EN Official Journal of the European Union C 191/34

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

(2017/C 191/07)

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

APPLICATION FOR THE APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION OF A PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN/PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION THAT IS NOT MINOR

Application for approval of an amendment in accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

‘PERA DELL’EMILIA ROMAGNA’

EU No: PGI-IT-02192 — 28.9.2016

PDO ( ) PGI ( X )

1. Applicant group and legitimate interest

Centro Servizi Ortofrutticoli

Address: Via Bologna 534 44040 Ferrara ITALIA Tel. +39 0532904511 Fax +39 0532904520 Email: info@csoservizi.com

The ‘Centro Servizi Ortofrutticoli’ is entitled to submit an amendment application pursuant to Article 13(1) of Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy Decree No 12511 of 14 October 2013.

2. Member State or Third Country

Italy

3. Heading in the product specification affected by the amendment(s)

— ☐ Product name — ☒ Product description — ☒ Geographical area — ☒ Proof of origin — ☒ Production method — ☐ Link — ☒ Labelling — ☒ Other [Packaging, Inspection body details]

4. Type of amendment(s)

— ☒ Amendment to the product specification of a registered PDO or PGI not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. — ☐ Amendment to the product specification of a registered PDO or PGI for which a Single Document (or equivalent) has not been published not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

5. Amendment(s)

Product description

Article 2 of the current product specification

The paragraph:

‘The indication “Pera dell’Emilia Romagna” refers exclusively to the fruit of the following pear cultivars: Abate Fetel, Cascade, Conference, Decana del Comizio, Kaiser, Max Red Bartlett, Passa Crassana and Williams’

has been amended as follows:

‘The indication “Pera dell’Emilia Romagna” refers exclusively to the fruit of the following pear cultivars: Abate Fetel, Cascade, Conference, Decana del Comizio, Kaiser, Max Red Bartlett, Passa Crassana, Williams, Santa Maria and Carmen’.

In order to complete and update the range of varieties and ensure earlier availability of pears of the ‘Pera dell’Emilia Romagna’ PGI, the following two early varieties have been added:

— Santa Maria cultivar: The Santa Maria variety has been present in Emilia-Romagna since 1948 and the number of hectares dedicated to cultivating it has increased over the years. Moreover, the inclusion of this variety ensures the availability of pears of the ‘Pera dell’Emilia Romagna PGI’ over a longer period, as it is an early variety picked in the summer.

— Carmen cultivar: This is an early variety which is produced in increasing quantities in the Emilia-Romagna region. It is a relatively new variety although it is a hybrid of Guyot and Bella di Giugno, two traditional pear varieties. Including this variety in the product specification would increase the period of availability of the product and would bring forward and complete the summer product range, as well as replacing varieties which are no longer cultivated.

On the basis of this amendment, the following sentence of point 4.2 of the summary sheet (OJ C 284, 8.11.2008, p. 7):

‘The “Pera dell’Emilia Romagna” PGI is obtained from the Abate Fetel, Cascade, Conference, Decana del Comizio, Kaiser, Max Red Bartlett, Passa Crassana and Williams pear varieties.’

has been amended as follows:

‘The “Pera dell’Emilia Romagna” PGI is obtained from the Abate Fetel, Cascade, Conference, Decana del Comizio, Kaiser, Max Red Bartlett, Passa Crassana, Williams, Santa Maria and Carmen pear varieties.’

