EN Official Journal of the European Union C 35/13

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

2011/C 35/07

This publication confers the right to object to the amendment 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.

AMENDMENT APPLICATION

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

AMENDMENT APPLICATION ACCORDING TO ARTICLE 9

‘PÉLARDON’

EC No: FR-PDO-0205-0140-13.03.2008

PGI ( ) PDO ( X )

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

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

2. Type of amendment(s):

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

3. Amendment(s):

3.1. Point 3 of the specification:

Geographical area

The producer group has requested the addition to the geographical area of the municipalities of: ALTIER; CALVISSON; CAMBON-ET-SALVERGUES; and VISSEC. The area of these municipalities has the designation of origin characteristics.

3.2. Point 5 of the specification:

Method of production

Point 5 of the specification relating to the description of the method of production of the product and point 5.2 of the single document relating to the specificity of the product are supplemented by the following provisions:

(…) In addition to the raw dairy materials, the only ingredients or production aids or additives authorised in the milk and during production are rennet, innocuous bacterial cultures, yeasts, moulds, calcium chloride and salt.

(…) The milk may not be concentrated by partially removing the watery part before coagulation.

(…) Renneting must be carried out using rennet only.

(…) The use of frozen curd and the freezing of raw materials, partly finished products and cheeses themselves is banned.

(…) Fresh cheese and cheese undergoing the maturing process must not be conserved under a modified atmosphere.

The use of treatments and additives in cheesemaking is subject to general rules.

It appears that some new techniques, including the use of treatments and additives, such as microfiltration, partial concentration of milk or enzymes for the maturing process, have a potential impact on the characteristics of cheeses with designations of origin. Certain enzyme additives in particular appear to be incompatible with maintaining the key characteristics of PDO products.

It therefore became necessary to stipulate in the specification for PDO products, under point 4-5, the current practices regarding the use of treatments and additives for milk and cheese production, in order to prevent future practices not covered by the rules from undermining the characteristics of cheeses with designations of origin.

Following the examination of the application at national level, it appears to the French authorities that this amendment application made by the Syndicat des Producteurs de Pélardon, the correct group to propose the amendment, meets the conditions of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 of 20 March 2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs.

3.3. Point 8 of the specification:

Labelling

The requirement to feature the words ‘Appellation d’origine Protégée’ and the PDO logo has been added.

The conditions to be met so that a ‘Pélardon’ can use the word ‘farmhouse’ were clarified.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘PÉLARDON’

EC No: FR-PDO-0205-0140-13.03.2008

PGI ( ) PDO ( X )

1. Name:

‘Pélardon’

2. Member State or third country:

France

3. Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff:

3.1. Type of product:

Class 1.3: Cheeses

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

The cheese with the registered designation of origin ‘Pélardon’ is a soft goat's cheese produced by a process of mainly lactic slow coagulation and natural draining of whole, raw goats’ milk which is non-standardised in terms of protein or fat content. The milk used must be from herds made up of goats of the Alpine, Saanen, or Rove breeds and their crossbreeds.

The shape of the cheese is a cylinder with rounded edges. Eleven days after renneting, it weighs over 60 grams, is 60 to 70 mm in diameter and is 22 to 27 mm high. The cheese contains a minimum of 40 grams of dry matter per 100 grams of cheese, and 45 grams of fat per 100 grams of cheese when completely dry.

It has a thin rind, covered partially or totally with a pale yellow, white or blue mould-type down. The cheese itself is ivory-white in colour, even in texture and smooth when cut, though can become crumbly if matured for a lengthy period.

3.3. Raw materials (for processed products only):

Not applicable.

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

The goats are kept on a free-range basis.

Farmers are permitted to distribute hay and supplement the diet with cereals and cake. Feed supplements and banned feedstuffs are regulated.

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

Every part of the process of growing, preparing, maturing and packing the ‘Pélardon’ must take place within the defined geographical area.

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

Packaging must be carried out in the area in order to ensure traceability and maintain the quality of the product.

Fresh cheese and cheese undergoing the maturing process must not be conserved under a modified atmosphere.

3.7. Specific rules concerning labelling:

Cheese intended to be sold to the consumer must carry labels, except for batches that are sold in a single pack, which carry only a single label if they are intended for sale to the end consumer.

Labels must include the name of the registered designation of origin, in characters of a size equal to, or two thirds the size of the largest characters on the label, and feature the words ‘Appellation d’Origine Protégée’ and the PDO logo as well as the words ‘farm cheese’ (‘fromage fermier’), ‘farm produced’ (‘fabrication fermière’) or any other words implying that the product comes from a farm where these conditions are satisfied.

