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

(2019/C 431/14)

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

‘TOMATE LA CAÑADA’

EU No: PGI-ES-0664-AM01 – 12.3.2018

PDO () PGI (X)

1. Applicant group and legitimate interest

Regulatory Board for the Protected Geographical Indication ‘Tomate La Cañada’

Address: Autovía del Mediterráneo, Salida 456 Paraje Los Mayorales, s/n 04130 El Alquián (Almería), España.

Telephone number: +34 637310801.

Email address: miguelangel@elprimertomate.com

The Regulatory Board of the Protected Geographical Indication ‘Tomate La Cañada’ is a non-profit organisation recognised by the competent authority in the Member State as the management body for the quality designation. It represents the operators involved in the production of the protected product. It is run in accordance with democratic principles and represents the economic and sectoral interests involved in the PGI, with special concern for minority interests, thus ensuring equal representation for all.

Furthermore, the Regulatory Board has the legal capacity to submit this amendment application in accordance with national legislation, specifically Article 13.2.a) of Government of Andalusia Law 2/2011 of 25 March 2011 on fisheries and food quality.

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: Legal requirements and graphs and charts

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. Amendment(s)

5.1. First of all, a change is being made to the structure of section B, ‘Description of product’ of the product specification, deleting subsection B.2 in its entirety and leaving the content of subsection B.3. This will become the new subsection B.2, with the title ‘Physico-chemical and organoleptic properties and commercial types’. This new subsection B.2 specifies the physico-chemical and organoleptic properties of each type of tomato, in contrast to the old subsection B.2 which featured properties not set out specifically for each type of tomato. — The following text from subsection B.2 of the product specification and point 3.2 of the Single Document is deleted: ‘The physico-chemical and organoleptic properties of the four commercial types of “Tomate La Cañada” fall within the following ranges: — lycopene content is between 10,8 and 44 mg per 100 g; — vitamin C content is between 62 and 195 mg per 100 g fresh weight; — Lightness of hue (L) is between 38 and 49; — colouring between 2 and 11 on the colour chart scale.’ — The subsection title ‘B.3 Commercial types’ is replaced by ‘B.2 Physico-chemical and organoleptic properties and commercial types’. In conjunction with this amendment, point 3.2 of the Single Document is supplemented with information on the physico-chemical and organoleptic properties for each commercial type of tomato.’. Reasons: The general description of the product has been deleted, it being considered more appropriate to highlight the specific properties of each commercial type listed in section B of the product specification.

5.2. The new subsection B.2 introduces certain requirements for harvesting and analysing the product to enable it to be classified, and the analytical methods applicable for each parameter. The following is added: ‘The physico-chemical and organoleptic properties are those set out in this document, provided that: (1) At the time of picking, the harvested fruit meets the colour parameters defined for each type of tomato; (2) The sample comprises a sufficient number of fruits to provide data which is statistically significant; (3) Lycopene testing is performed straight away, i.e. within 24 hours after harvesting, with the tomato being transported from the field to the relevant laboratory in a refrigerated system. Methods of analysis: Lycopene and tocopherols: use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipment and suitable templates. Lightness of hue: use of a high-resolution spectrophotometer.’ Reasons: Some additional conditions have been incorporated into the sampling procedure to avoid any potential fluctuations in results for the various values depending on the point in time at which the properties of the fruit are analysed, and the analytical methods used have been defined to achieve compliance with Government of Andalusia Law 2/2011 of 25 March 2011 on fisheries and food quality.