Article 6 of the current product specification — point 4.2 of the summary sheet

The following text:

‘Abate Fetel Epicarp: light greenish yellow, russeting around the eye cavity and stalk; shape: calebassiform, elongated; size: minimum size 55 mm diameter; sugar content: 13° Bx; maximum firmness: 5; taste: sweet. Conference Epicarp: greenish yellow with broad russeting around the eye cavity often affecting the bottom third of the fruit; shape: piriform, often symmetrical; size: minimum diameter: 55 mm; sugar content: over 13° Bx; maximum firmness: 5,5; taste: sweet. Decana del Comizio Epicarp: smooth, light greenish yellow, often with a pinkish tinge from the sun, sparse russeting; shape: turbiniform; size: minimum size 55 mm diameter; sugar content: over 13° Bx; maximum firmness: 4,5; taste: sweet scented. Kaiser Epicarp: rough, completely russeted; shape: calebassiform/piriform; size: minimum size 55 mm diameter; sugar content: over 13° Bx; firmness: 5,7; taste: fine, succulent and tender pulp with a good taste. Williams and Max Red Bartlett Epicarp: smooth, basic yellow colour more or less covered with pink or bright red, sometimes striped; shape: short cydoniform or piriform; size: minimum 60 mm diameter; sugar content: over 12° Bx; maximum firmness: 6,5; taste: sweet scented. Cascade Epicarp, shape, size, minimum average weight, sugar content over 13° Bx, firmness, taste as from relevant characteristics. Passa Crassana Epicarp, shape, size, sugar content over 13° Bx, maximum firmness, taste as from relevant characteristics.’

is amended as follows:

‘Abate Fetel Epicarp: light greenish yellow, russeting around the eye cavity and stalk; Shape: calebasse form, fairly elongated; Size: minimum diameter 60 mm; Minimum sugar content: 13° Bx; Maximum firmness: 5 kg/0,5 cm2. Conference Epicarp: greenish yellow with broad russeting around the eye cavity often affecting the bottom third of the fruit; Shape: piriform, often symmetrical; Size: minimum diameter: 60 mm; Minimum sugar content: 13° Bx; Maximum firmness: 5,5 kg/0,5 cm2. Decana del Comizio Epicarp: smooth, light greenish yellow, often with a pinkish tinge from the sun, sparse russeting; Shape: turbiniform; Size: minimum diameter 70 mm; Minimum sugar content: 13° Bx; Maximum firmness: 4,5 kg/0,5 cm2. Kaiser Epicarp: rough, completely russeted; Shape: calebasse form/piriform; Size: minimum diameter 60 mm; Minimum sugar content: 13° Bx; Maximum firmness: 5,5 kg/0,5 cm2. Williams and Max Red Bartlett Epicarp: smooth, basic greenish yellow colour more or less covered with pink or bright red, sometimes striped; Shape: short cydoniform or piriform; Size: minimum diameter 60 mm; Minimum sugar content: 12° Bx; Maximum firmness: 6,5 kg/0,5 cm2. Cascade Epicarp: light green basic colour with bright red surface colour and russeting on 10-25 % of the surface; Shape: heterogeneous doliform with vertical and transverse asymmetry; Size: minimum diameter 60 mm; Minimum sugar content: 13° Bx; Maximum firmness: 5,5 kg/0,5 cm2. Passa Crassana Epicarp: compact, green with lenticel russeting; Shape: maliform, often doliform; Size: minimum diameter 60 mm; Minimum sugar content: 13° Bx; Maximum firmness: 6,5 kg/0,5 cm2. Santa Maria Epicarp: smooth with basic greenish yellow colour; Shape: piriform or truncated piriform; Size: minimum diameter 60 mm; Minimum sugar content: 12° Bx Maximum firmness: 6 kg/0,5 cm2. Carmen Epicarp: green with rose-coloured surfaces; Shape: calebasse form, slightly elongated; Size: minimum diameter 60 mm; Minimum sugar content: 12° Bx Maximum firmness: 6 kg/0,5 cm2.’

In order to ensure a higher level of quality, the minimum required size should be increased. For the Abate Fetel, Conference and Kaiser varieties, the minimum diameter has been increased from 55 to 60 mm. For the Decana del Comizio variety, it has increased from 55 to 70 mm.

The indication of the sugar content has been standardised. Furthermore, it was decided to leave out the description of the taste, as this is a superfluous indication which is purely subjective, cannot be verified and is therefore not relevant to the specification. In order to standardise the descriptions of all the varieties to be included in the product specification, descriptive parameters have been added and/or specified (where missing), with full descriptions being inserted for the Santa Maria and Carmen varieties.