4. Concise definition of the geographical area:

The geographical area spans part of the departments of:

— Aude: municipalities of Aragon, Bize-Minervois, Brousses-et-Villaret, Bugarach, Cabrespine, Camps-sur-l’Agly, Caudebronde, Caunes-Minervois, Caunettes-en-Val, Citou, Cubières-sur-Cinoble, Cucugnan, Cuxac-Cabardès, Davejean, Dernacueillette, Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse, Fajac-en-Val, Félines-Termenès, Fontiers-Cabardès, Fournes, Fraisse-Cabardès, Ilhes-Cabardès (Les), Labastide-en-Val, Labastide-Esparbairenque, Lairière, Lanet, Laroque-de-Fa, Lastours, Limousis, Maisons, Mas-Cabardès, Massac, Mayronnes, Miraval-Cabardès, Montgaillard, Montjoi, Montolieu, Mouthoumet, Palairac, Rieux-en-Val, Roquefère, Rouffiac-des-Corbières, Saint-Denis, Saint-Pierre-des-Champs, Sallèles-Cabardès, Salsigne, Salza, Saint-Martin-des-Puits, Soulatgé, Talairan, Taurize, Termes, Tourette-Cabardès (Les), Trassanel, Trausse, Vignevieille, Villanière, Villar-en-Val, Villardonnel, Villeneuve-Minervois, Villerouge-Termenès, Villetritouls,