5.3. In the new subsections B.2 (point 3.2 of the Single Document) and F.2 (‘Information on the specific characteristics of the product’) (point 5 of the Single Document), the contents of the parameters ‘lycopene’ and ‘lightness of hue’ are adjusted and the parameter ‘Vitamin C’ is replaced by ‘Vitamin E (α-Tocopherol)’. — For the commercial type ‘Redondo Liso’ [smooth round]: The property ‘lightness of hue (L) between 42 and 46,5.’ is replaced by ‘lightness of hue (L) ≥ 35’. The text ‘The vitamin C content of this type of tomato is between 153 and 195 mg per 100 g fresh weight’ is replaced by ‘The vitamin E (α-tocopherol) content of this type of tomato is ≥ 0,40 mg per 100 g fresh weight’. ‘A total lycopene content which varies between 21 and 25,8 mg per 100 g dry weight’ is replaced by ‘a total lycopene content of ≥ 26 mg per 100 g dry weight’. — For the commercial type ‘Tomate Cereza (incluido cóctel)’ [cherry tomato, including the ‘cocktail’ variety]: The property ‘lightness of hue (L) between 38 and 40.’ is replaced by ‘lightness of hue (L) ≥ 35’. The text ‘The vitamin C content of this type of tomato is between 62 and 102 mg per 100 g fresh weight’ is replaced by ‘The vitamin E (α-tocopherol) content of this type of tomato is ≥ 0,30 mg per 100 g fresh weight’. ‘A total lycopene content which varies between 31,6 and 38,4 mg per 100 g dry weight’ is replaced by ‘a total lycopene content of ≥ 26 mg per 100 g dry weight’. — For the commercial type ‘Asurcado’ [ribbed]: The property ‘lightness of hue (L) between 38 and 40.’ is replaced by ‘lightness of hue (L) ≥ 35’. The text ‘The vitamin C content of this type of tomato is between 130 and 155 mg per 100 g fresh weight’ is replaced by ‘The vitamin E (α-tocopherol) content of this type of tomato is ≥ 0,31 mg per 100 g fresh weight’. ‘A total lycopene content which varies between 35,4 and 44 mg per 100 g dry weight’ is replaced by ‘a total lycopene content of ≥ 26 mg per 100 g dry weight’. — For the commercial type ‘Oblongo o Alargado’ [oblong or elongated]: The property ‘lightness of hue (L) between 38 and 40.’ is replaced by ‘lightness of hue (L) ≥ 35’. The text ‘The vitamin C content of this type of tomato is between 142 and 186 mg per 100 g fresh weight’ is replaced by ‘The vitamin E (α-tocopherol) content of this type of tomato is ≥ 0,31 mg per 100 g fresh weight’. ‘A total lycopene content which varies between 10,8 and 13,2 mg per 100 g dry weight’ is replaced by ‘a total lycopene content of ≥ 26 mg per 100 g dry weight’. Reasons: Serious problems have become evident in terms of the PGI meeting the requirements of the product specification, which are based on a study conducted by the University of Almeria, Nutrient composition and antioxidant activity of eight tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) varieties, published in 2009. These requirements are inordinately strict, relying on sampling and analysis being conducted under optimum conditions which are very difficult to reproduce within the context of normal cultivation and marketing practices. First of all, it is practically impossible to attain the requisite levels of vitamin C under the conditions of ripeness which the product specification states the tomato must have attained at time of harvest, as vitamin C levels decrease as the tomato ripens. Also, the specification sets levels of lycopene and lightness of hue far above those usually attained in the geographical area. In any event, the adjusted levels of lycopene and lightness, in accordance with the requested amendment, will still be greater than those found in tomatoes of the same varieties outside the geographical area, as shown below. The maximum values for lightness and lycopene laid down in the specification have been deleted on the grounds that there is no justification for such upper limits, as higher values enhance those characteristics of the tomatoes which give consumers a positive view of their quality and freshness. At the same time, the requirements for both parameters are softened for the reasons explained above. The proposed reduction in the values of both parameters does not entail any significant changes to the typical quality characteristics, nor do they entail any amendments to the organoleptic qualities. Lightness values for tomatoes from the area which are not covered by the PGI most often fall between 25 and 28; these are exceeded in all situations by the commercial types covered. The minimum lightness value for the PGI tomatoes is set at 35. Vitamin C has been replaced by vitamin E (α-tocopherol) content, as the vitamin C level of tomatoes fluctuates drastically depending on the ripening stage. Very high initial levels of vitamin C have been reported for less ripe tomatoes, declining in the final stages of the tomato’s shelf life to 28 mg per 100 g fresh weight (Valle and Rodríguez, 2011). Given this wide variation, vitamin C is not deemed to be a good indicator of quality for tomatoes from a specific geographical area. Tocopherol compounds exhibit more stability as the tomatoes ripen. Small changes in the concentration of these compounds as ripening progresses (between 7,7 and 11,6 µg per g fresh weight) have been reported (Quadrana et al., 2013). Furthermore, vitamin C and tocopherols are interchangeable in terms of their antioxidant capacity; it has long been known that the two types of compound exhibit antioxidant synergism and cooperation (Niki et al., 1987). Tocopherols are therefore considered suitable indicators of the beneficial health properties of the tomatoes, and can be used instead of Vitamin C and are more effective in this regard. Various factors influence the tocopherol content of the tomato varieties, such as the salinity of the irrigation water, the amount of potassium in the nutrient solution, the genetic variety in question, and the special environmental conditions (sunshine, temperature and humidity) peculiar to the area. The tocopherol content of ‘Tomate La Cañada’ is more than the typical average for similar types of tomato outside the geographical area. This is particularly relevant in the case of α-tocopherol, which is the one that has vitamin E activity and is therefore the most significant of the tocopherol compounds from a nutritional perspective. Tocopherol synthesis and high tocopherol levels are also stimulated by osmotic salt stress caused by high electrical conductivity. The typical average α-tocopherol values of ‘Tomate La Cañada’, are between 0,56 and 0,72 mg per 100 g fresh weight, depending on the commercial type chosen, whereas the values most frequently encountered in tomatoes not covered by the PGI are ≥ 0,14 mg per 100 g fresh weight. Therefore the minimum α-tocopherol value for a tomato covered by the PGI is set at 0,30 mg per 100 g fresh weight. The high lightness of hue results from the fruit’s considerable firmness. It should also be taken into account that the value of this parameter depends on ripeness; less ripe tomatoes exhibit higher lightness values. Nevertheless, tomatoes which have already started to turn red, contain a lot of lycopene, exhibit high lightness values and have high α-tocopherol content constitute an exception.

