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 395/06)

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

‘Volailles d’Ancenis’

EU No: PGI-FR-0167-AM02 - 15.10.2019

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1. Applicant group and legitimate interest

Les Fermiers du Val de Loire Boulevard Pasteur BP 50262 44158 Ancenis Cedex FRANCE Email: fermiersduvaldeloire@terrena.fr

‘Les Fermiers du Val de Loire’ is an association bringing together operators involved in rearing and slaughtering ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ PGI poultry and it is thus entitled to submit this application.

2. Member State or third country

France

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: Applicant group, national requirements, controls

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. ‘Description of product’ section

The following provision in the ‘Name of product – Type of product’ section of the registration document:

— ‘Poulet d’Ancenis [Ancenis chicken] — White chicken (carcase and cuts) — Yellow chicken (carcase and cuts) — Black chicken

— Pintade d’Ancenis [Ancenis guinea fowl] (carcase and cuts)

— Dinde d’Ancenis [Ancenis turkey]

— Chapon d’Ancenis [Ancenis capon]

— Poularde d’Ancenis [Ancenis poularde] — White poularde — Yellow poularde’;

the following provision in point 3.12 ‘Carcase characteristics’ of the ‘Product specification – 3.1 Description of product’ section of the registration document:

‘The minimum weight of eviscerated carcases without giblets must be as follows: Minimum weight: Chicken : 1 000 g Guinea fowl : 850 g Turkey : 2 300 g Capon : 2 500 g Poularde : 1 600 g’,

and the following provision in point 1. ‘Minimum ages at slaughter’ of the ‘Product specification – 3.1 Description of product’ section of the registration document:

‘The minimum ages at slaughter of “Volailles d’Ancenis” free-range poultry are in line with the minimum ages specified in the official technical guidelines drawn up by the Ministry of Agriculture for the “Label volaille” quality marks.’

are being deleted and replaced by the following in the ‘Description of product’ section of the draft product specification:

‘“Volailles d’Ancenis” are birds of the Galliformes order. They belong to different families and include several types of animal:

— chicken, poularde, capon;

— guinea fowl, guinea fowl capon;

— turkey.

They all come from robust, slow-growing strains allowing a long rearing period and slaughter just before sexual maturity, thus ensuring optimal quality (conformation and organoleptic characteristics).’

‘Depending on the type of poultry, the characteristics of the finished products are as follows: Minimum weight eviscerated, without giblets Flesh and skin colour Feet colour Chicken 1 kg Yellow or white Yellow, white or black Guinea fowl 0,850 kg Beige Black Capon 2,5 kg Yellow or white Yellow or white Guinea fowl capon 1,4 kg Beige Black Poularde 1,6 kg Yellow or white Yellow or white Turkey (female only) 2,3 kg Yellow or white Black’

The various provisions are being deleted and replaced by new ones whose form has been revised but that retain the same requirements as regards the minimum weight of the eviscerated carcases without giblets and the phenotypes (‘Flesh and skin colour’ and ‘Feet colour’ columns). The substantive amendment to this section is the addition of guinea fowl capon to the poultry varieties that can come under the ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ PGI.

That bird has traditionally been one of the types of festive poultry reared in the ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ PGI geographical area, and over the years it has become ever more important. For more than 20 years now, between 10 000 and 20 000 guinea fowl enter poultry farms in the region each year and about the same number are sold. This refers to guinea fowl that are castrated and then reared in order to be sold for the end-of-year holidays. The rearing methods and practices are similar to those for ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ capons (castrated male chickens) and guinea fowl. The characteristics of this variety are then described in the same way as for the other authorised varieties, i.e. the phenotypes, minimum weight and the information that it comes from robust, slow-growing strains.

With regard to the list of varieties for which cutting is authorised, the following provision of the ‘Name of product – Type of product’ section of the registration document which identifies the varieties for which cutting is authorised:

— ‘Poulet d’Ancenis [Ancenis chicken] — White chicken (carcase and cuts) — Yellow chicken (carcase and cuts) — Black chicken

— Pintade d’Ancenis [Ancenis guinea fowl] (carcase and cuts)

— Dinde d’Ancenis [Ancenis turkey]

— Chapon d’Ancenis [Ancenis capon]

— Poularde d’Ancenis [Ancenis poularde] — White poularde — Yellow poularde’;

with regard to the authorised ways in which whole birds may be presented, the following provision of point 3. ‘Presentation of product’ of the ‘Product specification – 3.1 Description of product’ section of the registration document:

‘The poultry are presented and sold as whole carcases and as cuts. 3.1. Carcases 3.1.1. Poultry carcases must be presented for sale in one of the following ways: — partially eviscerated; — eviscerated, with giblets; — eviscerated, without giblets.’,

the following provision in point 3.12 ‘Carcase characteristics’ of the ‘Product specification – 3.1 Description of product’ section of the registration document:

‘The poultry carcases must be class A’

are being deleted and replaced by the following provision:

‘Whole birds must be class A carcases.

