Publication of an application for approval of an amendment, which is not minor, to a product specification 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

(2020/C 221/06)

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) within three months from the date of this publication.

APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION OF PROTECTED DESIGNATIONS OF ORIGIN/PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS WHICH 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

‘ASPARAGO VERDE DI ALTEDO’

EU No: PGI-IT-0127-AM01 – 14.3.2019

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1. Applicant group and legitimate interest

Consorzio di Tutela dell’Asparago verde di Altedo IGP

Piazza Caduti della Resistenza, 2 40051 Malalbergo (BO) ITALIA Tel. +39 0532904511 Fax +39 0532904520

Certified email: asparagoverdeigp@pec-legal.it

The Consorzio di Tutela dell’Asparago verde di Altedo IGP is entitled to submit an amendment application in accordance with Article 13(1) of Decree No 12500 of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy of 14 October 2013.

2. Member State or third country

Italy

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

☐ Name of product

☒ Description of product

☒ Geographical area

☒ Proof of origin

☒ Method of production

☒ Link

☒ Labelling

☒ Other [to be specified]

4. Type of amendment(s)

☒ Amendment to 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 product specification of 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. Amendments

Description of product

— Article 2 of the product specification

The paragraph:

‘Suitable cultivars for the production of “Asparago verde di Altedo” are:

Precoce di Argenteuil; Eros; Marte; Ringo;’

has been amended as follows:

‘Suitable cultivars for the production of “Asparago verde di Altedo” are:

Eros, Marte, Franco, Giove, Ercole, Vittorio, Athos.’

Reason:

To update and broaden the range of varieties. Bearing in mind that ‘Asparago verde di Altedo’ is currently produced almost exclusively from the Eros cultivar, in order to ensure continuity of production it is proposed that hybrids resulting from the genetic improvement of the local variety Precoce di Argenteuil be included, and that, consequently, this latter variety be removed. The varieties introduced are Franco, Giove, Ercole, Vittorio and Athos. As well as ensuring greater quantities, the introduction of these varieties will extend the harvesting and marketing period, ensuring greater availability for the end consumer.

The Ringo variety has been removed as the reproductive material is no longer available.

The amendment concerns point 4.2 of the summary published in OJ C 114 of 15 May 2002 and point 3.2 of the Single Document.

— The following paragraph has been added to Article 2: ‘Shoots which meet all the requirements of the product specification apart from the class and shape requirements may be used for processing only, and may bear the “Asparago verde di Altedo” PGI. Such shoots may not be sold to the end consumer.’

The possibility of processing asparagus which is defective only in size or shape, despite having been produced and grown in accordance with the parameters set out in the specification, has been included. However, vegetables which are not healthy and do not comply with the product specification will not be processed.

The amendment concerns point 4.2 of the summary published in OJ C 114 of 15 May 2002 and point 3.2 of the Single Document.

— The following paragraph has been added to Article 2: ‘For the production of “Asparago verde di Altedo”, it is permitted to use other asparagus cultivars derived from varietal research provided that it is demonstrated by means of experimental and documentary evidence that the method of production and the qualitative characteristics of the vegetable are consistent with this product specification. The use of such cultivars for the production of “Asparago verde di Altedo” must be notified in advance to and be evaluated by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy, which may to that end request the technical opinion of the control body or another body.’

In order to ensure continuity of production while respecting tradition and the links with the local territory, a clause has been added which allows other asparagus cultivars to be used in accordance with the specification, provided that any varieties other than those indicated are approved in advance by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy.

The amendment concerns point 4.2 of the summary published in OJ C 114 of 15 May 2002 and point 3.2 of the Single Document.

Geographical area

— Article 3 of the product specification: The clerical errors in the product specification have been corrected and the names of the municipalities have been updated, following the mergers which took place in January 2014 and January 2017 respectively. There has been no change to or enlargement of the production area.

Specifically:

Province of Bologna: — ‘Castelmaggiore’ has been replaced with ‘Castel Maggiore’, which is the correct name of the municipality. — ‘Castelguelfo’ has been replaced with ‘Castel Guelfo di Bologna’, which is the correct name of the municipality. — ‘San Giovanni Persiceto’ has been replaced with ‘San Giovanni in Persiceto’, which is the correct name of the municipality.

Province of Ferrara: — ‘Iolanda di Savoia’ has been replaced with ‘Jolanda di Savoia’, which is the correct name of the municipality. — Municipality of Fiscaglia: The municipality of Fiscaglia was established on 1 January 2014 by merging the adjoining municipalities of Massa Fiscaglia, Migliarino and Migliaro. It is therefore considered appropriate to give the correct name in the specification. 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. — Municipality of Terre del Reno: The municipality of Terre del Reno was established on 1 January 2017 by merging the adjoining municipalities of Sant’Agostino and Mirabello. It is therefore considered appropriate to give the correct name in the specification. The two municipalities previously indicated have been replaced in their entirety by the municipality of Terre del Reno, with no change to the area covered by the specification.

