Publication of an application for approval of amendments, which are 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

(2019/C 434/10)

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

‘Pataca de Galicia’/‘Patata de Galicia’

EU No: PGI-ES-02300 – 10.3.2017

PDO () PGI (X)

1. Applicant group and legitimate interest

Regulatory Council for the Protected Geographical Indication ‘Patata de Galicia’

Address: Finca devesa, s/n, 32630 Xinzo de Limia, Ourense

Email address: patacadegalicia@patacadegalicia.es

Telephone: 0034 988 462 650

The applicant group has a legitimate interest in requesting this amendment to the Product Specification in its capacity as the management body of the PGI, by virtue of Article 3 of the Regulation on the Protected Geographical Indication ‘Patata de Galicia’ and its Regulatory Council, and by virtue of Article 12 of Law 2/2005 of 18 February 2005 on the promotion and defence of food quality in Galicia. All producers and packagers of the geographical indication are members of the group.

2. Member State or Third Country

Spain

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)

☒ Amendments to the product specification of a registered PDO or PGI not to be qualified as minor within the meaning of the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

☐ Amendments to the product specification of a registered PDO or PGI for which a Single Document (or equivalent) has not been published and which cannot be qualified as minor within the meaning of the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

5. Amendment(s)

The main amendments to the Product Specification concern the introduction of two new varieties of potato and the enlargement of the geographical area. The first of these changes requires amending the section on the product description and also including figures for maximum yields per hectare for the new varieties and a few formal changes in the section on the method of production. Both of these changes also mean that small amendments that are formal in nature are also needed in the sections concerning proof of origin and the link.

Also, the maximum yield per hectare for the Kennebec variety – the only variety covered until now in the Product Specification – is increased.

Meanwhile, the requirement that sowing be carried out at appropriate seed times has been reformulated as a recommendation.

Lastly, an amendment is also made to the section on labelling in order to include the logo of the protected geographical indication, which has been in use since its registration and even before, when the product was protected merely in Spain; and rules are laid down making it possible to use the name of the geographical indication in products using ‘Patata de Galicia’ as an ingredient.

5.1. Justification of the amendments

(a) Introduction of the Agria variety

The Agria variety has been grown in Galicia for several decades, above all in A Limia, the main district of production. This variety was not included in the first version of the Product Specification for this PGI because at that time it was a protected variety, which is no longer the case.

The Galician soil and climate both have characteristics which give the Agria variety organoleptic qualities distinguishing it from potatoes of the same variety grown in other production areas. This has been the outcome of various different blind tastings carried out by experts in sensory analysis. Different varieties of potatoes, from different areas and prepared in three specific ways – boiled, fried (as chips) and made into crisps – were evaluated in these tests. In each test the Agria variety grown in Galicia was assessed very favourably in comparative terms, with high scores, particularly when fried and above all when made into crisps, which makes it very much in demand in the frying industry.

This variety has an average dry-matter content of around 21 %. It also contains reducing sugars that are always below the limit set for this PGI.

As with the Kennebec variety, Agria potatoes have a smooth, fine skin with very shallow eyes, making them very attractive from a commercial perspective.

As regards its agronomic characteristics, it has a yield per hectare that is slightly higher than the Kennebec variety and its resistance to cyst nematodes (Globodera rostochiensis) should also be noted. This is an important issue, since in the district of A Limia mentioned above (Galicia’s principal potato-producing area), the number of parcels where this parasite – to which the Kennebec variety is rather prone – is found is on the increase. So the introduction of the Agria variety is prompting both a reduction in the costs of treatment and an improvement to the environment, since the treatments used to combat this scourge can be greatly cut back and even eliminated.

(b) Introduction of the Fina de Carballo variety

Fina de Carballo is a variety that is indigenous to Galicia. It is principally grown in the district of Bergantiños, which is one of Galicia’s most longstanding areas of potato production. As with the Kennebec and Agria varieties, its skin is smooth and fine. It does however have deep eyes, and it is this aspect that has made it commercially less attractive. As a result, its cultivation is still rather limited.