The classification of poultry cuts does not depend on the classification of the whole carcases, so cuts may come from carcases with slight defects (that do not qualify as class A) but the pieces selected must comply with the presentation criteria for class A.

Whole birds are presented:

— “ready-to-cook” (RTC) (plucked, eviscerated, headless, with or without the tarsal joints), film-wrapped, packaged in a protective atmosphere or vacuum packed;

— “effilé” (plucked, eviscerated, with head, feet and giblets present).

The poultry are sold fresh or frozen.

The giblets (heart, gizzard and liver) are sold fresh or frozen.’

The various provisions are being deleted and replaced by new ones with a revised form. The substantive amendment to this section concerns the possibility of selling cuts of all of the types of poultry coming under the ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ PGI. Permitting cuts of all of the varieties should make it possible to adapt to new consumer habits, as recent market research has shown (Kantar Worldpanel, 2017). This mode of presentation is currently popular among consumers because of its practicality, with 30 % of free-range poultry now being sold as cuts. As is the case for freezing, cutting makes it possible not only to develop market outlets for this poultry in the out-of-home catering sector, but also to develop exports and the use of this poultry in prepared products.

The summary, now presented in the form of a single document, is being amended in point 3.2 to take account of the following amendments. The following provision is being deleted:

‘Description: Poultry carcases or cut pieces with firm flesh and superior organoleptic qualities, slaughtered at an age close to sexual maturity.’

It is being replaced by the following:

‘“Volailles d’Ancenis” are birds of the Galliformes order. They belong to different families and include several types of animal:

— chicken, poularde, capon;

— guinea fowl, guinea fowl capon;

— turkey.

All of the poultry come from robust, slow-growing strains allowing a long rearing period and slaughter just before sexual maturity, thus ensuring optimal quality (conformation and organoleptic characteristics).

They are reared free-range on grassy runs with trees, which is conducive to the natural inclination of these strains to explore their runs.

“Volailles d’Ancenis” poultry are characterised by a plump carcase with well-developed fillets and pronounced fat deposits on the lateral side of the thighs and on both sides of the wishbone.

Depending on the type of poultry, the characteristics of the finished products are as follows:

Minimum weight Flesh and skin colour Feet colour Chicken 1 kg Yellow or white Yellow, white or black Guinea fowl 0,850 kg Beige Black Capon 2,5 kg Yellow or white Yellow or white Guinea fowl capon 1,4 kg Beige Black Poularde 1,6 kg Yellow or white Yellow or white Turkey 2,3 kg Yellow or white Black’

5.2. ‘Geographical area’ section

The following provision of section ‘3.3 Definition of the geographical area’:

‘3.31. Geographical area The geographical area includes the Loire-Atlantique department and the western part of the Maine-et-Loire department (see map). The list of cantons making up the geographical area is as follows: CANTONS IN LOIRE-ATLANTIQUE: ANCENIS VALLET LIGNE VERTOU RIAILLE ST ETIENNE DE MONTLUC ST MARS LA JAILLE SAVENAY VARADES ST NICOLAS DE REDON BLAIN GUEMENE PENFAO CHATEAUBRIANT ST GILDAS DES BOIS DERVAL ROUGE MOISDON LA RIVIERE HERBIGNAC NORT SUR ERDRE GUERANDE NOZAY MONTOIR DE BRETAGNE ST JULIEN DE VOUVANTES LE PELLERIN AIGREFEUILLE SUR MAINE ST PERE EN RETZ BOUAYE PORNIC CARQUEFOU BOURGNEUF EN RETZ LA CHAPELLE SUR ERDRE MACHECOUL CLISSON ST PHILBERT DE GRANDLIEU LE LOUROUX BOTTEREAU LEGE MAINE-ET-LOIRE: CANDE CHOLET LE LION D’ANGERS MONTFAUCON POUANCE MONTREVAULT SEGRE ST FLORENT LE VIEIL CHALONNES SUR LOIRE ANGERS LE LOUROUX BECONNAIS PONTS DE CE ST GEORGES SUR LOIRE VIHIERS THOUARCE TIERCE BEAUPREAU CHATEAUNEUF/SARTHE CHAMPTOCEAUX MONTREUIL BELLAY CHEMILLE’

is being replaced by the following:

‘“Volailles d’Ancenis” poultry are reared from the age of one day until they are removed for slaughter. The poultry farms, meaning both the poultryhouses and the runs, are located in the “Volailles d’Ancenis” PGI geographical area, the perimeter of which incorporates the territory of the following municipalities as per the 2019 Official Geographic Code.