The amendment concerns point 4.3 of the summary published in OJ C 114 of 15 May 2002 and point 4 of the Single Document.

Proof of origin

— Article 5 of the product specification

The paragraph:

‘Facilities suitable for the production of “Asparago verde di Altedo” PGI are entered on a specific list kept and updated by the control body referred to in Article 10(2) of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92.’

has been deleted and replaced by the following:

‘Pursuant to Articles 36 and 37 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, the control body checks that the product meets the requirements of the specification. The control body chosen is Check Fruit srl – Via dei Mille, 24 – 40121 Bologna – Italy, Tel. +39 051 649 4836, Fax +39 051 649 4813 – info@checkfruit.it The traceability of the product is guaranteed by entering the cadastral parcels on which the product is grown, as well as details of the producers and packers, in lists managed by the control body referred to in Article 5, and by declaring to the control body the quantities produced. All natural and legal persons entered in the relevant lists are subject to checks by the control body in accordance with the product specification and the associated control plan.’

The article has been reworded to include references to the control body and evidence demonstrating the product’s origin, as provided for in Article 7(d) and (g) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

Method of production

— Article 4 of the product specification

The following paragraph:

‘Distance, planting depth and density: the minimum distance between rows must be 1 m; the minimum distance within the rows must be 0,33 m.’

has been amended as follows:

‘Distance, planting depth and density: the distance between rows must be between 1 m and 3,5 m; the minimum distance within the rows must be 0,15 m.’

As regards the production method, the growing techniques have been updated while still in keeping with tradition. The technique of increasing the distance between rows up to 3,5 m is becoming increasingly widespread. This is reflected in the yield and in the longer life cycle of the asparagus plots.

The adaptation of growing techniques has led to a reduction in the minimum distance within the rows. This is closely linked to the increased distance between the rows, leading primarily to a clear improvement in the plants’ health. Extending the rows entails a lower risk of disease, for example fungal disease. In addition, it allows for savings in terms of quantity of fertiliser as the fertiliser application within the rows is more localised. We believe that reducing the minimum distance within the rows and increasing the distance between the rows does not affect the product’s characteristics and quality.

— The following sentence: ‘The crowns must weigh at least 70 g and be free from disease.’

has been amended as follows:

‘The crowns must weigh at least 50 g and be free from disease.’

In order to adapt the product specification, including for propagation material, it is necessary to reduce the minimum weight of the crowns from 70 to 50 g. Please note that this amendment has no impact on the quality characteristics of the PGI product. This amendment was also necessary in order to adapt to the produce sold by nurseries, which increasingly tend to place crowns with these characteristics on the market.

— The following provision has been introduced: ‘The planting density must be between 15 000 and 27 000 plants per hectare.’

The minimum and maximum number of plants per hectare are indicated in order to provide greater clarity and precision in the product specification.

— The following point: ‘cutting of the above-ground part of the plant with a view to its complete desiccation and burning away from the plot;’

has been amended as follows:

‘cutting of the above-ground part of the plant with a view to its complete desiccation’

It was considered appropriate to remove the part about burning, as this technique is banned.

— The sentence: ‘The maximum annual yield of an asparagus plot that has reached full capacity is 10 t/ha.’

has been amended as follows:

‘The maximum annual yield of an asparagus plot that has reached full capacity is 12 t/ha.’

In line with the adaptation of growing techniques, the maximum annual yield per hectare has been adjusted, although not proportionally, from 10 to 12 tonnes per hectare.

Link

— Article 9 of the product specification

The information provided in points 4.4 and 4.6 of the summary (OJ C 114/6 of 15 May 2002) which led to registration of the name has been added to the product specification.

The following text has been added:

‘The application to register the name is based on the product’s reputation. The distinctive soil composition and the damp foggy climate typical of the Lower Po Valley, which is common to the entire area described above, combined with the expertise and traditional methods of growing asparagus, a centuries-old experience that has been passed down from father to son, mean that the product’s qualitative characteristics and typical nature are closely linked to the indicated geographical area, which must therefore be regarded as the ideal environment of origin for “Asparago verde di Altedo”. The “Asparago verde di Altedo” production area is located between the Via Emilia in the province of Bologna, the Adriatic coast and the Po river in the province of Ferrara. Documents proving the origin of the cultivation, production, marketing and culinary use of “Asparago verde di Altedo” date back to the 13th century. “Asparago verde di Altedo” has been frequently used by the great cooks of Bologna over the centuries, as evidenced by the recipes containing asparagus included in their writings. “Asparago verde di Altedo” was first specifically mentioned in the famous “Ruralium Commodoriu Librum Duodecim” by the great agronomist Pier Crescenzi, born in Bologna in 1233. This shows the long custom of growing “Asparago verde di Altedo” in the countryside around Bologna and Ferrara. Another agronomist and great gastronomist from Bologna, Vincenzo Tanara, from the 17th century, mentions green asparagus in his 1644 treatise “L’economia del cittadino in villa” [“The economy of citizens in country houses”].’