For greater clarity, the unit of measurement for the firmness of the fruit has been specified, namely the ratio between the force (kg) and the pressure exerted by the plunger on the surface of the fruit (cm2).

Geographical area

Article 3(a) of the current specification

‘(a) Province of Reggio Emilia: Casalgrande, Correggio and Rubiera.’

is amended as follows:

‘(a) Province of Reggio Emilia: Casalgrande, Reggio Emilia, Correggio, Rubiera, San Martino in Rio and Scandiano.’

Province of Reggio Emilia: The municipalities of Reggio Emilia, San Martino in Rio and Scandiano should be included. Cultivation of the pears is quite significant in these municipalities, especially in the municipality of Reggio Emilia. Moreover, these municipalities are adjacent to and bordering the municipalities already covered by the product specification, including in the Province of Modena, and as such have characteristics of climate and tradition that are very similar to those of the municipalities already included.

Article 3(c) of the current specification

‘(c) Province of Ferrara: Argenta, Berra, Bondeno, Cento, Codigoro, Comacchio, Copparo, Ferrara, Formignana, Jolanda di Savoia, Lagosanto, Masi Torello, Massa Fiscaglia, Mesola, Fiscaglia, Migliarino and Migliaro, Mirabello, Ostellato, Poggio Renatico, Portomaggiore, Ro Ferrarese, S. Agostino, Tresigallo, Vigarano Mainarda and Voghiera.’

is amended as follows:

‘(c) Province of Ferrara: Argenta, Berra, Bondeno, Cento, Codigoro, Comacchio, Copparo, Ferrara, Formignana, Jolanda di Savoia, Lagosanto, Masi Torello, Mesola, Fiscaglia, Mirabello, Ostellato, Poggio Renatico, Portomaggiore, Ro Ferrarese, S. Agostino, Tresigallo, Vigarano Mainarda and Voghiera.’

Province of Ferrara: It is specified that the correct name of the municipality of Ro is Ro Ferrarese. Additionally, the municipality of Fiscaglio was established on 1 January 2014 by merging the adjoining municipalities of Massa Fiscaglia, Migliarino and Migliaro. The three municipalities previously indicated have been replaced in their entirety by the municipality of Fiscaglia, with no change to the area covered by the specification.

Article 3(d) of the current specification

‘(d) Province of Bologna: Anzona dell’Emilia, Argelato, Baricella, Bazzano, Bentivoglio, Budrio, Calderara di Reno, Castello d’Argile, Castelguelfo, Castelmaggiore, Crespellano, Crevalcore, Galliera, Granarolo dell’Emilia, Malalbergo, Medicina, Minerbio, Molinella, Mordano, Pieve di Cento, S. Agata Bolognese, S. Giorgio di Piano, S. Giovanni in Persiceto, S. Pietro in Casale and Sala Bolognese.’

is amended as follows:

‘(d) Province of Bologna: Anzola dell’Emilia, Argelato, Baricella, Valsamoggia — Loc. Bazzano, Bentivoglio, Budrio, Calderara di Reno, Castel d’Argile, Castelguelfo, Castelmaggiore, Valsamoggia — Loc. Crespellano, Crevalcore, Galliera, Granarolo dell’Emilia, Malalbergo, Medicina, Minerbio, Molinella, Mordano, Pieve di Cento, S. Agata Bolognese, S. Giorgio di Piano, S. Giovanni in Persiceto, S. Pietro in Casale and Sala Bolognese.’

Province of Bologna: A clerical error in respect of the municipality of Anzola dell’Emilia has been corrected; the correct name is Anzola dell’Emilia and not Anzona dell’Emilia. As regards the municipality of Valsamoggia, this too was established from 1 January 2014, in the Province of Bologna, by merging the adjoining municipalities of Bazzano, Castello di Serravalle, Crespellano, Monteveglio and Savigno. Therefore, in order to update the information with the correct place names, the name of the municipality was inserted before the place names Bazzano and Crespellano. Here too, the production areas have remained unchanged.

