the operational continuation of the businesses. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Germany has committed that from 31 March 2011 until the closing of the sale Sparkasse KölnBonn will refrain from taking any strategic decisions concerning the participations to be transferred and will only take decisions as to the operational continuation of the businesses.

| (10) | Notwithstanding the request for an extension of the deadline for the divestiture concerned, Germany argues that the Bank did all it could to ensure a timely sale. This was confirmed by the Trustee monitoring the divestitures by Sparkasse KölnBonn to which Germany committed itself. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

Notwithstanding the request for an extension of the deadline for the divestiture concerned, Germany argues that the Bank did all it could to ensure a timely sale. This was confirmed by the Trustee monitoring the divestitures by Sparkasse KölnBonn to which Germany committed itself.

III.   ASSESSMENT

| (11) | The request to extend the deadline for the divestments set out in recital 4 by seven months, i.e. until 31 October 2011, concerns the implementation of the restructuring plan as approved in the SpKB Decision. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

The request to extend the deadline for the divestments set out in recital 4 by seven months, i.e. until 31 October 2011, concerns the implementation of the restructuring plan as approved in the SpKB Decision.

| (12) | The Commission can extend deadlines for divestitures. Although it is not explicitly provided for in Regulation (EC) No 659/1999, the Commission has discretion to allow an extension as long as it does not impede the enforcement of a Decision (5). |
| --- | --- |

(12)

The Commission can extend deadlines for divestitures. Although it is not explicitly provided for in Regulation (EC) No 659/1999, the Commission has discretion to allow an extension as long as it does not impede the enforcement of a Decision (5).

| (13) | The Commission notes that Sparkasse KölnBonn and the City of Cologne have already actively launched the sales procedure for the participations concerned. In that respect, the Commission takes note of the view of both Germany and the Trustee that the Bank did all it could to advance the sales process. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

The Commission notes that Sparkasse KölnBonn and the City of Cologne have already actively launched the sales procedure for the participations concerned. In that respect, the Commission takes note of the view of both Germany and the Trustee that the Bank did all it could to advance the sales process.

| (14) | Finally, there are convincing arguments that the sales process will succeed by 31 October 2011 at the very latest, as the delay is due to the procedural reasons only, which are beyond the influence of the Bank. Both parties remain committed to the sale process. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

Finally, there are convincing arguments that the sales process will succeed by 31 October 2011 at the very latest, as the delay is due to the procedural reasons only, which are beyond the influence of the Bank. Both parties remain committed to the sale process.

| (15) | An extension of the sales deadline by seven months does not put into question the overall implementation of the restructuring plan as approved in the SpKB Decision, which will last until 2014. In particular, the Commission considers that the prolonged period until signing will not give raise to any competition distortions, as the participations concerned are not active in the financial services sector and the Bank's influence on the entities to be sold will be limited to the necessary day-to-day management. Therefore, the extension, which is limited in time, should enable the Bank to sell its participations to the City of Cologne before 31 October 2011. It allows the Bank to overcome the above-described, mainly exogenous difficulties and complete the divestments concerned as provided for in the SpKB Decision. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

An extension of the sales deadline by seven months does not put into question the overall implementation of the restructuring plan as approved in the SpKB Decision, which will last until 2014. In particular, the Commission considers that the prolonged period until signing will not give raise to any competition distortions, as the participations concerned are not active in the financial services sector and the Bank's influence on the entities to be sold will be limited to the necessary day-to-day management. Therefore, the extension, which is limited in time, should enable the Bank to sell its participations to the City of Cologne before 31 October 2011. It allows the Bank to overcome the above-described, mainly exogenous difficulties and complete the divestments concerned as provided for in the SpKB Decision.

| (16) | The Commission therefore considers that the relatively short requested extension until 31 October 2011 is necessary and justified, especially in view of the limited size of the companies to be divested and the nature of their business. |
| --- | --- |

(16)

The Commission therefore considers that the relatively short requested extension until 31 October 2011 is necessary and justified, especially in view of the limited size of the companies to be divested and the nature of their business.

IV.   CONCLUSION

| (17) | For the reasons set out above the Commission finds that an extension by seven months for divesting the participations set out in recital 4 is necessary to enable, and does not prevent, a proper implementation of the Bank's restructuring plan. |
| --- | --- |

(17)

For the reasons set out above the Commission finds that an extension by seven months for divesting the participations set out in recital 4 is necessary to enable, and does not prevent, a proper implementation of the Bank's restructuring plan.