5.4. Subsection F.3 of the product specification, ‘Causal link between the geographical area and the characteristics of the product’, is adjusted to reflect the replacement of the ‘vitamin C’ parameter. The text: ‘The factors affecting the quality and specific characteristics of “Tomate La Cañada” (lightness of hue (L), lycopene and vitamin C) are the irrigation water and the soil as a source of nutrition.’ is replaced by: ‘The factors affecting the quality and specific characteristics of “Tomate La Cañada” (lightness of hue (L), lycopene and tocopherols) are the irrigation water and the soil as a source of nutrition.’ The text:

‘(a) Vitamin C. Irrigation using salt water, as is the practice in the defined geographical area, with the water obtained exclusively from hydrogeological units [an administrative concept comprising a number of aquifers] 06.11 and 06.12 (both extremely saline), increase the concentration of vitamin C. An increase in the electrical conductivity of the irrigation water, which is directly related to the concentration of salts in the water, increases the vitamin C content of the tomato. The intensity of the light in the defined geographical area, and to which the tomato plants are exposed before harvesting, also has a bearing on the amount of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the ripe tomato.’

is replaced by:

‘(a) Vitamin E (α-tocopherol) Various factors influence the tocopherol content of the tomato varieties, such as the salinity of the irrigation water, the amount of potassium in the nutrient solution, the genetic variety in question, and the special environmental conditions (sunshine, temperature and humidity) peculiar to the area. Tocopherol synthesis and high tocopherol levels are also stimulated by the osmotic salt stress caused by high electrical conductivity.’

5.5. The specific reference to the date of planting of the various varieties has been removed from subsection B.2 of the product specification. — For the commercial type ‘Redondo Liso’ [smooth round]: Planting varies between the last week of August and the first week of September for long and short crop cycles and takes place in springtime for short crop cycles. — For the commercial type ‘Tomate Cereza (incluido cóctel)’ [cherry tomato, including the ‘cocktail’ variety]: Planting is from September onwards. — For the commercial type ‘Asurcado’ [ribbed]: Planting is from September onwards. — For the commercial type ‘Oblongo o Alargado’ [oblong or elongated]: Planting is done in the middle of or late in the season. Reasons: The planting date will depend on the weather in a particular year, as well as on new structures with new and more efficient ventilation systems which could result in the start of the cycle being brought forward, while at the same time leaving the characteristics of the tomato intact.