Article 3(e) of the current specification

‘(e) Province of Ravenna: Alfonsine, Bagnacavallo, Conselice, Cotignola, Castelbolognese, Faenza, Fusignano, Lugo, Massalombarda, Ravenna, Russi, S. Agata sul Santerno and Solarolo.’

is amended as follows:

‘(e) Province of Ravenna: Alfonsine, Bagnacavallo, Bagnara di Romagna, Conselice, Cotignola, Castelbolognese, Faenza, Fusignano, Lugo, Massalombarda, Ravenna, Russi, S. Agata sul Santerno and Solarolo.’

Province of Ravenna: The municipality of Bagnara di Romagna, located in the Province of Ravenna and completely surrounded by municipalities already included in the specification (Massalombarda, Lugo, Cotignola, Solarolo and Mordano) is to be included in the geographical area. This municipality is well suited to the cultivation of pears and, because of its particular location, has characteristics of climate and tradition that are very similar to those of the municipalities already included.

Production method

Article 4 of the current product specification

The sentence:

‘The use of irrigation, fertilisation practices and other growing and agronomic techniques must comply with the technical arrangements laid down by the competent services of the Emilia Romagna Region.’

has been deleted.

The part relating to growing and agronomic techniques has been deleted on the grounds that this is a prerequisite that all holdings must comply with. In fact, regulatory developments and the binding nature of certain requirements mean that certain criteria are inevitably complied with. It is therefore considered unnecessary to indicate it in the specification.

The sentence:

‘The planting distances allowed are those generally used, with a density of a maximum of 3 000 plants per hectare possible for new plantations.’

is amended as follows:

‘The planting distances allowed are those generally used, with a density of a maximum of 6 000 plants per hectare possible for new plantations.’

Technological development and innovation, supported by the availability of new rootstocks, allows the cultivation of pear trees planted in much higher densities than in the past. Recent developments in growing techniques have made it possible to increase the number of plants per hectare in order to reduce the unproductive periods of plantations and to standardise and improve product quality. Although no exact number of plants per hectare has been set, the threshold of 6 000 plants seems a reasonable limit that makes it possible to maintain a high quality product, while also respecting the traditional methods of cultivation.

The sentence:

‘The growing techniques must include at least a winter pruning and two prunings in the growing season.’

has been deleted.

The restriction regarding the number of prunings is removed in order to give farmers the option to carry out the most appropriate number of prunings based on requirements and compliance with good cultivation and farming practices.

The sentence:

‘Maximum production per hectare is 45 000 kg for all allowed cultivars’.

is amended as follows:

‘Maximum production per hectare is 55 000 kg for all allowed cultivars’.

The sentence:

‘Taking into account seasonal developments and environmental growing conditions, the Emilia-Romagna Region sets, every year by 15 July, an indicative average unit production within the above limit for each cultivar specified in Article 2.’

has been deleted.

This is an outdated provision which has been superseded by current legislation.

The sentences:

‘The values for humidity and temperature inside the cold stores must be between 4 and 6 °C. Varieties to be marketed in the spring must be stored in a controlled atmosphere.’

have been deleted.

It is not deemed necessary to specify the temperatures given that it has already been indicated that the technique of refrigeration must be used. The storage temperatures laid down in the current specification make optimal storage of the product difficult. The temperatures are suitable for pre-cooling and as such are not suited to proper storage of the product in a cold store and thus to maintaining its quality and organoleptic characteristics. Furthermore, the reference to the storage of varieties to be marketed in the spring in a controlled atmosphere has been deleted in order to allow producers to use other storage techniques.