V.   DECISION

The Commission extends the deadline for selling the participations as defined in point 13 of Annex I to Decision C(2010) 6470 until 31 October 2011.’

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(1)  Commission Decision on State aid C 32/09 (ex NN 50/09) implemented by Germany for the restructuring of Sparkasse KölnBonn, not yet published.

1

(2)  See Annex I to the SpKB Decision.

2

(3)  Confidential information.

3

(4)  As per 30 June 2010 the total market value of all concerned participations was estimated at approximately EUR [...] million.

4

(5)  Cf. Decision of 21 December 2010 in case MC 8/09 WestImmo.

5

WestImmo.

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OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 14.9.2011 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 271/22 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

14.9.2011

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 271/22

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Publication of an 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

2011/C 271/09

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 from the date of this publication.

SUMMARY

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘CHELČICKO-LHENICKÉ OVOCE’

EC No: CZ-PGI-0005-0436-23.11.2004

PDO ( ) PGI ( X )

This summary sets out the main elements of the product specification for information purposes.

1.   Responsible department in the Member State:

| Name: | Úřad průmyslového vlastnictví |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Antonína Čermáka 2a |
| 160 68 Praha 6 |
| ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA |

Name:

Úřad průmyslového vlastnictví

Address:

Antonína Čermáka 2a

160 68 Praha 6

ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA

Tel.

+420 220383111

Fax

+420 224324718

E-mail:

posta@upv.cz

2.   Group:

| Name: | Unie ovocnářů jižních a západních Čech |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Netolická 534/2 |
| 384 02 Lhenice |
| ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA |

Name:

Unie ovocnářů jižních a západních Čech

Address:

Netolická 534/2

384 02 Lhenice

ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA

Tel.

+420 388321371

Fax

+420 388321280

E-mail:

zemcheba@iol.cz

Composition:

Producers/processors ( X ) Other ( )

3.   Type of product:

| Class 1.6: | Fruit. |
| --- | --- |

Class 1.6:

Fruit.

4.   Specification:

(summary of requirements under Article 4(2) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

4.1.   Name:

‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’

4.2.   Description:

Temperate fruit intended for direct consumption and for preserving. Preserved fruit is not labelled as ‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’. It comprises pome fruit, stone fruit and soft fruit. The taste of the local fruit is full, vigorous, with a rich range of fruit elements, which have a residual aspect. The specific characteristics of this fruit (such as its lushness, vitality and compactness), from the point of view of both smell and taste, derive mainly from the local natural conditions (e.g. difference between daytime and night-time temperatures during the ripening period, morning mists in the growing area). Fruit from the Chelčicko-Lhenicko area surpasses other areas in specification, by a natural balanced proportion between sugars and acids. This ideal ratio generates the so-called clean tones of the fruit. The overall impression is one of lushness, a mild taste, a delicate echo, which produces a long-lasting rich sensation. This quality applies to all types of fruit presented under the name ‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’ and is specific to this area.

Above all, it concerns these products: apples, sweet cherries, sour cherries, plums, currants (Ribes). Currently cultivated varieties: apple — Julia, Angold, Šampion, Rubín — Bohemia, Rubinola, Topaz, Jonagold — Jonagored, Jonaprince, Golden Delicious, Idared, Melrose, Spartan; sweet cherry — Burlat, Karešova, Vanda, Sam, Těchlovan, Kordia, Napoleon; sour cherry — Morellenfeuer, Érdi Bötermö, Fanal, Morela pozdní; plum — Čačanska rana, Čačanska lepotica, Čačanska najbolja, Stanley, Domácí velkoplodá; redcurrant — Holandský červený, Heinemann pozdní, Losan, Rubigo, Rondon; blackcurrant — Otelo, Öjebyn.

4.3.   Geographical area:

Orchards spreading over the Bavorov Basin — Chelčicko and the Blansko Forest foothills — Lhenicko. ‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’ is grown exclusively in this area (Czech Republic, South Bohemia Region, districts of Strakonice and Prachatice). These areas comprise the following municipalities: Chelčicko: Chelčice, Truskovice, Libějovice, Vodňany, Krtely, Malovice, Bavorov, Tourov; Lhenicko: Lhenice, Vadkov, Mičovice, Jáma, Hoříkovice, Třebanice, Hrbov, Vodice, Třešňový Újezdec, Horní Chrášťany, Dolní Chrášťany, Ratiborova Lhota.