Nonetheless, this is a variety which – like the Kennebec – has a white flesh and wonderful organoleptic qualities which are revealed above all when boiled. This was demonstrated in the comparative tastings carried out for its assessment. Given that it is an indigenous variety, and given the need to bolster plant genetic heritage, this variety should be admitted for inclusion in the PGI ‘Patata de Galicia’.

(c) Enlargement of the geographical area

The current Product Specification of the PGI ‘Patata de Galicia’ sets out four subzones for production, covering different municipalities in three of the four Galician provinces.

When preparing the first Product Specification, only those municipalities were included in which production intended for placing on the market was significant. The rest of Galicia was thus excluded.

Potato cultivation in Galicia is however distributed in a fairly even way across its four provinces. According to the latest official data for 2014, the number of hectares under cultivation by province are: 6 016 (A Coruña), 4 201 (Lugo), 6 883 (Ourense) and 3 158 (Pontevedra).

The fact that in Galicia a large proportion of potatoes that are grown are consumed by the producers themselves or sold directly to consumers is a reason why only certain areas were included in the area to be covered by the PGI.

However, the soil and climatic features described in the current Product Specification apply to a greater or lesser extent to all districts in Galicia. It should be noted that the subzones listed in the current Product Specification are spread throughout Galicia. These conditions – which apply in general in Galicia – basically consist of a humid climate with rainfall of around 1 000 to 1 500 mm, and even higher, and a dry period in late summer. Temperatures during the plant’s vegetation period are mild, with loamy and sandy-loamy soils and an acid pH (between 5 and 6.5). As stated above, the ‘Patata de Galicia’ is grown throughout the territory of the Autonomous Community, except in high mountain areas where the slopes are too steep for the use of farm machinery.

(d) Increase in the maximum yield per hectare of the Kennebec variety

The per-hectare yield of the Kennebec variety has been rising in recent years in step with the increasing professionalisation of the activity of Galician farmers. Thus presently almost all producers use certified seeds and so achieve bigger and better-quality crops compared to re-using seeds, which was the widespread practice in the past. Another practice that has become widespread is systematic soil analysis and the appropriate use of fertilisers on the basis of the outcome of such analysis, which produces bigger crops.

It is therefore necessary to increase the maximum yield per hectare for the Kennebec variety by about 15 %, i.e. to 25 000 kg/hectare on unirrigated land and 40 000 kg/hectare on irrigated land. These amounts also apply to the maximum yield per hectare for the Fina de Carballo variety. However for the Agria variety somewhat higher yields are set (30 000 kg/hectare on unirrigated land and 50 000 kg/hectare on irrigated land) as this is a more productive variety.

(e) Recommendation on sowing at appropriate seed times

The amendment here is also linked to the high degree of professionalisation now present in the sector. Owners of agricultural holdings have good knowledge of the problems caused by sowing in inadequate soil conditions, and they also know how to resolve this issue. Sowing at appropriate seed times should thus be a recommendation rather than a requirement.

(f) Inclusion of the logo of the Protected Geographical Indication

In line with the current Product Specification, the logo of the Protected Geographical Indication must appear on the labelling of potatoes covered by the PGI ‘Patata de Galicia’. The packaging must also bear a numbered secondary label containing the logo. However, the logo was not included in the Product Specification, even though it had been in use before the registration of this geographical indication at European level, when the product was protected under Spanish national regulations, before Community rules were adopted.

So as to provide information to consumers, and particularly for the purpose of protection and control of the product outside the Autonomous Community of Galicia, it would be appropriate for the logo to be included in the Product Specification. This would also help the competent authorities in their control efforts.

(g) Regulating the use of the geographical indication in products using ‘Patata de Galicia’ as an ingredient

Rules are laid down on the possibility that processed products prepared using ‘Patata de Galicia’ as a raw material may use the words ‘Made with PGI ‘Patata de Galicia’’ pursuant to the Commission Communication on Guidelines on the labelling of foodstuffs using protected designations of origin (PDO) or protected geographical indications (PGI) as ingredients (Official Journal of the European Union C 341/03 of 16 December 2010).

5.2. Headings in the Product Specification affected by the amendments

(a) Description of product

The text of the Product Specification is amended to make references to new varieties that are included.