— Gard: municipalities of Aigaliers, Aiguèze, Alès, Allègre (sections B1 to B6, C1 to C4), Alzon, Anduze, Argilliers, Arphy, Arre, Arrigas, Aujac, Aulas, Aumessas, Avèze, Bagard (sections AB, AC, AD, AE, AN), Barjac (sections B1 to B6), Baron, Bastide-d’Engras (La), Belvezet, Bernis (sections ZI, ZH, ZL, ZM, ZN, ZO, ZP), Bessèges, Bez-et-Esparon, Blandas, Bonnevaux, Bordezac, Boucoiran-et-Nozières, Bouquet, Bragassargues, Branoux-les-Taillades, Bréau-et-Salagosse, Brouzet-lès-Alès, Brouzet-lès-Quissac, Bruguière (La), Cabrières, Cadière-et-Cambo (La), Calmette (La), Calvisson (sections A and F), Cannes-et-Clairan, Capelle-et-Masmolène (La), Carnas, Carsan, Cassagnoles, Castillon-du-Gard, Caveirac, Cavillargues, Cendras, Chambon, Chamborigaud, Clarensac, Collias, Collorgues, Colognac, Combas, Concoules, Connaux, Conqueyrac, Corbès, Corconne, Cornillon, Courry, Crespian, Cros, Dions, Domessargues, Dourbies, Durfort-et-Saint-Martin-de-Sossenac, Estréchure (L’), Euzet, Flaux, Foissac, Fons, Fons-sur-Lussan, Fontarèches, Fressac, Cagnières, Gajan, Garn (Le), Gaujac, Générargues, Génolhac, Goudargues, Grand-Combe (La), Issirac, Lamelouze, Langlade, Lasalle, Laval-Pradel, Laval-Saint-Roman, Lédenon (sections B1, B2, C1 to C3, D1 to D3, E1), Liouc, Logrian-Florian, Lussan, Mages (Les), Malons-et-Elze, Mandagout, Marguerittes (sections AB, AC, AD, BC, BD, BE, BH), Mars, Martinet (Le), Maruèjols-lès-Gardon, Massillargues-Attuech (sections AD, AE), Mauressargues, Méjannes-le-Clap, Meyrannes, Mialet, Milhaud (sections AB, AC, AD, AE, AH, AI), Molières-Cavaillac, Molières-sur-Cèze, Monoblet, Montagnac, Montaren-et-Saint-Médiers, Montclus, Montdardier, Montignargues, Montmirat, Montpezat, Moulezan, Nîmes (sections AB, AC, AD, AE, AH, AI, AM, AN, AO, AP, AR, AS, AT, AV, AW, AX, AY, AZ, BA, BC, BD, BE, BH, BI, BK, BL, BM, BN, BO, BP, BR, BS, BT, BV, BX, BY, CE), Notre-Dame-de-la-Rouvière, Orthoux-Sérignac-Quilhan, Parignargues, Peyremale, Peyroles, Pin (Le), Plantiers (Les), Pommiers, Pompignan, Ponteils-et-Brésis, Portes, Pougnadoresse, Poulx, Pouzilhac, Puechredon, Pujaut (sections A1, A4, B1 to B3, C3), Quissac, Remoulins, Rivières, Robiac-Rochessadoule, Rochefort-du-Gard (sections A1 to A3), Rochegude (sections B1 to B4), Rogues, Roque-sur-Cèze (La), Roquedur, Rousson (sections AA, AB, AC, AD, AE, AH, AI, AK, AL, AM, AN, AO, AP AR, AS, AT AW, AX, CC, CD, CE, CH, CI, CK, CL), Rouvière (La), Sabran, Saint-Alexandre (sections C1, C2, D2), Saint-Ambroix, Saint-André-d’Olérargues, Saint-André-de-Majencoules, Saint-André-de-Roquepertuis, Saint-André-de-Valborgne, Saint-Bauzély, Saint-Bénezet, Saint-Bonnet-de-Salendrinque, Saint-Bonnet-du-Gard, Saint-Brès, Saint-Bresson, Saint-Christol-de-Rodières, Saint-Côme-et-Maruéjols, Saint-Félix-de-Pallières, Saint-Florent-sur-Auzonnet, Saint-Geniès-de-Malgoires, Saint-Gervais, Saint-Hilaire-d’Ozilhan, Saint-Hippolyte-de-Montaigu, Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort, Saint-Jean-de-Maruéjols-et-Avéjean (sections B1 to B3, C1 to C3, ZB), Saint-Jean-de-Valériscle, Saint-Jean-du-Gard, Saint-Jean-du-Pin, Saint-Julien-de-la-Nef, Saint-Julien-de-Peyrolas (sections A1, A2, C2), Saint-Julien-les-Rosiers, Saint-Just-et-Vacquières, Saint-Laurent-de-Carnols, Saint-Laurent-la-Vernède, Saint-Laurent-le-Minier, Saint-Mamert-du-Gard, Saint-Marcel-de-Careiret, Saint-Martial, Saint-Martin-de-Valgalgues, Saint-Maximin, Saint-Michel-d’Euzet, Saint-Nazaire-des-Gardies (sections A1, A2, A3), Saint-Paul-la-Coste, Saint-Paul-les-Fonts, Saint-Paulet-de-Caisson (sections AM, AN), Saint-Privat-de-Champclos, Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie, Saint-Roman-de-Codières, Saint-Sauveur-Camprieu, Saint-Sébastien-d’Aigrefeuille, Saint-Siffret, Saint-Théodorit, Saint-Victor-des-Oules, Saint-Victor-la-Coste, Sainte-Anastasie, Sainte-Cécile-d’Andorge, Sainte-Croix-de-Caderle, Salazac, Salles-du-Gardon, Sanilhac-Sagriès, Sardan, Saumane, Sauve, Sauveterre (sections AA, AB, AO, AN, BB, BE, BH, BI), Sauzet, Sénéchas, Serviers-et-Labaume, Seynes, Soudorgues, Soustelle, Sumène, Tharaux, Thoiras, Tornac, Tresques (sections AB, AC, AP, AR), Uzès, Vabres, Vallabrix, Vallérargues, Valleraugue, Valliguières, Verfeuil, Vernarède (La), Vers-Pont-du-Gard, Vic-le-Fesq, Vigan (Le), Villeneuve-lès-Avignon (sections AB, AC, AD, AE, AV), Vissec,