4.4.   Proof of origin:

The growing areas, stores and storage boxes, lots and packaging dates are indicated. Records of purchasers are kept. Each delivery can therefore be unambiguously traced and deliveries are distinguishable from one another. The fruit is graded, stored and wrapped within the defined area and cannot therefore be mixed up with fruit grown elsewhere.

Production is governed mainly by the guidelines for integrated fruit-growing systems (SISPO). Compliance with the specification is checked in-house, in external laboratories, by the superior inspection body (Státní zemědělská a potravinářská inspekce/Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority — SZPI/CAFIA) and by the inspection board for the integrated production system (on-the-spot checks).

Consistent labelling of all fruit harvested in the area while it is still in the orchard and precise harvest records guarantee that the fruit cannot be interchanged with fruit from another area.

Work in the store is performed with labelled fruit and all handling is recorded in the operations journal, where details of movements of the fruit and preparations for marketing are entered. Fruit leaving the stores must be of exactly the same origin as on entry, and it is labelled accordingly.

Product quality is monitored by an in-house laboratory. A system has been developed for performing chemical and microbiological checks and evaluating products. An HACCP system is in place. Checks are also carried out by the superior inspection body (see point 4.7), in accordance with the inspection plan.

Check on compliance with the principles of integrated fruit-growing systems:

The state of the orchards and the environment is monitored. Orchards are equipped with signalling devices. Checks are generally carried out by the SISPO inspection board on growers holdings once a year. Checks cover in particular contamination of soil, fertilisers, irrigation water or fruit by heavy metals, monitoring of biotic and abiotic factors, use of fertilisers, pesticides and irrigation, and planting. Checks are governed by the guidelines for integrated fruit-growing systems, which have been approved by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic.

4.5.   Method of production:

All fruit is grown in accordance with the principles set out in the guidelines for integrated fruit-growing systems, which were also drafted with the participation of local fruit-growers. The components and procedures of SISPO integrated production are as follows:

| — | Planting: compromise between the resistance and market quality of the fruit. Selection of variety according to temperature, rainfall and ripening and harvesting times. Selection of rootstock according to soil conditions, and type and intensity of planting. |
| --- | --- |

—

Planting: compromise between the resistance and market quality of the fruit. Selection of variety according to temperature, rainfall and ripening and harvesting times. Selection of rootstock according to soil conditions, and type and intensity of planting.

| — | Protection against diseases and pests: a combination of natural and chemical protection. Prevention. Biological protection. Insectivorous birds. Introduction of natural predators. Physical and biotechnical methods and agricultural techniques appropriate to the area concerned (soil cultivation, fertilising, training and pruning). Balance of plants, decrease in occurrence of diseases and pests. Chemical protection kept to a minimum. If necessary, chemical preparations with low toxicity, tested and permitted pesticides, zoocides and fungicides are applied. Selective chemical protection, only those pesticides which eliminate pests and do not harm useful animals. Pest traps. Prediction of occurrence of diseases and pests. Records of checks and applications. |
| --- | --- |

—

Protection against diseases and pests: a combination of natural and chemical protection. Prevention. Biological protection. Insectivorous birds. Introduction of natural predators. Physical and biotechnical methods and agricultural techniques appropriate to the area concerned (soil cultivation, fertilising, training and pruning). Balance of plants, decrease in occurrence of diseases and pests. Chemical protection kept to a minimum. If necessary, chemical preparations with low toxicity, tested and permitted pesticides, zoocides and fungicides are applied. Selective chemical protection, only those pesticides which eliminate pests and do not harm useful animals. Pest traps. Prediction of occurrence of diseases and pests. Records of checks and applications.

| — | Soil cultivation system: orchards are grassed over (60-70 % of surface), with various grasses being combined. The growth is mown, particularly prior to harvesting. The grass is often left lying on the spot or formed into strips. In the event of lower rainfall, generally of less than 600 mm a year, shallow soil cultivation is used, to a maximum depth of 4 cm. |
| --- | --- |

—

Soil cultivation system: orchards are grassed over (60-70 % of surface), with various grasses being combined. The growth is mown, particularly prior to harvesting. The grass is often left lying on the spot or formed into strips. In the event of lower rainfall, generally of less than 600 mm a year, shallow soil cultivation is used, to a maximum depth of 4 cm.

| — | Weed control: weeds are kept below the level at which they can cause damage. Application of permitted herbicides only at suitable times, maximum once a year, no later than 80 days prior to harvesting of pome fruit and 50 days prior to harvesting of stone fruit. Soil cultivation on suitable terrain. Weeds are cut back. The areas around the trunk are mulched, i.e. organic material or coloured film is laid on the soil surface. |
| --- | --- |

