EN Official Journal of the European Union C 228/18

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

(2007/C 228/07)

This publication confers the right to object to the application pursuant to Article 7 of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006. Statements of objection must reach the Commission within six months from the date of this publication.

SUMMARY

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘VŠESTARSKÁ CIBULE’

EC No: CZ/PDO/005/0437/23.11.2004

PDO ( X ) PGI ( )

This summary sets out the main elements of the product specification for information purposes.

1. Responsible department in the Member State:

Name: Úřad průmyslového vlastnictví Address: Antonína Čermáka 2a CZ-160 68 Praha 6 Tel. (420) 220 383 111 Fax (420) 224 324 718 E-mail: posta@upv.cz

2. Group:

Name: Zemědělské družstvo Všestary Address: Rozběřice 18 CZ-503 12 Všestary Tel. (420) 495 458 113 Fax (420) 495 458 113 E-mail: sekretariat@vsestary.cz Composition: Producers/processors ( X ) Other ( )

This application derogates from Article 5(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on account of the fact that there is only one producer in the area — a cooperative, and therefore an association of owners. The requirements laid down in Article 2 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1898/2006 are fulfilled.

3. Type of product:

Class 1.6. — Onion

4. Specification:

(Summary of requirements under Article 4(2) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

4.1. Name: ‘Všestarská cibule’

4.2. Description: Shape: regularly spherical or ovate.

Appearance: the contents of each package are uniform; the surface comprises at least two layers of dry skin which cover the fleshy scales, forming a compact onion. The skin must not be moist or mouldy and the onion must not show signs of attack by diseases or pests.

Colour: the skin is golden yellow (it should not be dark brown), and the flesh is white to greenish white.

Taste: typical of onions, delicate, sweet; varying degree of hotness according to the variety.

Odour: sweet, typically pungent onion smell.

Varieties of ‘Všestarská cibule’ grown: Radar, Armstrong, Hyskin, Sedona, Hybelle, Sturon, Baldito, Narvito, Canto, Takmar, Takstar, Wellington, Viktory, Profit, Festival.

4.3. Geographical area: Municipality of Všestary and the surrounding area, including the municipalities of Bříza, Rosnice, Světí, Rozběřice, Neděliště, Sendražice, Máslojedy, Čístěves, Horní Dohnalice, Střezetice and Probluz, in the Hradec Králové region of the Czech Republic.

4.4. Proof of origin: The growing areas, stores and storage boxes, lots and wrapping dates are indicated. Records of purchasers are kept. Each delivery can therefore be unambiguously traced and deliveries are distinguishable from one another. The onions are graded, stored and wrapped within the defined area and cannot therefore be confused with onions grown elsewhere.

An inspector appointed by the producer checks compliance with the specification, focusing in particular on the quality of the seedlings, raw materials, growing methods (schedules, quantities of organic fertilisers, application of fertilisers) and storage conditions. The appearance, quality, wrapping, grading and sizing of the onion are checked daily. One of the main criteria is whether the onion is damaged, moist, mouldy or infected with neck rot. In the storage area, the air temperature and humidity levels are monitored in particular. The results are recorded in the inspection book, which is kept in the files. The following critical points are checked in particular: receipt of harvested onions and entry into storage, eco-roller system — check on the state of the onion and removal of impurities, storage and drying of the onion, transfer to the grading line, grading, sizing, wrapping and labelling, packaging, dispatch and transport. A check is carried out in particular for possible contamination with microorganisms, with chemical substances (mycotoxins, heavy metals) or with mechanical impurities (stones, earth), presence of pests or oil, unsuitable onions which should be removed, contaminated packaging and exposure to freezing temperatures. The grading, wrapping and distribution process has an HACCP certificate.

Weather conditions are attested by data from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Analyses of the soil and of the onions are carried out by accredited external laboratories. Compliance with the specification, quality and compliance with laws, decrees and standards are also checked by the superior inspection body (Státní zemědělská a potravinářská inspekce, see point 4.7.), in accordance with the inspection plan of the competent inspectorate.

4.5. Method of production: ‘Všestarská cibule’ is grown from high-quality hybrid seed and certified seedlings.

Method used to grow ‘Všestarská cibule’: the soil is prepared organically; it is thoroughly ploughed in the autumn; the soil is prepared in the autumn prior to planting; the winter onions are planted; the soil is prepared in the spring prior to sowing and planting; the seedlings are planted and the seeds sown; they are irrigated as required; weeding is carried out; nitrogenous fertilisers are applied; if necessary during the growing period, steps are taken to combat weeds, diseases and pests; the onions are topped and removed from the soil; they are collected after being allowed to dry; the onions are placed in the store; they are checked and impurities are removed on the eco-roller system; they are further dried and aired; they are graded and sized; the onions are wrapped in nets (3, 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 kg) as required by the customer or presented in bulk in boxes of 10, 15, 20 or 25 kg, or possibly in other quantities by agreement; they are labelled and dispatched.