— Hérault: municipalities of Agel, Agonès, Aigne, Aigues-Vives, Aires (Les), Arboras, Argelliers, Assas, Assignan, Aumelas, Avène, Azillanet, Babeau-Bouldoux, Bédarieux, Berlou, Boisset, Boissière (La), Bosc (Le), Bousquet-d’Orb (Le), Brenas, Brissac, Cabrerolles, Cabrières, Cambon-et-Salvergues (sections OE, OF, OG, OH, OI), Camplong, Carlencas-et-Levas, Castanet-le-Haut, Caunette (La), Causse-de-la-Selle, Caussiniojouls, Cazevieille, Cazilhac, Ceilhes-et-Rocozels, Celles, Cessenon-sur-Orb (sections AN, AO, AP, AR, AS, AT, AW), Cesseras, Claret, Clermont-l’Hérault, Colombières-sur-Orb, Combaillaux, Combes, Courniou, Dio-et-Valquières, Faugères, Félines-Minervois, Ferrals-les-Montagnes, Ferrières-les-Verreries, Ferrières-Poussarou, Fontanès, Fos, Fozières, Fraïsse-sur-Agout, Ganges, Gorniès, Grabels, Graissessac, Hérépian, Joncels, Lacoste, Lamalou-les-Bains, Laroque, Lauret, Lauroux, Lavalette, Liausson, Lieuran-Cabrières, Livinière (La), Lodève, Lunas, Mas-de-Londres, Matelles (Les), Mérifons, Minerve, Mons, Montarnaud, Montesquieu, Montoulieu, Montpeyroux, Moules-et-Baucels, Mourèze, Murles, Murviel-les-Montpellier, Neffiès, Notre-Dame-de-Londres, Octon, Olargues, Olmet-et-Villecun, Pardailhan, Pégairolles-de-Buèges, Pégairolles-de-l’Escalette, Péret, Pézènes-les-Mines, Pierrerue (sections AB, AC, AD, AE, AH, AI, AK), Plans (Les), Poujol-sur-Orb (Le), Poujols, Pradal (Le), Prades-sur-Vernazobre (sections AB, AC, AD, AE, AI, AH, AK, AL, AM, AV, AW, AX, AY), Prades-le-Lez, Premian, Puech (Le), Puéchabon, Rieussec, Riols, Roquebrun, Roqueredonde, Roquessels, Rosis, Rouet, Roujan (sections AL, AM, AN, AO), Saint-André-de-Buèges, Saint-Bauzille-de-Montmel, Saint-Bauzille-de-Putois, Saint-Chinian (sections AI, AK, AL, AM, AN, AO, AP), Saint-Clément-de-Rivière, Saint-Etienne-d’Albagnan, Saint-Etienne-de-Gourgas, Saint-Etienne-Estrechoux, Saint-Gely-du-Fesc, Saint-Geniès-de-Varensal, Saint-Gervais-sur-Mare, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Saint-Guiraud, Saint-Jean-de-Buèges, Saint-Jean-de-Cuculles, Saint-Jean-de-la-Blaquière, Saint-Jean-de-Minervois, Saint-Julien, Saint-Martin-de-l’Arcon, Saint-Martin-de-Londres, Saint-Mathieu-de-Treviers, Saint-Maurice-Navacelles (sections AB, AK, AL, AM, AN, AO), Saint-Nazaire-de-Ladarez, Saint-Pargoire (sections AO, AP, AR, AS, AT, AX), Saint-Paul-et-Valmalle, Saint-Pierre-de-la-Fage, Saint-Pons-de-Thomières, Saint-Privat, Saint-Saturnin, Saint-Vincent-d’Olargues, Saint-Vincent-de-Barbeyrargues, Sainte-Croix-de-Quintillargues, Salasc, Sauteyrargues, Siran, Sorbs (section AE), Soubès, Soumont, Taussac-la-Billière, Tour-sur-Orb (La), Triadou (Le), Usclas-du-Bosc, Vacquières, Vailhan, Vailhauquès, Valflaunès, Valmascle, Vélieux, Vieussan, Villemagne, Villeneuvette, Villeveyrac (sections B1 to B3, C1 to C3, C5, D8), Viols-en-Laval, Viols-le-Fort,

— Lozère: municipalities of Altier, Barre-des-Cévennes, Bassurels, Bastide-Puylaurent (La), Bédouès, Bondons (Les), Cassagnas, Cocurès, Collet-de-Dèze (Le), Florac (sections A, AA, AB, AC, B1 to B4, C1, C2), Fraissinet-de-Fourques (sections A3 to A5, B1 to B4, C1 to C3, D1), Fraissinet-de-Lozère, Gabriac, Gatuzières (sections C1, C2, D1 to D3, E1, E2, F1 to F3), Ispagnac (sections B1 to B5, C, D1, D2, E2), Meyrueis (sections C2, C4, D1 to D8, E1 to E4, F1 to F9, G1 to G9, H4, H5, 1), Moissac-Vallée-Française, Molezon, Pied-de-Borne, Pompidou (Le), Pont-de-Montvert (Le), Pourcharesses, Prévenchères, Quézac (sections B1, B2, B6, C1, C2, E1 to E3, D1 to D3), Rousses (Les), Saint-Andéol-de-Clerguemort, Saint-André-Capcèze, Saint-André-de-Lancize, Saint-Etienne-du-Valdonnez (sections AA, B1, B2, C1, C2, D), Saint-Etienne-Vallée-Française, Saint-Frézal-de-Ventalon, Saint-Germain-de-Calberte, Saint-Hilaire-de-Lavit, Saint-Julien-d’Arpaon, Saint-Julien-des-Points, Saint-Laurent-de-Trèves (sections A2, A3, B1 to B6, C1 to C3), Saint-Martin-de-Boubaux, Saint-Martin-de-Lansuscle, Saint-Maurice-de-Ventalon, Saint-Michel-de-Dèze, Saint-Privat-de-Vallongue, Sainte-Croix-Vallée-Française, Salle-Prunet (La), Vebron (sections C1 to C8, D1 to D5), Vialas, Villefort,

and one municipality of Tarn: Murat-sur-Vèbre (sections I1 to I4).