—

Weed control: weeds are kept below the level at which they can cause damage. Application of permitted herbicides only at suitable times, maximum once a year, no later than 80 days prior to harvesting of pome fruit and 50 days prior to harvesting of stone fruit. Soil cultivation on suitable terrain. Weeds are cut back. The areas around the trunk are mulched, i.e. organic material or coloured film is laid on the soil surface.

| — | Irrigation of orchards: water which does not adversely affect the state of health of people or animals in the area, the soil, the quality of the surface water or groundwater and other components of the environment is used for irrigation. A check on irrigation water is carried out at least once a month. |
| --- | --- |

—

Irrigation of orchards: water which does not adversely affect the state of health of people or animals in the area, the soil, the quality of the surface water or groundwater and other components of the environment is used for irrigation. A check on irrigation water is carried out at least once a month.

| — | Fertilisation of orchards: the soil must have a balanced proportion of elements and compounds for growing the types and varieties of fruit. The proportion affects the state of health of the trees, and the quality and quantity of the fruit. Fertilisation is carried out on the basis of the difference between measured and recommended values of elements and compounds for the given type and variety of fruit. There is no fertilisation for a certain period before and after harvesting. Records of fertilisation and yields are kept. |
| --- | --- |

—

Fertilisation of orchards: the soil must have a balanced proportion of elements and compounds for growing the types and varieties of fruit. The proportion affects the state of health of the trees, and the quality and quantity of the fruit. Fertilisation is carried out on the basis of the difference between measured and recommended values of elements and compounds for the given type and variety of fruit. There is no fertilisation for a certain period before and after harvesting. Records of fertilisation and yields are kept.

| — | Check for contamination: in particular, heavy metals in soil, irrigation water, fertilisers and fruit are monitored. The values of possible contamination of fruit are measured from sufficiently large samples. |
| --- | --- |

—

Check for contamination: in particular, heavy metals in soil, irrigation water, fertilisers and fruit are monitored. The values of possible contamination of fruit are measured from sufficiently large samples.

| — | Physiological state and equilibrium of fruit trees: agricultural measures (pruning, soil treatment, fertilising and control of the number of developing small fruits, etc.) are adapted according to the quantity, period and duration. The equilibrium of orchards is not disturbed. Physiological equilibrium is assessed by soil analyses and checks on fruit. A subjective check is generally performed five weeks prior to harvesting. Growth of shoots, stalk, size, illumination and the external appearance of the fruit are assessed. The objective is fully developed fruit with a balanced content of valuable materials — sugars, acids, vitamins and mineral and aromatic substances. |
| --- | --- |

—

Physiological state and equilibrium of fruit trees: agricultural measures (pruning, soil treatment, fertilising and control of the number of developing small fruits, etc.) are adapted according to the quantity, period and duration. The equilibrium of orchards is not disturbed. Physiological equilibrium is assessed by soil analyses and checks on fruit. A subjective check is generally performed five weeks prior to harvesting. Growth of shoots, stalk, size, illumination and the external appearance of the fruit are assessed. The objective is fully developed fruit with a balanced content of valuable materials — sugars, acids, vitamins and mineral and aromatic substances.

| — | Control of fruit tree productivity and fruit quality: trees are regularly pruned in order to achieve the optimum crop quantity. Crop reduction is carried out, either by hand or using one of the permitted chemical preparations in doses below the limits. |
| --- | --- |

—

Control of fruit tree productivity and fruit quality: trees are regularly pruned in order to achieve the optimum crop quantity. Crop reduction is carried out, either by hand or using one of the permitted chemical preparations in doses below the limits.

| — | Principles for training and pruning fruit trees: pome fruit is grown in single lines in order to allow the use of machinery. The trees are pruned at the recommended times and in the recommended manner, depending on the type and variety of fruit. |
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Principles for training and pruning fruit trees: pome fruit is grown in single lines in order to allow the use of machinery. The trees are pruned at the recommended times and in the recommended manner, depending on the type and variety of fruit.

| — | Check on compliance with the principles of integrated fruit-growing systems — see point 4.4. |
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Check on compliance with the principles of integrated fruit-growing systems — see point 4.4.

All fruit types are pruned twice a year and are treated with chemicals during the growing season according to the incidence of diseases and pests in a specific orchard in a specific year. All applications of chemicals are based on measuring and monitoring of the incidence of the type of harmful agent concerned. Applications are carried out only when the economic damage threshold is exceeded. All orchards are grassed and the grassed areas are regularly mown. The areas around tree trunks are kept free of vegetation with the help of herbicides. Only some sweet-cherry plantations are entirely covered with grass.