5.6. In section (E), ‘OBTAINING THE PRODUCT’, of the product specification, and in subsection E.1. ‘Growing techniques’, the now-defunct Order of 10 October 2007 has been removed from the list of standards on growing ‘Tomate La Cañada’ and replaced by the Order of 15 December 2015 (currently in force). The UNEGAP standard has also been included. Reasons: The Order of 10 October 2007 approving the Specific Regulation for Integrated Production of Protected Horticultural Crops was repealed by the Order of 15 December 2015 and therefore the reference in the product specification has been replaced. An additional growing standard (UNEGAP) has also been included. This is a system for the certification of good agricultural practices developed on the basis of the requirements of the UNE 155000 standard, which was benchmarked as an equivalent scheme by GLOBALG.A.P. and recognised as a certification standard by the Spanish accreditation body ENAC in March 2014, i.e. after the ‘Tomate La Cañada’ PGI was registered on 9 June 2012.

5.7. Subsection E.2, ‘Stages in the production process’ has been amended to include variables in the handling process depending on the characteristics of the fruit and a resource optimisation policy. The reference to Commission Regulation (EC) No 790/2000 of 14 April 2000 has also been removed. The text: ‘Trusses of tomatoes harvested in the field have particulate debris (dust, bits of leaves, etc.) attached, making it necessary for them to be passed through a washing and drying tunnel. This is done automatically, using machinery designed specifically for this purpose, following which the tomatoes are passed through a washing and drying tunnel.’ is replaced by: ‘If trusses of tomatoes harvested in the field have particulate debris (dust, bits of leaves, etc.) attached, they will need to be passed through a washing and drying tunnel. This is done automatically, using machinery designed specifically for this purpose, following which, if necessary, the tomatoes are passed through a washing and drying tunnel.’ The text: ‘Smaller tomatoes are classified for sale as “imperfect produce”.’ is replaced by: ‘Smaller tomatoes are marketed without the protected geographical indication “Tomate La Cañada”.’ The text: ‘Once the tomatoes have been packaged into cardboard or plastic boxes, palettes are assembled.’ is replaced by: ‘Once the tomatoes have been packaged, palettes are assembled.’ Reasons: The reason for this amendment is to include an element of conditionality: the tomato will not be washed unless this is necessary, thereby avoiding any negative impact on its shelf life and preventing water from being wasted. Selling off non-PGI tomatoes aims to avoid the generation of large amounts of waste in tomato processing plants. We also avoid mentioning the type of packaging, as it will depend on the client’s demands and does not influence the quality and characteristics of the tomato. The reference to Commission Regulation (EC) No 790/2000 of 14 April 2000 has been removed, as it has been repealed.