Thus the text which reads:

‘Potatoes for consumption covered by the ‘Pataca de Galicia’/‘Patata de Galicia’ Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) are defined as potato tubers of the Solanum tuberosum L. species of the Kennebec variety.’

is replaced by the following:

‘Potatoes for consumption covered by the ‘Pataca de Galicia’/‘Patata de Galicia’ Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) are defined as potato tubers of the Solanum tuberosum L. species of the Kennebec, Agria and Fina de Carballo varieties.’

and the text:

‘The specific characteristics of the potatoes for consumption (Kennebec variety) covered by the ‘Patata de Galicia’ Protected Geographical Indication are as follows:

— Shape of tubers: round to oval

— Presence of very shallow eyes

— Appearance of skin: fine and smooth

— Colour of skin: light yellow

— Flesh colour: white

— Texture: firm to the touch, creamy when cooked, substantial in the mouth

— Quality when consumed: excellent, due to its dry matter content and the fact that it retains its colour, aroma and taste when cooked.’

is replaced by the following:

‘Regardless of the variety concerned, the potatoes covered by this geographical indication have a smooth, fine skin and a texture that is firm to the touch, creamy when boiled, and substantial in the mouth. Their quality when consumed is excellent, due to their dry matter content and the fact that they retain their colour, aroma and taste when cooked. The morphological characteristics and colour depend on the variety in question, as summarised in the following table: Kennebec Agria Fina de Carballo Shape Round to oval Extended oval Rounded Eyes Very shallow Very shallow Deep Colour of skin Light yellow Yellow Light yellow Flesh colour White Yellow White ’

Similar changes are made to point 3.2 of the Single Document.

(b) Geographical area

The following portion of text from this heading in the Product Specification:

‘The area of production and packaging of the product covered by the Protected Geographical Indication covers four subzones of the Autonomous Community of Galicia, as follows:

— Bergantiños subzone (A Coruña): comprising the municipalities of Carballo, Coristanco, A Laracha, Malpica and Ponteceso.

— A Terra Chá-A Mariña subzone (Lugo): comprising the entirety of the municipalities of Abadín, Alfoz, Barreiros, Cospeito, Foz, Lourenzá, Mondoñedo, Ribadeo, Trabada, O Valadouro, Vilalba and Xermade.

— Lemos subzone (Lugo): comprising the municipalities of Monforte de Lemos, Pantón and O Saviñao.

— A Limia subzone (Ourense): comprising the entirety of the municipalities of Baltar, Os Blancos, Calvos de Randín, Castrelo do Val, Cualedro, Laza, Monterrei, Oímbra, Porqueira, Rairíz de Veiga, Sandiás, Sarreaus, Trasmiras, Verín, Vilar de Santos and Xinzo de Limia; and the parishes of Coedo and Torneiros in the municipality of Allariz; the parishes of Bóveda, Padreda, Seiró and Vilar de Barrio in the municipality of Vilar de Barrio and the parishes of A Abeleda, Bobadela a Pinta, A Graña and Sobradelo in the municipality of Xunqueira de Ambía.

The agricultural area used for cultivation varies between 500 and 1 000 hectares on an annual basis.’

is replaced by the following:

‘The area of production and packaging of the product covered by the Protected Geographical Indication is the Autonomous Community of Galicia. The surface area sown with these varieties and intended for sale is estimated to be around 1 350 ha.’

Section 4 of the Single Document is also amended. The text:

‘The defined geographical area comprises three subzones within the territory of the Autonomous Community of Galicia: Bergantiños, Terra Chá-A Mariña, Lemos and A Limia.’

is replaced by the following:

‘The area of production and packaging of the product covered by the Protected Geographical Indication is the Autonomous Community of Galicia.’

(c) Proof of origin

Minor changes that are formal in nature have been made to this section of the Product Specification. These derive from the inclusion of new varieties and the enlargement of the geographical area.