Another specific feature of the Chelčicko-Lhenicko area lies in the fact that the general SISPO techniques are specifically applied to the area concerned and products (e.g. for pest extermination) have been specifically developed for the area.

Growing techniques for individual types of fruit:

Apples

Apples are grown in open areas on non-waterlogged sites and on sites not constituting frost basins. Slightly more vigorous-growing rootstock is selected for apples since there are insufficient free nutrients in the soil at the altitude of the growing area and the trees must be able to acquire the nutrients partly by themselves. Rootstocks M1, M4 and A2 were used in the past, while M9 is the most commonly used nowadays; small trees are provided with support in the form of an individual stake, or a wire screen to which each tree is tied. The spacing of the small apple trees grown is influenced by many factors and a large number of variations can therefore be found in the area. Spacing is influenced mainly by the grower’s equipment, the site, the type of rootstock and the growing shape. Former practice consisted mainly in strip-planting of free-growing dwarf trees, which are now being replaced by more closely-spaced spindle-shaped trees. On account of the humidity of the air as well as the general humidity of the area, orchards are irrigated only in isolated instances by a few growers. The harvest is carried out according to a strict schedule — the apples are packed in large-capacity boxes, which are labelled on the spot in the orchard after being filled with the picked apples and are transferred to an air-conditioned store as swiftly as possible.

Sweet cherries

Sweet-cherry trees are grown mainly on sunny, dry sites with a low water table. They were formerly grown on bird-cherry rootstock in the form of free-growing standard or half-standard trees planted sufficiently far apart to allow the tree to be harvested on all sides from a ladder. Nowadays new plants are grown on PHL or Gisela rootstock at shorter distances from one another and the crowns of the trees are maintained by being cut into a flatter and lower shape. The cherries are harvested according to a strict schedule into transport or sales packaging and, after being labelled in the orchard, are transferred to the store as swiftly as possible in order to be cooled, prepared for marketing and dispatched to customers.

Sour cherries

Sour cherries are grown on sites with a less abundant natural supply of nutrients and on naturally drier sites. They are grown in strips at distances which allow mechanical harvesting. The rootstock for sour cherry is mainly mahaleb cherry and the shape of the tree is adapted to mechanical harvesting. The fruit is harvested into transport or sales packaging and, after labelling in the orchard, is transferred to the store as swiftly as possible for cooling, or to the preserving plant for further processing. It is also dispatched from the store for further processing after completion of deliveries. Only some of the sour cherries are picked by hand and consumed in the fresh state. The procedure is subsequently the same as for sweet cherries.

Plums

Plums are mainly grown as half-standards in strips on sites with a sufficient supply of water in clay-loamy soils. A whole range of rootstock is used for plums, but myrobalan is most common. The tree shape is usually a free-growing crown allowing mechanical harvesting where appropriate. Of the fruit picked, around half is intended for consumption in the fresh state and around half for preserving. The whole growing process is therefore adapted to mechanical harvesting. The fruit is mainly harvested into packages for transport and, after being labelled in the orchard, is transferred to the store for cooling and further market preparation. Fruit intended for industrial processing is transferred from the orchard to the store for cooling and completion of deliveries, or direct to the preserving plant for further processing.

Redcurrants and blackcurrants

They are grown in soils well supplied with water, fertile and deep, generally in lower-lying areas, but not actually in frost basins, although they are the most frost-resistant of the fruits grown in the area. Large areas of currants are established as strip plantations of small plants grown from rooted cuttings. The distance between plants is determined by the cultivation and harvesting technique and technology. There are now just a few isolated currant bushes that are suited only to hand-picking. Harvesting is carried out almost exclusively by machine and the fruit is processed further in the preserving plant. Only some of the fruit is hand-picked for direct consumption in the fresh state or for culinary use by small consumers. Mechanical picking is carried out with the aid of self-propelled harvesting equipment which packages the fruit for transport; after the packages are filled and labelled in the orchard, the fruit is transferred to the store as swiftly as possible for cooling and completion of deliveries to customers.

Storage and packaging

Storage and packaging takes place within the defined area. In this way, it is possible to avoid damaging the harvested fruit, which goes straight from the growing area to the store. This approach also guarantees that the fruit is not mixed with fruit grown elsewhere. This coordinated process of growing, storing and packaging in one place means that the fruit does not deteriorate.