5.8. Soil conductivity and water values have been adjusted in subsection F.1.2. ‘Specificity of the geographical area: natural factors’ and in point 5 of the Single Document, ‘Link with the geographical area’. The text: ‘Tomatoes with the Protected Geographical Indication must be grown in soils whose conductivity is equal to or greater than 4,5 dS/m. The irrigation water used on holdings where “Tomate La Cañada” is grown comes exclusively from hydrogeological units [an administrative concept comprising a number of aquifers] 06.11 and 06.12. The electrical conductivity of the irrigation water in the defined geographical area of the PGI “Tomate La Cañada” must be at least 2,5 dS/m.’ is replaced by: ‘Tomatoes with the Protected Geographical Indication must be grown in soils whose conductivity is equal to or greater than 4 dS/m. The irrigation water used on holdings where “Tomate La Cañada” is grown comes from hydrogeological units [an administrative concept comprising a number of aquifers] 06.11 and 06.12 and from rainwater. The electrical conductivity of the irrigation water in the defined geographical area of the PGI “Tomate La Cañada” must be at least 2,0 dS/m.’ Reasons: Tomatoes with the Protected Geographical Indication must be grown in soils whose conductivity is equal to or greater than 4,5 dS/m and whose pH is less than 8,5. Nowadays, owing to the generalised use of rainwater, soil conductivity in the region is at least 4 dS/m throughout the growing cycle. This generalised use of rainwater (to protect the aquifers in the area from overexploitation) results in the conductivity of the irrigation water declining slightly, which in turn results in a decline in soil conductivity. This variation does not translate into a reduction in the quality of the tomato – values for lycopene and lightness of hue (L*) remain high. This use of rainwater has been achieved by modernising the systems used in growing the tomatoes, i.e. improving greenhouse design by replacing the original horizontal (flat) roof (which meant the plastic had to be perforated to prevent the structure from collapsing when it rained) with a gabled or multi-tunnel structure. The main advantage of these new structures is the fact that rainwater can be collected and channelled to the irrigation reservoir on the farm, which enables water to be saved.

5.9. Section (I) LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS is deleted. Reasons: This part is deleted, as it is not a requirement for the product specification under the terms of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

5.10. The following figures and tables are removed from subsection F of the product specification: — Figure 1: Lightness of hue (L) values for the four commercial types of ‘Tomate La Cañada’. Figure 2: Vitamin C content of ‘Tomate La Cañada’. Figure 3: Lycopene content of ‘Tomate La Cañada’. Table 1: Soil solution analysis for the various soils in which the tomato is grown. Table 2: Average composition of irrigation water in the different areas. Reasons: The figures and tables have been removed to simplify the product specification, as these merely reproduced the information found in the text in graphic and tabular form. Furthermore, vitamin C is a parameter no longer found in the amended specification, whereas lycopene and lightness of hue are still included, but with other values. The tables been deleted because they contain comparative analytical information on soil and irrigation water from different geographical areas, and such information is more appropriate for a supporting study than a product specification.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘TOMATE LA CAÑADA’

EU No: PGI-ES-0664-AM01 – 12. 3.2018

PDO () PGI (X)

1. Name(s)

‘Tomate La Cañada’

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

Fruit of the tomato plant (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) of the commercial types ‘Redondo Liso’ [smooth round], ‘Tomate cereza’ [cherry tomato] ‘Asurcado’ [ribbed] and ‘Oblongo o alargado’ [oblong or elongated].

— ‘Redondo Liso’ [smooth round]: is intense and very dark in colour, with an intensely green peduncle and an exquisite ripening colour.

The colour grade scale used to determine the state of the fruit ranges from 1 to 13. The red ‘Redondo Liso’ variety is harvested when its colour falls between 7 and 10 on the scale, whereas the green ‘Redondo Liso’ variety is harvested when its colour falls between 2 and 3. This type of tomato has a lightness of hue (L) of ≥ 35. It must display a good degree of uniformity throughout the cycle, its quality remaining very good also under more difficult winter conditions. The tomatoes have an excellent flavour and keep well. They may be from the size categories ‘GG’, ‘G’, ‘M’ or ‘MM’ (between 47 and 102 mm).

The vitamin E (α-tocopherol) content of this type of tomato is ≥ 0,40 mg per 100 g fresh weight.

This type of tomato has a total lycopene content of ≥ 26 mg per 100 g fresh weight.

— ‘Tomate Cereza (incluido cóctel)’ [cherry tomato, including the ‘cocktail’ variety]: the fruit of this variety is distinguished by its flavour, sugar content and crack resistance. It produces trusses which are long and well-divided.

These tomatoes are round and elongated and intensely red in colour. The tomato is harvested and subsequently marketed when the colour grade ranges between 10 and 11 on the colour chart. This type of tomato has a lightness of hue (L) of ≥ 35. The tomatoes are marketed at diameters of between 20 and 35 mm.

The vitamin E content of this type of tomato is ≥ 0,30 mg per 100 g fresh weight.