The modern storage facility, which is sufficiently dry and aired, enables onions to be stored for a period of 10 months while preserving their outstanding quality.

Storage and wrapping must be undertaken within the defined area. In this way, damage to the onion during transfer is avoided. This approach also guarantees that the onions are not mixed up with onions grown elsewhere. This coordinated process of growing, storing and wrapping in one place means that the onions do not deteriorate. They are distributed from the defined area as a finished product with the label ‘Všestarská cibule’.

4.6. Link:

Characteristics, link

‘Všestarská cibule’ has four basic positive characteristics, which are linked to the environment and growing method. The unique nature of ‘Všestarská cibule’ derives from the:

— balance of their nutritional parameters,

— high level of iron,

— very high level of vitamin B3 (niacin),

— absence or low levels of harmful substances.

Nutritional parameters — balance

Most of the nutritional parameters of ‘Všestarská cibule’ (formative substances, minerals, vitamins) are balanced, without extremes and correspond to the expected favourable characteristics of an onion. They comprise, for example, potassium, phosphorus and vitamins B1, B2 and B6.

Iron — high level

‘Všestarská cibule’ has a high iron content. According to the USDA — National Nutrient Database, the iron content of onion is 2,1 mg/kg, while ‘Všestarská cibule’ has 2,55 mg/kg, i.e. approximately 25 % more.

Vitamin B3 (niacin) — very high level

The level of vitamin B3 (niacin) contained in ‘Všestarská cibule’ is very high. According to the USDA — National Nutrient Database, the niacin content of onion is 0,116 mg/100 g, while ‘Všestarská cibule’ has 208 mg/100 g, i.e. approximately double.

Absence, or low or very low levels, of harmful substances

A significant feature of ‘Všestarská cibule’ lies in the absence, or low or very low levels, of harmful substances. For example, the level of Cd in ‘Všestarská cibule’ is below 0,03 mg/kg, compared with a standard of 0,05 mg/kg, and the level of NO3 in ‘Všestarská cibule’ is 29 mg/kg, compared with a standard of 1 000 mg/kg. ‘Všestarská cibule’ has been tested for dozens of possible harmful substances and complied with the levels in all cases.

Characteristics, link, environment, growing

The above-mentioned positive characteristics are linked to the environment and, in particular, to the following categories of factors:

— natural conditions,

— history of growing,

— gentle growing method,

— appropriate post-harvest processing.

Natural conditions

The natural conditions in the growing area comprise the landscape, the soil and the climate. The general natural conditions in the defined area are very good for growing onions.

Landscape: The altitude of Všestary is 265 metres above sea level and the growing plots are at an altitude of 245-320 meters. The region is therefore relatively low-lying, with plenty of sunshine. The relief of the landscape is slightly rugged and most of the plots are flat or gently sloping. The character of the landscape favours good moisture retention in the soil. It comprises a broad valley open to the South, in which there are rich layers of soil deposited from the River Elbe.

Soil: The local soils are made up of Quaternary sediments. The oldest rocks are from the Cretaceous formation, which occurs in the form of marl here. All the layers of the marl are, however, covered with deep loess deposits. Loess is the bedrock substratum virtually throughout the area. On these local loesses, as a result of a large number of soil-forming factors, the following genetic soil types have evolved in particular: slightly gleyed brown earth, and black earth. The soils in the defined area meet the best conditions for growing onions — they are warm, deep, moist, and rich in humus and nutrients, with a neutral pH reaction. The high natural humus content is also favourably influenced by the cropping pattern.

In view of their mineral content and pH, the soils are very suitable for growing onions. Dozens of samples of soils on nine plots were analysed and the mineral content (Ca, Mg, K, P) and pH were determined. All the results of the laboratory analyses demonstrated the suitability of the local soils for growing ‘Všestarská cibule’.

Climate: The area has equable climatic conditions.

Temperatures are mild and relatively constant, and the average monthly temperature is 6,9 °C, rising to 13,4 °C during the growing season of April to September.