4.6.   Link:

The Chelčicko-Lhenicko area and the fruit which is grown there stand out not only within the Czech Republic but also within Europe. This is corroborated by the following points in particular: the reputation, the factors influencing the unique properties of ‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’ and other specific characteristics, and the link between the properties of ‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’ and conditions in the area according to the type of fruit.

4.6.1.   Reputation

Fruit–growing in the Chelčicko-Lhenicko area boasts a 700-year tradition. The long tradition and the quality of the local fruit have earned the area the epithet ‘the garden of southern Bohemia’. Fruit appears in the coat of arms of the municipalities of both Chelčice and Lhenice. Evidence of the history and reputation of fruit-growing in the area is to be found in the book Lhenice, zahrada Jižních Čech by Václav Starý a kol.

The reputation of ‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’ is further demonstrated by the annual flower festival and fruit festival organised in collaboration with the Union of Fruit-Growers of South and West Bohemia. The flower festival is a tourist and cyclotourist initiative held at the start of the fruit-growing season when the fruit trees spring back into life, come into bud and blossom. The fruit festival is a prestigious event lasting several days and among the most important initiatives focusing on fruit-growing in the Czech Republic. It consists of a fruit exhibition combined with an evaluation, a fruit fair and a cultural and sports programme.

Proof of the exceptional quality of ‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’ lies in the substantial appreciation expressed at national exhibitions, e.g. Zahrada Čech – Litoměřice, and in addition growers successfully participate not only in that exhibition but also in other exhibitions organised at national level: Hortikomplex – Olomouc, Země živitelka – České Budějovice, Zemědělec – Lysá nad Labem.

Growers of ‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’ are grouped together within the Unie ovocnářů jižních a západních Čech (Union of Fruit-Growers of South and West Bohemia), which is involved in, inter alia, educational and awareness–raising activities, promotion of fruit, organisation of exhibitions, publishing, and fruit quality and environmental issues. The local action group Rozkvět zahrady jižních Čech also exists in the area.

Growers from the Chelčicko-Lhenicko area work together with many leading research institutes and educational establishments, e.g.: University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice — Faculty of Agriculture, Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry in Brno — Faculty of Horticulture in Lednice, Research and Breeding Institute of Pomology Holovousy Ltd, SEMPRA, Agricultural Engineering Research Institute — Prague, Agricultural Economics Research Institute — Prague, Crop Research Institute, Food Research Institute Prague, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Biola Biological Laboratory. The success of this cooperation is demonstrated on the one hand by the development of new growing techniques and on the other by the use made of those techniques in growing fruit in the Chelčicko-Lhenicko area, which also contributes to the nationwide reputation of ‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’.

Production

Annual production in tonnes (for 2008): apples — 7 409, sweet cherries — 115, sour cherries — 338, plums — 416, currants (Ribes) — 399.

Marketing

‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’ is successfully marketed within and outside the Czech Republic.

Czech Republic

Number of commercial entities to which ‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’ is supplied: around 500.

Major commercial entities to which ‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’ is supplied: Terno, Ahold, Coops, Nova Fruit, CZ Fruit, Čeroz.

Export

The following percentages of the harvest are exported: sweet cherries — 38 %, sour cherries — 40 %, plums — 50 %, currants (Ribes) — 70 %.

Countries to which ‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’ is supplied: Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Finland, United Kingdom.

Number of foreign commercial entities to which ‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’ is supplied: around 10.

Major commercial entities to which ‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’ is supplied: Dinter, Phanner.

4.6.2.   Factors influencing the unique qualities of ‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’ and other specific characteristics

Fruit grown in the Chelčicko-Lhenicko area (see 4.2) is fundamentally influenced by the specific nature and climate of Podšumaví between the Bavorov Basin and the Blansko Forest foothills.

In the Chelčicko-Lhenicko area there is a system of fishponds, rivers and streams. It is precisely this type of landscape that creates the climatic conditions which favour fruit cultivation, e.g. amount of rainfall, soil moisture, alternation of daytime and night-time temperatures, frequent morning mists.