Proof of origin

Article 5 of the current product specification

The following text:

‘The Emilia-Romagna Region shall verify that the appropriate technical conditions referred to in Article 4 above are met. Pear trees suitable for producing “Pera dell’Emilia Romagna” shall be entered in the appropriate register, which is set up, updated and published annually. A copy of this register shall be lodged with each of the municipalities located within the production area. The Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Resources shall indicate the procedures to follow in relation to registration, reporting of annual production and obtaining the corresponding certification, in order to ensure proper and appropriate monitoring of annually recognised production marketed under the protected geographical indication.’

has been deleted and replaced by the following:

‘Each stage in the production process is monitored, with all inputs and outputs recorded. The traceability of the product is guaranteed in this way, as well as by entering the land registry plots on which the product is grown and the producers and packers in lists managed by the inspection body, and by declaring to the inspection body the quantities produced. All natural and legal persons recorded in the relevant lists are subject to checks by the inspection body, according to the terms of the specification and the corresponding inspection plan.’

The article on the proof of origin has been entirely replaced and adapted as the original article referred to methodologies and instruments that are no longer in force. The new article reflects the procedures provided for by the current control systems.

Packaging and labelling

Article 7 of the current product specification

The paragraph:

‘When marketed for consumption, the “Pera dell’Emilia Romagna” must be packaged in any type of packaging conforming to Community rules in force; this includes:

60 × 80, 80 × 120, 100 × 120 bins — multiple layers with vents,

30 × 40 cardboard, wood and plastic trays — single or multiple layers,

40 × 60 cardboard, wood and plastic trays — single or multiple layers,

20 × 30 trays — single layer and bulk,

sealed packaging (small trays, punnets, boxes, etc.) with one or more fruits.’

is amended as follows:

‘When marketed for consumption, the “Pera dell’Emilia Romagna” must be packaged in any type of packaging conforming to Community rules in force.’

The references to the different types of packaging are deleted given that the article only lists them by way of example and considering that it already specifies that the packages must comply with the rules in force.

The sentence:

‘When packaged in trays and bins, the PGI product is identified by individual stickers with the appropriate logo on at least 70 % of the fruit in the package.’

is amended and added to as follows:

‘When packaged in trays and bins, the PGI product is identified by individual stickers on at least 70 % of the fruit in the package. Alternatively, if there are no stickers on the pears, the packages, such as trays and bins for example, must be sealed so as to prevent the contents from being removed without breaking the seal. It is also permitted to sell the loose product at the point of sale from packaging or crates that are sealed or that contain stickered fruit, provided that the product has been placed in specific compartments or containers prominently displaying the same information required for the packaging referred to in the product specification.’

As regards labelling, it is considered sufficient to state that stickers will be applied to the fruit; the wording ‘with the appropriate logo’ is therefore deleted. Furthermore, in order to ensure traceability for the consumer, two further cases have been included and better specified:

(1) Case where there are no stickers on the fruit: to ensure identification it is considered necessary to specify that packaging must be sealed so as to prevent the contents from being removed without breaking the seal.

(2) Case where product is sold loose: instructions have been added to allow the product to be sold loose while ensuring identification.

The sentence:

‘The product shall be placed on the market in the period between 10 August and 31 May of the following year.’

is amended as follows:

‘The product shall be placed on the market in the period between 25 July and 31 May of the following year.’

The amendment is closely connected to the fact that two earlier varieties, Santa Maria and Carmen, have been added to the specification. It is thus considered appropriate to adjust the marketing period by bringing it forward to 25 July.

The paragraph:

‘Containers must be marked with the words “Pera dell’Emilia Romagna” in printed letters of the same size, followed by the indication of the cultivar and the wording “Protected Geographical Indication” immediately below. The name, business name and address of the packager, as well as the original gross weight, must appear in the same field of vision.’

is amended as follows:

‘Containers must be marked with the words “Pera dell’Emilia Romagna”, immediately followed by the wording “Protected Geographical Indication” or the acronym “PGI” and the name of the cultivar. The name, business name and address of the packager must appear in the same field of vision.’

The following aspects have been indicated correctly and more clearly:

(1) Indication of wording: This is not a substantive amendment, but the correct order of the wording has been specified (‘Pera dell’Emilia Romagna’, immediately followed by the wording ‘Protected Geographical Indication’ or the acronym ‘PGI’ and the name of the cultivar).