Thus the following portion of text:

‘Only potatoes for consumption of the Kennebec variety, grown in suitable parcels (which are healthy and completely disease-free) located in the identified production area and listed in the registers of the Regulatory Council qualify for the ‘Pataca de Galicia’/‘Patata de Galicia’ Protected Geographical Indication. Similarly, only warehouses and packaging plants located in the subzones and listed in the relevant registers of the Regulatory Council qualify for packaging the product covered by the PGI ‘Pataca de Galicia’/‘Patata de Galicia’. The rule that storage and packaging must take place in the identified subzones is a response to the need to conserve the specific characteristics of the product and because the facilities are traditionally located in the districts growing the best-quality product. This means that monitoring can be carried out better and more effectively. Furthermore, the aim is also to minimise possible deterioration of the final quality of the product as a result of transportation (more bumps, inappropriate temperatures, etc.) and unsuitable storage conditions. The Regulatory Council will ensure product traceability through a programme to inspect, check the location of and control parcels sown for production following the annual crop-sowing declaration, in line with the general criteria for product certification bodies laid down in standard EN 45011, and a programme to control and improve quality, taking in the process of product storage, handling, packaging and labelling.’

is replaced by the following:

‘Only potatoes for consumption of the Kennebec, Agria and Fina de Carballo varieties, grown in suitable parcels (which are healthy and completely disease-free) located in the identified production area and listed in the registers of the Regulatory Council qualify for the ‘Pataca de Galicia’/‘Patata de Galicia’ Protected Geographical Indication. Similarly, only warehouses and packaging plants located in the production area and listed in the relevant registers of the Regulatory Council qualify for packaging the product covered by this PGI. The rule that storage and packaging must take place in the identified production area is a response to the need to conserve the specific characteristics of the product and because the facilities are traditionally located in the districts growing the best quality product. This means that monitoring can be carried out better and more effectively. Furthermore, the aim is also to minimise possible deterioration of the final quality of the product as a result of transportation (more bumps, inappropriate temperatures, etc.) and unsuitable storage conditions. The Regulatory Council will ensure product traceability through a programme to inspect, check the location of and control parcels sown for production following the annual crop-sowing declaration, in line with the general criteria for product certification bodies laid down in standard ISO/IEC 17065, and a programme to control and improve quality, taking in the process of product storage, handling, packaging and labelling.’

(d) Method of production

A minor change that is formal in nature has also been made to this section of the Product Specification. It concerns the inclusion of the two new varieties.

Thus the paragraph:

‘Only potatoes for consumption of the Kennebec variety, grown from certified seed or seed for which re-use is controlled on the same farm, in suitable parcels (which are healthy and completely disease-free) located in the identified production subzones and listed in the registers of the Regulatory Council qualify for the ‘Pataca de Galicia’/‘Patata de Galicia’ Protected Geographical Indication.’

is replaced by the following:

‘Only potatoes for consumption of the Kennebec, Agria and Fina de Carballo varieties, grown from certified seed or seed for which re-use is controlled on the same farm, in suitable parcels (which are healthy and completely disease-free) located in the identified production area and listed in the registers of the Regulatory Council qualify for the ‘Pataca de Galicia’/‘Patata de Galicia’ Protected Geographical Indication.’

The relevant amendments are also made to the maximum yields per hectare for each variety. Thus the paragraph:

‘The maximum permitted yield for marketing under the Regulatory Council is 22 000 kg/hectare on unirrigated land and 35 000 kg/hectare on irrigated land.’

is replaced by the following:

‘The maximum permitted yield for marketing under the Regulatory Council is 25 000 kg/hectare on unirrigated land and 40 000 kg/hectare on irrigated land for the Kennebec and Fina de Carballo varieties, and 30 000 kg/hectare on unirrigated land and 50 000 kg/hectare on irrigated land for the Agria variety.’

The requirement on seed times is also amended. Thus the paragraph:

‘Sowing will be carried out at appropriate seed times, alternating every 3-4 years and using certified seed potatoes which have begun sprouting. It is desirable that tubers that have been at 3-4 °C (from shade houses) be exposed to temperatures of 12- 15 °C for a minimum of 20 days.’

is replaced by the following:

‘It is recommended that sowing be carried out at appropriate seed times, alternating every 3-4 years and using certified seed potatoes which have begun sprouting. It is desirable that tubers that have been at 3-4 °C (from shade houses) be exposed to temperatures of 12-15 °C for a minimum of 20 days.’