The average monthly precipitation is 48 mm, with no extreme monthly variations; average monthly precipitation in the defined area is somewhat lower than in the Czech Republic as a whole. During the growing season, 437 mm of precipitation falls, the largest volume of which in the months of June (86 mm), July (83 mm) and August (84 mm).

The area's moderate prevailing winds from various directions contribute to the mild temperatures and help ensure suitable precipitation without extreme variations and aeration of the soil. At the same time, there are no extreme winds to cause excessive drying out of the countryside.

The overall mild climate with slight variations and lower levels of precipitation during the onion's growing season offers favourable climatic conditions for growing onions in the defined area. A fundamental merit of ‘Všestarská cibule’ lies in the fact that it is so little affected by variations in monthly or annual precipitation. The environmental conditions (landscape, climate and soil) help preserve adequate soil moisture even when the precipitation in a particular season or year is poor. Lack of precipitation does not affect the quality or the quantity of the onions produced. In the second half of the growing season the onions prefer a drier soil; in view of the natural conditions, therefore, producers need provide additional irrigation only rather exceptionally in the event of very dry weather.

History of growing

Onion-growing has a long tradition in the defined area. Large-scale onion-growing in Všestary was launched in 1964 by the managers of the then cooperative, taking account of the high fertility of the soil, favourable altitude and the construction of a new irrigation system along the river Elbe. Over the course of year of growing ‘Všestarská cibule’, the producer, its members and workers have identified which methods are most suitable for growing onions in the defined area and have been using those methods for a long time. In view of the high quality of the local onion, the growing tradition has continued until the present day, with good prospects for the future.

The producer is currently a cooperative with 112 members.

Gentle growing method

One of the prerequisites for obtaining the final properties of ‘Všestarská cibule’ also lies in the gentle growing method. The application of fertiliser is carried out on the basis of soil analyses. The soil does not therefore become exhausted and the ‘old soil strength’ is maintained. The mechanically gentle treatment of the soil is highly important. The Terragator has, for example, proved to be very suitable for applying fertiliser; this equipment, on the one hand, allows fertiliser to be dispensed precisely and, on the other, does not compact the soil (using a Terragator is not a prerequisite for growing ‘Všestarská cibule’, while fertilising contributes to the quality). This has a great influence on the permeability of the soil, uptake of nutrients and, therefore, the fertility of the soil. The soil is not damaged, no compaction occurs in the soil substrata, the rootlets of the plants can penetrate more deeply and the plant takes up nutrients even from the substrata. In this way, the soil is kept in excellent condition. In order to keep any environmental damage to a minimum, organic fertilisers are used as far as possible, particularly concentrated stillage and fertilisers prepared by composting with an active air flow, i.e. of the Bioganik type.

Appropriate post-harvest processing

The harvest is carried out during drier weather, so that the harvested onions can be dried directly in the field. The onions are collected by gentle means and carried a short distance to the producer's storage facility; they are wrapped direct from the storage facility and transported to the purchasers.

Through appropriate post-harvest processing (see 4.5), storage and wrapping ‘Všestarská cibule’ retains its natural parameters, which it has acquired from the natural environment in the field and through gentle growing methods. By minimising the distance and time required to transfer the harvested onions to the storage area and wrapping them practically straight from the store, the possibility of mechanical damage or rotting is reduced to a minimum.

The producer has a well-developed HACCP system, which largely eliminates damage to onions, contamination (impurities) and rotting during post-harvest processing. See also point 4.4 Proof of origin.

Awards

The Festival variety of the Všestary onion won an award in 2002 at the Fruit, Vegetables and Nursery-Stock Products Exhibition Hortikomplex Olomouc 2002, where it was placed first as best cultivar of the year.

The number of the entry in the Register of Designations of Origin of the Czech Republic is 181, the date of registration being 14 February 2002.

Link — conclusion

It was pointed out above that the characteristics of ‘Všestarská cibule’ derive from the growing area and from the growing and processing method. In particular, the soil analyses, in which the mineral results are mostly high or good and no results are low, have a direct link with the mineral and vitamin content of ‘Všestarská cibule’, with the good potassium and phosphorus content and especially with the fact that the iron and vitamin B3 content of ‘Všestarská cibule’ are high and very high respectively compared with ordinary onions.

4.7. Inspection body:

Name: Státní zemědělská a potravinářská inspekce, Inspektorát v Hradci Králové Address: Březhradská 182 CZ-503 32 Hradec Králové Tel. (420) 495 454 110 Fax (420) 495 532 518 E-mail: hradec@szpi.gov.cz

4.8. Labelling: —