Features of the Chelčicko-Lhenicko area are:

| — | fairly high altitude, situation in the Šumava foothills, |
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fairly high altitude, situation in the Šumava foothills,

| — | clean air, mainly on account of the absence of polluting industry and the abundance of forests, |
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clean air, mainly on account of the absence of polluting industry and the abundance of forests,

| — | average annual temperature of 8,7 °C, |
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average annual temperature of 8,7 °C,

| — | average annual rainfall of 607 mm, |
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average annual rainfall of 607 mm,

| — | average monthly relative air humidity of 75,8 % — this level is very high, the humidity providing moisture in summer and coating trees with hoarfrost and limiting freezing in winter, |
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average monthly relative air humidity of 75,8 % — this level is very high, the humidity providing moisture in summer and coating trees with hoarfrost and limiting freezing in winter,

| — | considerable differences between daytime and night–time temperatures, especially during the harvesting period, |
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considerable differences between daytime and night–time temperatures, especially during the harvesting period,

| — | frequent morning mists, generated both by the fishponds and by the basin features of the area, which is partially bounded by mountains, |
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frequent morning mists, generated both by the fishponds and by the basin features of the area, which is partially bounded by mountains,

| — | sufficient soil moisture, to which both the rainfall and the dense network of fishponds and watercourses contribute, |
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sufficient soil moisture, to which both the rainfall and the dense network of fishponds and watercourses contribute,

| — | later arrival of spring and later ripening, on account of the foothill conditions, |
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later arrival of spring and later ripening, on account of the foothill conditions,

| — | good soil composition, particularly as regards minerals. |
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good soil composition, particularly as regards minerals.

The chief specific characteristic of ‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’, namely its balanced ratio of sugars to acids, derives mainly from the local climate, i.e. alternating temperatures, later arrival of spring and later ripening, and from the soil, i.e. balance of pH, of individual minerals and of the ratio of different minerals. According to laboratory analyses carried out, the average acidity of the fruit achieves optimum levels. The positive results, which do not occur as a matter of course in every fruit-growing area, were also confirmed during soil analyses.

Other specific characteristics of ‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’, such as the smell, taste, lushness, long-lasting freshness and uniqueness of the colour tones, are attributable mainly to the special microclimate, which is generated by the above-mentioned conditions (forests, fishponds, fairly high altitude, humidity, mists, etc.).

A significant factor which influences the quality of ‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’ is the very low level of contamination of the environment by heavy metals and, consequently, the level of contamination of the fruit, which is well below the limit. Biological protection of the fruit trees is a further contributing factor. In the Chelčicko-Lhenicko area, fruit trees are protected mainly through the use of biological means. These are environmentally friendly and have indisputable advantages over chemical means of protection. The area is a centre for the development of biological means of protecting plants and trees in the Czech Republic.

A further particular feature of the Chelčicko-Lhenicko fruit–growing area lies in the diversity of its produce as compared with other fruit-growing areas.

Another important attribute of fruit-growing in the Chelčicko-Lhenicko area is the SISPO integrated method (see point 4.5. Method of production), which was also drawn up with the participation of fruit-growers from the area. This system contributes substantially to the high intrinsic quality of the fruit and, consequently, to the satisfaction of discerning consumers. The system provides guidelines on how to grow fruit in the best possible manner in the area, and these guidelines are applied.

In the course of the centuries-long tradition of fruit cultivation in the defined area, growers knowledge and experience of the optimum varieties to grow and where and how best to grow them have increased and improved. This process is still continuing.

The designation of origin ‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’ has been protected under No 194 in the Czech Republic since 20 November 2002.

4.6.3.   Link between the properties of ‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’ and conditions in the area according to the type of fruit

Apples

The apples are distinguished by their unique, specific spicy taste with a long-lingering echo, which comes from the influence of the relatively high air humidity, the absence of high temperatures in summer and, on the other hand, the significant variation between daytime and night-time temperatures generated by the large numbers of lakes and ponds and forests and by the relief of the defined geographical area. This specific microclimate helps create in the fruit, in the period prior to the harvest, the precise balance of sugars, acids and aromatic substances from which their specific spicy flavour derives. The apples are also distinguished by the fact that, across the range of varieties grown, from summer varieties to later varieties that are stored in a controlled atmosphere until the spring months, remaining for a long time at the optimum degree of ripeness for consumption without any deterioration in taste or fragrance, and in addition are distinguished by the formation of a good quality skin, which is mainly attributable to the relatively high altitude in the defined geographical area, with its absence of summer heatwaves due to the effect of the frequent mists and substantial covering of dew, combined with sunshine. Another related characteristic is the unmistakable colouring of the fruit of the individual varieties grown in the Chelčicko-Lhenicko area.