Lastly, the paragraph on the possibility of occasional irrigation in a number of areas of production (in the current Specification, the district of A Limia) is amended to bring the text into line with the new geographical reality. The wording seeks to extend the possibility of occasional irrigation in the summer to all areas in which this may be necessary (to inland districts with a more continental climate). Thus the paragraph:

‘In farms in Galicia, potatoes are grown traditionally and mainly without irrigation. The subzone containing the municipalities of the district of A Limia, which is one of the subzones for the production of quality potatoes, has a marked continental climate on account of the geographical characteristic of its location inland in Ourense province. Here, rainfall is noticeably lower than the annual average for Galicia and the temperatures in the middle of the year – June, July and August – are markedly higher. Irrigation is required in this subzone so that the crop reaches the end of its growing season in perfect condition.’

is replaced by the following:

‘In farms in Galicia, potatoes are grown traditionally and mainly without irrigation. There are, however, areas that have a marked continental climate on account of their location. Here, rainfall is noticeably lower than the annual average for Galicia and the temperatures in the middle of the year – June, July and August – are markedly higher. Irrigation is required in these areas so that the crop reaches the end of its growing season in perfect condition.’

(e) Link

A couple of changes that are formal in nature are needed in this section. These concern the enlargement of the geographical area. The changes affect both the Product Specification and the Single Document.

These are the changes to the Product Specification:

The paragraph:

‘For reasons of the climate, soil type and careful growing practices found in the production subzones in our Autonomous Community, the product obtained is of exceptional culinary quality.’

is replaced by the following:

‘For reasons of the climate, soil type and careful growing practices found in the identified geographical area, the product obtained is of exceptional culinary quality.’

The paragraph:

‘The climate conditions in the production subzones, in particular the plentiful rainfall (1 000 to 1 500 millimetres per year) and the mild temperatures ensure optimum development of the potato crops without recourse to irrigation, thus enabling the tubers to grow steadily.’

is replaced by the following:

‘The climate conditions, in particular the plentiful rainfall (1 000 to 1 500 millimetres per year, and sometimes more) and the mild temperatures ensure optimum development of the potato crops without recourse – except in the summer in certain areas and at certain times – to irrigation, thus enabling the tubers to grow steadily.’

The paragraph:

‘Loamy and loamy-sandy soils with a pH of between 5 and 6,5 predominate in the production zones and are perfect for this crop. This soil texture allows the tubers to form a fine, uniform skin and means that they are harvested clean, with no need for washing. The slightly acidic pH prevents the occurrence of wart disease or scab (tubers affected by the disease have a rough skin with pustules and are unfit for sale on account of their unpleasant appearance).’

is replaced by:

Loamy and loamy-sandy soils with a pH of between 5 and 6,5 predominate and are perfect for this crop. This soil texture allows the tubers to form a fine, uniform skin and means that they are harvested clean, with no need for washing. The slightly acidic pH prevents the occurrence of wart disease or scab (tubers affected by the disease have a rough skin with pustules and so are unfit for sale on account of their unpleasant appearance).’

The paragraph:

‘This is the case in the four districts or subzones authorised for the production of potatoes certified by the Regulatory Board. In these districts, land is predominantly on low-lying or intermediate-altitude plains, with optimal conditions for potato-growing.’

is replaced by:

‘This is the case in the various districts and areas where potato cultivation in Galicia is concentrated. In these areas, land is predominantly on low-lying or intermediate-altitude plains, with optimal conditions for potato-growing.’

The following changes have been made to point 5 of the Single Document:

In the section describing the peculiarities of the area, the text:

‘Rainfall: there is plentiful rainfall of between 1 000 and 1 500 mm a year in the production subzones, with a dry period in August and September.’

is replaced by the following:

‘Rainfall: there is plentiful rainfall of between 1 000 and 1 500 mm a year in the geographical area, and even more in certain places, with a dry period in August and September.’

And the text on the relief:

‘In these districts, land is predominantly on low-lying or intermediate-altitude plains, with optimal conditions for potato-growing.’

is replaced by the following:

‘The various production areas are found across Galicia but in the main are located on plains and are low-lying or at intermediate altitude, with optimal conditions for potato-growing.’