This type of tomato has a total lycopene content of ≥ 26 mg per 100 g fresh weight.

— ‘Asurcado’ [ribbed]: has ribbed, uniform, dark-coloured fruit, with a very intensely green peduncle and an exquisite flavour.

The tomatoes marketed are from size categories ‘G’, ‘M’ or ‘MM’ and have a diameter of between 47 and 82 mm. The planting date will depend on the weather in a particular year, and for harvesting, the colour grade chosen is between 2 and 3 on the colour chart. This type of tomato has a lightness of hue (L) of ≥ 35.

The vitamin E content of this type of tomato is ≥ 0,31 mg per 100 g fresh weight.

This type of tomato has a total lycopene content of ≥ 26 mg per 100 g fresh weight.

— ‘Oblongo o Alargado’[oblong or elongated]: has fruit which is very uniform, ovoid in shape, of consistent quality and excellent flavour, and is distinguishable from the other types by its less acidic flavour and the fact that it grows on multiple branches forming a fan shape.

These tomatoes exhibit a very attractive ripening colour: a very intense red. They must be harvested when their colour grade falls between 8 and 9 on the colour chart. This type of tomato has a lightness of hue (L) of ≥ 35. Tomatoes from size categories ‘M’ and ‘MM’ (from 47 to 67 mm) are selected to be marketed.

The vitamin E content of this type of tomato is ≥ 0,31 mg per 100 g fresh weight.

This type of tomato has a total lycopene content of ≥ 26 mg per 100 g fresh weight.

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

The specific step which takes place is the cultivation of the tomato.

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

—

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

Any type of packaging in which a tomato with the Protected Geographical Indication is shipped must bear numbered labels issued by the Regulatory Board, on which the words ‘Indicación Geográfica Protegida ‘Tomate La Cañada’’ and the PGI logo for ‘Tomate La Cañada’ must appear.

4. Concise definition of the geographical area

The geographical area where the tomatoes covered by the Protected Geographical Indication ‘Tomate La Cañada’ are produced consists of land located on hydrogeological units [an administrative concept comprising a number of aquifers] 06.11 (Campo de Níjar) and 06.12 (Andarax-Almería). Both units are composed of aquifers affected by salinisation, with predominantly sodium chloride facies. The land irrigated using water from these aquifers is also affected by salinity. These particular aspects of the defined area have an impact on the specific character of the product.

The defined geographical area is located in south-eastern Spain within the province of Almería, hemmed in to the north by large mountain ranges (Sierra Nevada and Sierra de Los Filabres), further to the south by the Sierra Alhamilla and the Sierra Cabrera, and to the west by the Sierra de Gador. To the south and east the area is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea.

The production area contains 22 municipalities, although some of these only partially: Almería, Huercal de Almería, Pechina, Viator, Gador, Benahadux, Rioja, Santa Fe de Mondujar, Santa Cruz de Marchena, Alsodux, Alhabia, Huécija, Instinción, Illar, Alboloduy, Bentarique, Terque, Alhama de Almería, Níjar, Carboneras, Lucainena de la Torres and Sorbas.

5. Link with the geographical area

— Specific nature of the geographical area

Soils: The flat terrain stretching from the fertile plain of the River Andarax (Almería) to the fields of Níjar is composed of alluvial soils. Elsewhere, sand dunes and sandy material predominate, comprising 95 % sand.

These are deep soils which in most cases have developed from limestone, are generally poorly fertile and are subject to intense erosion.

The two groups of soils predominant in the area are calcaric salic fluvisols (very saline soils) and salic cumulic anthrosols, which are also markedly saline, thereby making the soil in which the ‘Tomate La Cañada’ is cultivated conform to the definition of a saline sodic soil.

The soils within the defined geographical area have high electrical conductivity, reflecting the high salinity levels of the majority of soils in the area, as a result of the high proportion of chlorine and exchangeable sodium. Tomatoes covered by the Protected Geographical Indication must be grown in soils whose conductivity is equal to or greater than 4,0 dS/m and whose pH is less than 8,5.