5. Link with the geographical area:

5.1. Specificity of the geographical area:

The area comprises: to the North, the Cevenne valleys, from the edge of the Causse mountains to the vine-growing plains; to the East and the centre, the limestone mountains forming the Gard and Herault scrubland; to the West, the area comprises the upper valleys of the Lergue, Orb, and Jaur rivers, and the south face of the Montagne Noire mountain, located in a Mediterranean climate; lastly, to the South, there is the heart of the Hautes Corbières mountains bordered in the South by the Grau de Maury.

The geographical area is distinguished by a typically Mediterranean climate with high temperatures, together with high and irregular rainfall, mainly in spring and autumn, causing very dry summers. It consists mainly of mountain and scrubland areas, i.e. difficult areas, where hardy animals may be reared. Moreover, the geographical area thus defined is well suited to the rearing method: in fact, the goats are kept on a free-range basis. Goats must have regular access to pasture, for at least 210 days per year for herds located at an altitude below 800 metres and at least 180 days for herds located at higher altitudes.

The farmer must have a minimum of 2 000 m2 of pasture or free-range grazing per goat within the defined geographical area. The available fodder comprises annual and perennial self-sown plants, stands of trees, shrub and herbaceous vegetation, permanent pasture of indigenous flora and temporary pasture containing grasses, legumes, or a combination of the two.

5.2. Specificity of the product:

‘Pélardon’ is a cheese made using whole, raw goats’ milk, which is non-standardised in terms of protein or fat content. Milk starters are added to the milk, made from whey from the previous processing. The use of selected commercial starters is permitted only at the beginning of lactation, in cases where production or collection of milk is interrupted.

Thanks to the pasture, the milk is naturally enriched with aromatic components and endemic microflora, which vary according to the seasons and pastured areas.

Thus, the seeding of the raw milk strengthens the typical characteristics of the cheese.

The milk is coagulated by slow acidification, through the activity of the acidification flora and according to the temperature and state of the milk.

The moulding respects the structure of the curd: the curd is not sliced before moulding and the moulding is manual, individual or using a distributor.

This stage determines the texture of the cheese, which must be fine, as well as the development of the cheese's acidity, which must not mask the typical characteristics of the product. The quality of the acidification flora is essential.

There is a bloom on the rind of ‘Pélardon’ cheese. It has varied plant aromas and goats’ milk aromas, which express the typical characteristics of the land. In addition there are hints which are specific to the places of production and to the seasons. The gentle management of the humidity and the temperature defines the maturing of the cheese and the proteolysis which best expresses this typical characteristic.

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

The origins of ‘Pélardon’ in Languedoc are ancient; the most likely origin of the name is the one given by the naturalist, Pliny, who mentions ‘Péraldou’, a cheese highly valued for its unique flavour. The name seems to derive from ‘pèbre’ which means pepper, due to its pungent taste. It is mentioned by Abbé Boissier de Sauvages in his Languedoc/French dictionary of 1756 under the name ‘Péraldou’. The way ‘Pélardon’ is made has changed very little over the years.

‘Pélardon’ is a cheese that maintains strong links with its origins, through goat rearing being well suited to the terrain. It is a form of rearing which puts the landscape to good use and benefits from the presence of specific vegetation which can be found in the South-East of the Massif Central: German and white oak forests, chestnut and pine trees, also acid-soil scrub and limey-soil scrubland.

Goat rearing uses large tracts of grazing land (59 000 hectares of wooded land). The product is therefore firmly rooted in the natural environment, and this is completed by the farmers’ expert knowledge of cheese making.

Goat rearing, which is combined with growing soft-fruit or chestnuts for example, contributes to maintaining a rural agricultural fabric in this landscape which is very hilly and difficult to access. Similarly in the scrubland, rearing goats means that a typical landscape can be maintained, with the goats grazing in areas which would otherwise be liable to neglect.

These distinctive characteristics of the natural landscape, that impart a unique character to the milk used to make the cheese, and which are linked to rearing methods and production techniques specific to the area, firmly anchor ‘Pélardon’ cheese in its place of origin and give it an undeniable typical characteristic.

Reference to publication of the specification:

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

https://www.inao.gouv.fr/fichier/CDCPelardon.pdf

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