In the section on the specificity of the product the following sentence has been changed:

‘The Kennebec variety is well suited to our soil, producing tubers with very shallow eyes, a fine, smooth skin and very white flesh.’

is replaced by the following:

‘The Kennebec and Agria varieties are well suited to our soils and produce tubers with very shallow eyes, a fine, smooth skin and very white flesh in the case of Kennebec, and yellow flesh in the case of Agria. Meanwhile the Fina de Carballo is a variety indigenous to Galicia. As a result, it is obviously perfectly adapted to its environment and also produces tubers which are notably fine-skinned, although in this case with deep eyes and white flesh.’

Finally, the following paragraph on the causal link between the geographical area and the product’s quality, its reputation or another characteristic:

‘The natural conditions in the geographical area, in particular the plentiful rainfall in the production subzones and the mild temperatures, ensure optimum development of the potato crops without recourse to irrigation, thus enabling the tubers to grow steadily.’

is replaced by:

‘The natural conditions in the geographical area, in particular the plentiful rainfall and mild temperatures, ensure optimum development of the potato crops without recourse to irrigation, apart from in the summer in certain areas and at certain times, thus enabling the tubers to grow steadily.’

(f) Labelling

The following paragraph in the Product Specification and Single Document:

‘One third of the front of all packages containing the product covered by the PGI must be occupied by the PGI logo and the words Protected Geographical Indication ‘Pataca de Galicia’/‘Patata de Galicia’.’

is replaced by:

‘One third of the front of all packages containing the product covered by the PGI must be occupied by the PGI logo shown below and the words Protected Geographical Indication ‘Pataca de Galicia’/‘Patata de Galicia’.’

Below this text the logo of the Protected Geographical Indication is inserted into both documents.

In the Product Specification the following text is also inserted:

‘The potato variety contained in each package must also be indicated clearly. Processed products prepared using ‘Patata de Galicia’ as a raw material may use the words ‘Made with PGI ‘Patata de Galicia’ if they meet the conditions laid down in the Commission Communication ‘Guidelines on the labelling of foodstuffs using protected designations of origin (PDO) or protected geographical indications (PGI) as ingredients’ (Official Journal of the European Union C 341/03 of 16 December 2010). To effectively monitor use of this wording, operators wishing to avail themselves of it should notify the Regulatory Council for the purpose of establishing an appropriate monitoring system.’

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Pataca de Galicia’/‘Patata de Galicia’

EU No: PGI-ES-02300 – 10.3.2017

PDO () PGI (X)

1. Name

‘Pataca de Galicia’/‘Patata de Galicia’

2. Member State or Third Country

Spain

3. Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1. Type of product

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

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

The product is defined as potato tubers for human consumption of the species Solanum tuberosum L., of the varieties Kennebec, Agria and Fina de Carballo.

Regardless of the variety concerned, the potatoes covered by this geographical indication have a smooth, fine skin and a texture that is firm to the touch, creamy when boiled, and substantial in the mouth. Their quality when consumed is excellent, due to their dry matter content and the fact that they retain their colour, aroma and taste when cooked.

The morphological characteristics and colour depend on the variety in question, as summarised in the following table:

Kennebec Agria Fina de Carballo Shape Round to oval Extended oval Rounded Eyes Very shallow Very shallow Deep Colour of skin Light yellow Yellow Light yellow Flesh colour White Yellow White

The analytical characteristics are: over 18 % dry matter and less than 0,4 % reducing sugars.

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 defined geographical area

As well as the growing itself, storage and packaging must take place in the identified geographical area.

Storage and packaging take place in the identified geographical area in order to conserve the specific characteristics of the product and because the facilities are traditionally located in the districts growing the best-quality product. It should also be taken into account that, during the packaging process, the potatoes are hand-sorted by highly experienced staff with a tradition of handling this product. Furthermore, the aim is also to minimise possible deterioration of the final quality of the product as a result of transportation (more bumps, inappropriate temperatures, etc.) and unsuitable storage conditions.