The amendment also concerns point 5 of the Single Document, which is supplemented by some of the information under point 4.4 of the summary considered to relate to the link between the name and the geographical production area. The changes are purely editorial.

Labelling

— Article 8 of the product specification

The following paragraph has been added:

‘It is also permitted to use indications and/or graphics which refer to names, company names or collective or individual trademarks in conjunction with the wording “I.G.P. Asparago verde di Altedo” or “Asparago verde di Altedo I.G.P.” and the European symbol.’

In view of new market requirements and the growing interest in PGI products, the possibility of also including indications and/or graphics which refer to names, company names or collective or individual trademarks on the label or packaging has also been added.

The amendment concerns point 4.8 of the summary published in OJ C 114 of 15 May 2002 and point 3.6 of the Single Document.

— Point 3.6 of the Single Document

The PGI logo has been added to this point to complete the information contained in this specific section of the Single Document.

Other

— Updating of references to legislation

The legal references have been updated to Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

Packaging

— Article 7 of the product specification

The following paragraph has been inserted:

‘When released for consumption, “Asparago verde di Altedo” must be packaged in any type of packaging accepted in the EU in accordance with the legislation in force.’

As regards the packaging, it is appropriate to provide clarification regarding the packaging to be used, in order to cover all types of packaging accepted in the EU in accordance with the legislation in force.

The amendment concerns point 4.5 of the summary published in OJ C 114 of 15 May 2002 and point 3.5 of the Single Document.

— Article 7 of the product specification

The following paragraph has been added:

‘Asparagus intended for processing which therefore may not be sold to the end consumer may also be delivered “loose”, in packages or containers that comply with the legislation in force and feature, on at least one of the sides, in clear and legible print, the wording “Asparago verde di Altedo’ IGP destinato alla trasformazione” [“‘Asparago verde di Altedo’ PGI intended for processing”].’

Given the increasing opportunities and interest in PGI production, including for processed products, it was considered appropriate to include and clearly regulate the appearance of the packaging in the specification for these products. Therefore, in the case of asparagus intended for processing, it was decided to specify that packaging accepted in the EU can be used as long as the product is clearly identified in order to ensure traceability.

The amendment concerns point 4.5 of the summary published in OJ C 114 of 15 May 2002 and point 3.5 of the Single Document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Asparago verde di Altedo’

EU No: PGI-IT-0127-AM01 – 14.3.2019

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1. Name(s)

‘Asparago verde di Altedo’

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, cereals, fresh or processed

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

The protected geographical indication ‘Asparago verde di Altedo’ is reserved for asparagus shoots from facilities entered on a specific list kept by the control body and comprising the following green asparagus cultivars: Eros, Marte, Franco, Giove, Ercole, Vittorio, Athos and other cultivars which may be present up to a maximum of 20 %.

The protected geographical indication ‘Asparago verde di Altedo’ is reserved for shoots classified in the following two classes, which have the characteristics laid down in EU legislation on the marketing of asparagus:

— class ‘Extra’,

— class I.

Within these two classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, ‘Asparago verde di Altedo’, when released for consumption, must have the following commercial and qualitative characteristics: The shoots must be:

— whole;

— fresh in appearance;

— healthy;

— free from rodent or insect damage;

— clean, i.e. free of soil or any other impurities;

— free of abnormal external moisture, i.e. adequately ’dried" if they have been washed or kept cool with cold water;

— free of foreign odours and flavours (as a result of fermentation or the presence of mould).

In addition, the shoots must not be: hollow, split, peeled or broken.

The shoots must be well formed with compact tips, and those under class I only may be slightly curved.

Shoots which meet all the requirements of the product specification apart from the class and shape requirements may be used for processing only, and may bear the ‘Asparago verde di Altedo’ PGI. Such shoots may not be sold to the end consumer.

For the production of ‘Asparago verde di Altedo’, it is permitted to use other asparagus cultivars derived from varietal research provided that it is demonstrated by means of experimental and documentary evidence that the method of production and the qualitative characteristics of the vegetable are consistent with this product specification. The use of such cultivars for the production of ‘Asparago verde di Altedo’ must be notified in advance to and be evaluated by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy, which may to that end request the technical opinion of the control body or another body.