As regards the exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), it may be observed that the ‘Tomate La Cañada’ is grown in soils with higher ESP values (saline sodic soils) than those of soils used for growing tomatoes in other areas. The soils in which the ‘Tomate La Cañada’ is grown have an ESP of more than 15 %. In the other growing areas, the ESP values are lower; in the case of Poniente Almeriense (Western Almería) they are 50 % lower.

Water: Sodium chloride waters, with a high ion content and high electrical conductivity, are used to irrigate the farms. The predominant ions in the irrigation water are sodium, chlorides, sulphates and calcium, such that the Cl– and Na+ ions are found in concentrations of 40 % and 35 % respectively, which are greater than those in irrigation water in the other growing areas.

The irrigation water used in the cultivation of ‘Tomate La Cañada’ has high electrical conductivity, attaining values 70 % greater than those in the other growing areas. Similarly the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) of the irrigation water used for the cultivation of ‘Tomate La Cañada’ is around four times greater than that of the water used in other areas, which also explains why there is a greater amount of exchangeable sodium in the soil in which ‘Tomate La Cañada’ is grown.

The electrical conductivity of the irrigation water in the defined geographical area of the PGI ‘Tomate La Cañada’ must be at least 2,0 dS/m (water which is already considered quite saline and gives rise to significant decreases in production).

Climate and orography: In general, the defined geographical area falls within an area classified in climatic terms as arid (aridity curve from 3 to 6) and subdesert, i.e. the most arid region of Europe, characterised by a lack of frosts and such low rainfall that it can be referred to as an arid desert environment.

The characteristics of this aridity are low rainfall, average annual rainfall ranging between 200 and 400 mm, a high average annual temperature of between 16,8 and 18,3 °C and an atmosphere which is strongly conducive to evaporation.

Rainfall is torrential and irregular from month to month and year to year. These natural conditions, along with the hydrogeological characteristics of the area, explain the lack of surface water, making it necessary to draw continually on groundwater resources.

The high average annual temperature, along with low average annual precipitation, results in strong evapotranspiration and limited drainage, allowing soluble salts to remain in the soil and raising the soil’s electrical conductivity.

Local conditions also have an influence, as the area is hemmed in to the north by large mountain ranges such as the Sierra Nevada and Sierra de Los Filabres, to the south by the Sierra Alhamilla and Sierra Cabrera, and to the west by the Sierra de Gador, which isolates the area from climatic influences from the north and from westerly and northerly winds. The position of the area adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea to the south and east also has an impact.

The district’s position leeward of the northerly air masses, coupled with its latitude and the influence of the Mediterranean, confer on it exceptional thermal conditions. The average annual relative humidity is around 73 %, which remains largely stable throughout the year, not always resulting in condensation. This means that the area has very few foggy days.

Net incident solar radiation: The average number of annual hours of sunshine in the defined geographical area is considerable (3 040), whereas cloud cover is the lowest in Spain, with an average of 35 overcast days a year. The average annual incident solar radiation in greenhouses is 137,58 W/m2.

— Specificity of the product:

Lightness of hue (L) of the tomatoes:

Hunter measuring instruments use the parameters ‘L’, ‘a’ and ‘b’ to simulate a rectangular three-dimensional colour space, based on the theory of opposing colours. Within this space, the ‘Tomate La Cañada’ exhibits an L (lightness) value in excess of 35. The range on the colour chart within which each commercial type of tomato is harvested is as follows:

‘Redondo Liso’ [smooth round]: harvesting at values of between 7 and 10 on the colour chart.

‘Cereza’ [cherry]: harvesting at values of between 10 and 11 on the colour chart.

‘Asurcado’ [ribbed]: harvesting at values of between 2 and 3 on the colour chart.

‘Oblongo’ [oblong]: harvesting at values of between 8 and 9 on the colour chart.

Lycopene content:

The lycopene content is ≥ 26 mg per 100 g dry weight for the four types of tomato cultivated in the defined geographical area and is much greater than that found in the literature for the same commercial types of tomato cultivated in other production areas.