Sweet cherries

The sweet cherries are distinguished by their rich, full spicy taste and crisp flesh, together with their high sugar and acid content and the optimum balance between them. In the case of some varieties (Napoleon, Kordia, Van) the difference in the quality and taste of the fruit compared with other areas is so marked that there has been a tendency here to register regional mutations of these varieties. Those properties are generated by the specific soil conditions in the defined geographical area in combination with the rugged relief of the landscape. The types of soil in the valleys and on the plains are different from those on the hills. The soils on the slopes are drier and less rich but contain a sufficient and, in particular, a good and unique balance of mineral nutrients. A significant role is played here by their permeability. Those slopes have in fact been used to plant sweet cherry orchards and rows of sweet cherry trees since time immemorial. The trees here grow very vigorously, irrespective of the rootstock used, thanks to the healthy root system, for which the local soils are perfectly suitable. There are no waterlogged areas or frost basins here to harm the roots and trunks of the trees or to cause stress resulting in fruit with taste properties of an inadequate quality.

Sour cherries

Distinctive features of the sour cherries are the low level of worm infestation and considerable durability resulting from the intrinsic quality of the fruit. Those properties are attributable mainly to the fact that, thanks to the relatively high altitude and the varieties grown, the point of ripening required for harvesting is reached later in the defined geographical area than in other areas. This local characteristic is an advantage in that it dispenses with the need to combat worm-infestation in the cherries prior to harvesting and the intrinsic quality of the fruit cannot therefore be in any way influenced by pesticides. Further specific features of the sour cherries are their distinctive taste and smell, which are subsequently reflected in the quality of drinks and other products derived from this fruit. The distinctive taste and smell are attributable to the fact that, in the Chelčicko-Lhenicko area, there are very low concentrations of heavy metals in the soil and there is little pollution from industry and transport, which has a favourable effect on the quality of the fruit.

Plums

The plums are distinguished by their high sugar content and rich aroma, which derives from the fluctuation in temperatures, frequent mists and slight frosts at a fairly late stage. These properties are highly valued during subsequent processing into conserves and spirits, the aromatic substance content is very highly valued and this fruit is in demand among processors at home and abroad. In view of the relatively cold local climate viral diseases, which have a very detrimental effect on the quality of fruit, are far less widespread here. This fact also makes it possible to grow indigenous varieties which have not been bred in such a way as to improve their resistance to viral diseases. Above all, however, the specific natural conditions have a positive influence on the quality of the fruit. The relatively high air humidity and amount of rainfall enable the orchards to be grassed, thereby preventing overheating of the fruit and disturbed assimilation. Mulching the grassy areas increases the CO2 content of the surface layer of earth, which has a favourable influence on the sugar-to-acid ratio of the fruit at the time of ripening. In addition, the fact that chalky soils do not occur in this area means that the trees never suffer from an iron deficiency that would greatly impair the quality of the fruit.

Redcurrants and blackcurrants

The distinctive features of the currants are their aroma and their ideal sugar-to-acid ratio, deriving mainly from the soil and climatic conditions, which determine this specific quality of the fruit.

In view of the fact that the Chelčicko-Lhenicko area has soils with a slightly acid pH, there are ideal conditions here for growing currants. The quality of the currant also lies in the large size of the fruit and its durability, which is influenced by the natural fairly high potassium content in the soil profile. This is a very basic factor since, in the case of currants, potassium deficiency very soon results in, inter alia, a decrease in the size and durability of the fruit. The currant is a type of fruit which is very demanding as regards the humus content of the soil. In the Chelčicko-Lhenické area, thanks to the fairly high air humidity and rainfall during the growing season, it is possible to have permanent grass in currant plantations. Through regular mulching of the grass and chopping of the clippings, there is very soon a layer of humus, which has a decisive influence on the growth and vigour of the bush and the quality of the output. In combination with the alternation of high daytime and low night–time temperatures in the period prior to harvesting, which is characteristic of this area, highly aromatic fruit ripens here with an ideal sugar-to-acid ratio. This is subsequently reflected in the quality of products produced from local raw materials.

4.7.   Inspection body:

| Name: | Státní zemědělská a potravinářská inspekce, Inspektorát v Táboře |
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| Address: | Purkyňova 2533 |
| 390 02 Tábor |
| ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA |

Name:

Státní zemědělská a potravinářská inspekce, Inspektorát v Táboře

Address:

Purkyňova 2533

390 02 Tábor

ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA

Tel.

+420 381200011

Fax

+420 381257000

E-mail:

tabor@szpi.gov.cz

4.8.   Labelling:

Fruit from the Chelčicko-Lhenicko area is put in various types of packaging bearing the ‘Chelčicko-Lhenické ovoce’ inscription, generally in a green, yellow and red colour scheme, with the symbol and name of the municipality where they were grown. Adherence to the graphic image on packaging is not strictly required.

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

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