(2) Indication of weight: Current provisions on labelling require the net weight and not the gross weight to be indicated. As this is a legislative requirement and as such compulsory for everyone, it is considered appropriate to delete this indication.

The following paragraph has been deleted:

‘At the request of the producers concerned, a graphic symbol may be used. This symbol shall correspond to the graphic image, including any reference colours, of the figurative or specific and unambiguous logo, which must always be used in conjunction with the geographical indication.’

It is considered appropriate to delete this passage from the text given that the graphic symbol is not provided in the specification.

The sentence:

‘The indication “made in Italy” must also appear on batches intended for export.’

has been deleted.

It is considered appropriate to delete this sentence as such indication is compulsory pursuant to the legislative provisions in force.

Other (Inspection body details)

The details of the inspection body have been added to the specification.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘PERA DELL’EMILIA ROMAGNA’

EU No: PGI-IT-02192 — 28.9.2016

PDO ( ) PGI ( X )

1. Name

‘Pera dell’Emilia Romagna’

2. Member State or Third Country

Italy

3. Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1. Type of product

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

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

The ‘Pera dell’Emilia Romagna’ PGI is obtained from the Abate Fetel, Cascade, Conference, Decana del Comizio, Kaiser, Max Red Bartlett, Passa Crassana, Williams, Santa Maria and Carmen pear varieties.

At the time of being sent for consumption, the ‘Pera dell’Emilia Romagna’ PGI must display the following characteristics:

Abate Fetel

Epicarp: light greenish yellow, russeting around the eye cavity and stalk; shape: calebasse form, fairly elongated; size: minimum diameter 60 mm; minimum sugar content: 13° Bx; maximum firmness: 5 kg/0,5 cm2.

Conference

Epicarp: greenish yellow with broad russeting around the eye cavity often affecting the bottom third of the fruit; shape: piriform, often symmetrical; size: minimum diameter: 60 mm; minimum sugar content: 13° Bx; maximum firmness: 5,5 kg/0,5 cm2.

Decana del Comizio

Epicarp: smooth, light greenish yellow, often with a pinkish tinge from the sun, sparse russeting; shape: turbiniform; size: minimum diameter 70 mm; minimum sugar content: 13° Bx; maximum firmness: 4,5 kg/0,5 cm2.

Kaiser

Epicarp: rough, completely russeted; shape: calebasse form/piriform;

size: minimum diameter 60 mm; minimum sugar content: 13° Bx; maximum firmness: 5,5 kg/0,5 cm2.

Williams and Max Red Bartlett

Epicarp: smooth, basic greenish yellow colour more or less covered with pink or bright red, sometimes striped; shape: short cydoniform or piriform; size: minimum diameter 60 mm; minimum sugar content: 12° Bx; maximum firmness: 6,5 kg/0,5 cm2.

Cascade

Epicarp: light green basic colour with bright red surface colour and russeting on 10-25 % of the surface; shape: heterogeneous doliform with vertical and transverse asymmetry; size: minimum diameter 60 mm; minimum sugar content: 13° Bx; maximum firmness: 5,5 kg/0,5 cm2.

Passa Crassana

Epicarp: compact, green with lenticel russeting; shape: maliform, often doliform; size: minimum diameter 60 mm; minimum sugar content: 13° Bx; maximum firmness: 6,5 kg/0,5 cm2.

Santa Maria

Epicarp: smooth with basic greenish yellow colour; shape: piriform or truncated piriform; size: minimum diameter 60 mm; minimum sugar content: 12° Bx; maximum firmness: 6 kg/0,5 cm2.

Carmen

Epicarp: green with rose-coloured surfaces; shape: calebasse form, slightly elongated; size: minimum diameter 60 mm; minimum sugar content: 12° Bx; maximum firmness: 6 kg/0,5 cm2.

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

—

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

All stages, from growing to harvesting, must take place in the area defined in point 4.