Vitamin E (α-tocopherol) content:

The vitamin E content of the types of tomato grown in the defined geographical area is much greater than that found in the literature for the same commercial types of tomato grown in other production areas.

‘Redondo Liso’ [smooth round]: ≥ 0,40 mg per 100 g fresh weight.

‘Cereza’ [cherry]: ≥ 0,30 mg or above per 100 g fresh weight.

‘Asurcado’ [ribbed]: ≥ 0,31 mg or above per 100 g fresh weight.

‘Oblongo’ [oblong]: ≥ 0,31 mg per 100 g fresh weight.

— Causal link between the geographical area and the characteristics of the product.

The factors affecting the quality and specific characteristics of the ‘Tomate La Cañada’ (lightness of hue, vitamin C content and lycopene content) are the irrigation water, the soil as a source of nutrition (saline sodic soils irrigated with this saline water), and the special environmental conditions peculiar to the area (sunshine, temperature and humidity).

(a) Vitamin E (α-tocopherol)

Various factors influence the tocopherol content of the tomato varieties: the salinity of the irrigation water, the amount of potassium in the nutrient solution, the genetic variety in question, and the special environmental conditions (sunshine, temperature and humidity) peculiar to the area.

Tocopherol synthesis and high tocopherol levels are also stimulated by the osmotic salt stress caused by high electrical conductivity.

(b) Lycopene

Irrigation with saline water increases the lycopene content. An increase in the electrical conductivity of the irrigation water, which is directly related to the concentration of salts in the water, increases the lycopene content of the four commercial types of tomato. Temperatures between 18 and 26 °C favour the synthesis of lycopene (and carotenoids in general). The average of 18 °C attained in the defined geographical area facilitates synthesis of lycopene and thus the high lycopene content of the ‘Tomate La Cañada’.

The synthesis and high levels of lycopene in the ‘Tomate La Cañada’ are also brought about by the osmotic salt stress caused by the high electrical conductivity of the soils in which the tomato is grown.

(c) Lightness of hue (L) of the tomato fruit

The L values, referring to the Hunter Lab colour space, depend on the incident solar radiation, temperature, use of saline water and cultivation in saline soils.

Irrigation using saline water and cultivation in saline soils enhances the fruit’s L value.

It is the chloride ions (Cl–) that most increase the electrical conductivity at equal concentration, followed by the calcium (Ca2+) and sodium (Na+) ions. This explains the greater electrical conductivity of the soils in which ‘Tomate La Cañada’ is grown, as in other areas the Cl– and Na+ concentrations are substantially lower.

A high degree of incident solar radiation and sunny days with between 8 and 16 hours of sunshine are required for the tomato plant to develop well and produce fruit of a uniform colour. The high amount of radiation influences the flowering, fertilisation and vegetative development of the plant by increasing water and nutrient absorption and thus productivity.

The fact that ‘Tomate La Cañada’ is grown in the part of Europe with the most hours of sunshine means that the tomatoes grown in the defined geographical area attain their optimal colour in winter.

Greenhouses are used to protect the fruits from excess light in spring and summer. To carry out photosynthesis, the chloroplasts, which react directly to solar energy, line up perpendicularly to the rays of light.

If the light is very strong (in spring and summer), the use of greenhouses prevents the chloroplasts from arranging themselves in such a way that incident radiation strikes them at oblique angles, which would result in their receiving less light and have an effect on the colour and ripening of the fruit.

The effect of temperature on the colour is also well-known: the average temperatures in the defined geographical area (between 16,8 and 18,3 °C) favour the production of better-coloured tomatoes.

Reference to publication of the specification

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

The full text of the product specification can be found at:

https://juntadeandalucia.es/export/drupaljda/Pliego_Tomate_modificado.pdf

or via the homepage of the Regional Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Sustainable Development (http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/agriculturaypesca/portal), by following the navigation pathway: ‘Áreas de actividad’/‘Industrias y Cadena Agroalimentaria’/‘Calidad’/‘Denominaciones de calidad’/‘Frutas y Hortalizas’; the specification is located under the name of the Quality Designation.

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