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

Potatoes for consumption covered by the ‘Pataca de Galicia’/‘Patata de Galicia’ Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) should be sold in packaging that is new, clean and made of materials which allow the product to be properly ventilated, preserved and transported.

Packaging is carried out in homogeneous batches by diameter and origin, the minimum diameter being 35 mm. However, potatoes with a diameter of between 18 mm and the above minimum may be sold under the designation ‘patata menuda fuera de calibre’ (small potato not complying with the size criteria), or another equivalent sales designation.

In sales packages with a net weight of more than 5 kg, diameters are not required to be uniform. In sales packages with a net weight of 5 kg or less, the difference between the largest and smallest potatoes may not be more than 35 mm.

The packaging should have a net content of 15, 10, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 kg, although packs of 20 or 25 kg may exceptionally be used for the catering or hotel sectors or other groups that so request.

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

One third of the front of all packages containing the product covered by the PGI must be occupied by the PGI logo below and the words Protected Geographical Indication ‘Pataca de Galicia’/‘Patata de Galicia’.

Each package must bear a sequentially numbered label issued by the Regulatory Council, with the PGI logo.

4. Concise definition of the geographical area

The area of production and packaging of the product covered by the Protected Geographical Indication is the Autonomous Community of Galicia.

5. Link with the geographical area

Specific nature of the geographical area:

The identified geographical area enjoys favourable climate and soil conditions which ensure the proper development of the crop and the high quality of Galician potatoes.

The specific characteristics of the geographical area of the PGI which are directly linked to the parameters considered optimal for potatoes are:

Climate:

— Rainfall: The identified geographical area has abundant rainfall of between 1 000and 1 500 mm/year and even more in some places. There is a dry period in August and September.

— Temperatures: mild during the development of the potato.

Soils:

Loamy and loamy-sandy soils, with a pH of between 5 and 6,5.

Relief:

The various production areas are found across Galicia but in the main are located on plains and are low-lying or at intermediate altitude, with optimal conditions for potato-growing.

Specificity of the product

The characteristics which make the quality of Galician potatoes special compared with potatoes from other production areas include the following:

— The Kennebec and Agria varieties are well suited to our soils and produce tubers with very shallow eyes, a fine, smooth skin and very white flesh in the case of Kennebec, and yellow flesh in the case of Agria. Meanwhile the Fina de Carballo is a variety indigenous to Galicia. As a result, it is obviously perfectly adapted to its environment and also produces tubers which are notably fine-skinned, although in this case with deep eyes and white flesh.

— Quality parameters: the potato covered by this PGI is slightly floury, has quite a firm consistency, with light to moderate disintegration, and is firm to the touch. Consequently, it is ideal for any type of cooking and is characterised by its dry matter content and its colour, aroma and taste when cooked.

— Analytical characteristics: over 18 % dry matter and less than 0,4 % reducing sugars.

Causal link between the geographical area and the product’s quality, its reputation or another characteristic

The natural conditions in the geographical area, in particular the plentiful rainfall and mild temperatures, ensure optimum development of the potato crops without recourse to irrigation, apart from in the summer in certain areas and at certain times, thus enabling the tubers to grow steadily.

The fact that there is a dry period in August and September, during which soil moisture drops, means that the tubers lose water before harvesting and ripen perfectly, forming a robust and uniform skin, which, together with the drop in water content, enhances their shelf life and culinary quality.

Loamy and loamy-sandy soils with a pH of between 5 and 6,5 predominate in the production areas and are perfect for this crop, as they allow soil aeration, thereby reducing the incidence of diseases such as Pectobacterium spp. or Rhizoctonia solani. This soil texture allows the tubers to form a fine, uniform skin and means that they are harvested clean, with no need for washing. Furthermore, the slightly acidic pH prevents certain diseases such as Streptomyces spp.

As far as the human element is concerned, the traditional practice of abundantly manuring the crop (approximately 25 to 30 tonnes per hectare) should be highlighted and is highly beneficial to the final high culinary quality of potatoes grown under these specific conditions.

Reference to publication of the specification

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

http://mediorural.xunta.gal/fileadmin/arquivos/alimentacion/produtos_calidade/2018/P_Condiciones_Patata_de_Galicia__mayo_2018.pdf

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