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

When packaged in trays and bins, the PGI product is identified by individual stickers on at least 70 % of the fruit in the package.

Alternatively, if there are no stickers on the pears, the packages, such as trays and bins for example, must be sealed so as to prevent the contents from being removed without breaking the seal.

It is also permitted to sell the loose product at the point of sale from packaging or crates that are sealed or that contain stickered fruit, provided that the product has been placed in specific compartments or containers prominently displaying the same information required for the packaging referred to in the product specification.

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

Subject to relevant rules in force, the following wording must appear on the packaging:

‘Pera dell’Emilia Romagna’ — Protected Geographical Indication — as well as details of the name, business name and address of the packager, its trading category and size.

4. Concise definition of the geographical area

(a) Province of Reggio Emilia: Casalgrande, Reggio Emilia, Correggio, Rubiera, San Martino in Rio and Scandiano.

(b) Province of Modena: Bastiglia, Bomporto, Campogalliano, Camposanto, Carpi, Castelfranco Emilia, Castelnuovo Rangone, Cavezzo, Concordia sulla Secchia, Finale Emilia, Formigine, Medolla, Mirandola, Modena, Nonantola, Novi di Modena, Ravarino, S. Cesario sul Panaro, S. Felice sul Panaro, S. Possidonio, S. Prospero, Savignano sul Panaro, Soliera, Spilamberto and Vignola.

(c) Province of Ferrara: Argenta, Berra, Bondeno, Cento, Codigoro, Comacchio, Copparo, Ferrara, Formignana, Jolanda di Savoia, Lagosanto, Masi Torello, Mesola, Fiscaglia, Mirabello, Ostellato, Poggio Renatico, Portomaggiore, Ro Ferrarese, S. Agostino, Tresigallo, Vigarano Mainarda and Voghiera.

(d) Province of Bologna: Anzola dell’Emilia, Argelato, Baricella, Valsamoggia — Loc. Bazzano, Bentivoglio, Budrio, Calderara di Reno, Castello d’Argile, Castelguelfo, Castelmaggiore, Valsamoggia — Loc. Crespellano, Crevalcore, Galliera, Granarolo dell’Emilia, Malalbergo, Medicina, Minerbio, Molinella, Mordano, Pieve di Cento, Sant’Agata Bolognese, S. Giorgio di Piano, S. Giovanni in Persiceto, S. Pietro in Casale and Sala Bolognese.

(e) Province of Ravenna: Alfonsine, Bagnacavallo, Bagnara di Romagna, Conselice, Cotignola, Castelbolognese, Faenza, Fusignano, Lugo, Massalombarda, Ravenna, Russi, Sant’Agata sul Santerno and Solarolo.

5. Link with the geographical area

The character of the ‘Pera dell’Emilia Romagna’ PGI stems directly from the soil and climatic conditions and the professionalism of the operators in the production area. These factors help to produce the distinctive chemico-physical and organoleptic qualities of the pears sold on markets in Italy and elsewhere in Europe as typical produce of Emilia-Romagna. Since the pear trees are very sensitive to frost, they are grown in an area (as defined) in which annual average temperatures are higher than in the region as a whole, with lower average rainfall. The soil is rich in organic substances as a result of alluvial deposits in the past from the River Po. The defined area is eminently suitable for producing pears — so much so, in fact, that it is responsible for about half of Italy’s total production in the sector.

Reference to publication of the specification

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

The Ministry launched the national objection procedure with the publication of the proposal for recognising ‘Pera dell’Emilia Romagna’ as a protected geographical indication in Official Gazette of the Italian Republic No 187 of 11 August 2016.

The consolidated text of the product specification is available on the internet: http://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/3335

or alternatively:

by going directly to the home page of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy (www.politicheagricole.it) and clicking on ‘Prodotti DOP e IGP’ (at the top right of the screen), then on ‘Prodotti DOP, IGP e STG’ (on the left-hand side of the screen) and finally on ‘Disciplinari di produzione all’esame dell’UE’.

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