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 the stages of producing ‘Asparago verde di Altedo’ up to the harvesting of the product must be carried out exclusively within the geographical area indicated in point 4.

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

When released for consumption, ‘Asparago verde di Altedo’ must be packaged in any type of packaging accepted in the EU in accordance with the legislation in force.

The product is then packaged in bundles, ranging from a minimum of 250 g to a maximum of 3 kg, which are tied together and cut to the same size at the base, by mechanical or manual trimming. The bundles themselves may be wrapped at the base in cloths made from a suitable material, or a strip made from a suitable material may be added to them. They are then placed in packing containers to be released for consumption.

Asparagus intended for processing which therefore may not be sold to the end consumer may also be delivered ‘loose’, in packages or containers that comply with the legislation in force and feature, on at least one of the sides, in clear and legible print, the wording ‘Asparago verde di Altedo’ IGP destinato alla trasformazione’ [‘“Asparago verde di Altedo” PGI intended for processing’].

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

The packaging in which ‘Asparago verde di Altedo’ is sold, as specified above, must bear the words ‘Asparago verde di Altedo’ and ‘Indicazione Geografica Protetta’ [‘Protected Geographical Indication’] in letters of the same size, as well as the other compulsory designation indications laid down in the specific national and EU legislation on the marketing of asparagus.

In addition, the logo – i.e. the distinctive symbol of ‘Asparago verde di Altedo’ PGI, the description, depiction and colours of which are set out in the graphic manual annexed to the product specification – must feature together with the geographical indication.

It is also permitted to use indications and/or graphics which refer to names, company names or collective or individual trademarks in conjunction with the wording ‘I.G.P. Asparago verde di Altedo’ or ‘Asparago verde di Altedo I.G.P.’ and the European symbol.

4. Concise definition of the geographical area

The ‘Asparago verde di Altedo’ production area is located between the Via Emilia in the province of Bologna, the Adriatic coast and the Po river in the province of Ferrara. This geographical area comprises the entire administrative territory of the following municipalities within the provinces of Bologna and Ferrara:

Province of Bologna: the entire municipalities of Anzola dell’Emilia, Argelato, Bologna, Budrio, Baricella, Bentivoglio, Calderara di Reno, Crevalcore, Castello d’Argile, Castel Maggiore, Castel San Pietro Terme, Castenaso, Castel Guelfo di Bologna, Dozza, Galliera, Granarolo dell’Emilia, Imola, Malalbergo, Medicina, Minerbio, Molinella, Mordano, Ozzano dell’Emilia, Pieve di Cento, Sala Bolognese, Sant’Agata Bolognese, San Giovanni in Persiceto, San Giorgio di Piano, San Lazzaro di Savena, San Pietro in Casale;

Province of Ferrara: the entire municipalities of Argenta, Berra, Bondeno, Cento, Codigoro, Comacchio, Copparo, Ferrara, Fiscaglia, Formignana, Goro, Jolanda di Savoia, Lagosanto, Masi Torello, Mesola, Ostellato, Portomaggiore, Poggio Renatico, Ro, Terre del Reno, Tresigallo, Vigarano Mainarda, Voghiera.

5. Link with the geographical area

The application to register the name is based on the product’s reputation.

The distinctive soil composition and the damp foggy climate typical of the Lower Po Valley, which is common to the entire area described above, combined with the expertise and traditional methods of growing asparagus, a centuries-old experience that has been passed down from father to son, mean that the product’s qualitative characteristics and typical nature are closely linked to the indicated geographical area, which must therefore be regarded as the ideal environment of origin for ‘Asparago verde di Altedo’.

The ‘Asparago verde di Altedo’ production area is located between the Via Emilia in the province of Bologna, the Adriatic coast and the Po river in the province of Ferrara. Documents proving the origin of the cultivation, production, marketing and culinary use of ‘Asparago verde di Altedo’ date back to the 13th century.

‘Asparago verde di Altedo’ has been frequently used by the great cooks of Bologna over the centuries, as evidenced by the recipes containing asparagus included in their writings.

‘Asparago verde di Altedo’ was first specifically mentioned in the famous ‘Ruralium Commodoriu Librum Duodecim’ by the great agronomist Pier Crescenzi, born in Bologna in 1233.

This shows the long custom of growing ‘Asparago verde di Altedo’ in the countryside around Bologna and Ferrara.

Another agronomist and great gastronomist from Bologna, Vincenzo Tanara, from the 17th century, mentions green asparagus in his 1644 treatise ‘L’economia del cittadino in villa’ [‘The economy of citizens in country houses’].

Reference to publication of the product specification

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

The full text of the product specification is available on the following website: 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 ‘Qualità’ (at the top right of the screen), then on ‘Prodotti DOP IGP 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.