Loire-Atlantique department in its entirety

Maine-et-Loire department:

Full municipalities:

Angers, Angrie, Armaillé, Aubigné-sur-Layon, Avrillé, Beaucouzé, Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Beaupreau en Mauges, Bécon-les-Granits, Bégrolles-en-Mauges, Béhuard, Bellevigne-en-Layon, Blaison-Saint-Sulpice, Bouchemaine, Bouillé-Ménard, Bourg-l’Evêque, Briollay, Candé, Cantenay-Épinard, Carbay, Cernusson, Challain-la-Potherie, Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Chambellay, Champtocé-sur-Loire, Chanteloup-les-Bois, Chaudefonds-sur-Layon, Chazé-sur-Argos, Cheffes, Chemillé en Anjou, Chenillé-Champteussé, Cholet, Cléré-sur-Layon, Coron, Denée, Doué-en-Anjou, Écouflant, Écuillé, Erdre-en-Anjou, Feneu, Grez-Neuville, Ingrandes-Le Fresne-sur-Loire, Juvardeil, La Jaille-Yvon, La Plaine, La Possonnière, La Romagne, La Séguinière, La Tessoualle, Le Lion-d’Angers, Le May-sur-Èvre, Le Plessis-Grammoire, Les Cerqueux, Les Garennes-sur-Loire, Les Hauts-d’Anjou, Les Ponts-de-Cé, Loiré, Longuenée-en-Anjou, Lys-Haut-Layon, Mauges-sur-Loire, Maulévrier, Mazières-en-Mauges, Miré, Montilliers, Montreuil-Juigné, Montreuil-sur-Loir, Montreuil-sur-Maine, Montrevault sur Èvre, Mozé-sur-Louet, Mûrs-Érigné, Nuaillé, Ombrée-d’Anjou, Orée-d’Anjou, Passavant-sur-Layon, Rives-du-Loir-en-Anjou, Rochefort-sur-Loire, Saint-Augustin-des-Bois, Saint-Barthélemy-d’Anjou, Saint-Christophe-du-Bois, Saint-Clément-de-la-Place, Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, Saint-Georges-sur-Loire, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Saint-Jean-de-la-Croix, Saint-Lambert-la-Potherie, Saint-Léger-de-Linières, Saint-Léger-sous-Cholet, Saint-Martin-du-Fouilloux, Saint-Melaine-sur-Aubance, Saint-Paul-du-Bois, Saint-Sigismond, Sarrigné, Savennières, Sceaux-d’Anjou, Segré-en-Anjou Bleu, Sèvremoine, Somloire, Soulaines-sur-Aubance, Soulaire-et-Bourg, Thorigné-d’Anjou, Tiercé, Toutlemonde, Trélazé, Trémentines, Val d’Erdre-Auxence, Val-du-Layon, Verrières-en-Anjou.

Municipalities included in part:

Brissac-Loire-Aubance (territory of the former municipalities of Les Alleuds, Brissac-Quincé, Charcé-Saint-Ellier, Luigné, Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne, Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire, Saulgé-l’Hopital and Vauchrétien), Loire-Authion (territory of the former municipalities of Andard, La Bohalle, La Daguenière and Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire), Morannes-sur-Sarthe-Daumeray (territory of the former municipality of Chemiré-sur-Sarthe), Terranjou (territory of the former municipalities of Chavagnes and Notre-Dame-d’Allençon).

Deux-Sèvres department:

Adilly, Airvault, Allonne, Amailloux, Argentonnay, Aubigny, Availles-Thouarsais, Azay-Sur-Thouet, Beaulieu-Sous-Parthenay, Boisme, Bouille-Saint-Paul, Boussais, Bressuire, Bretignolles, Cerizay, Cersay, Chanteloup, Chatillon-Sur-Thouet, Chiche, Cirières, Clave, Clessé, Combrand, Coulonges-Thouarsais, Courlay, Faye-L’Abbesse, Fénery, Geay, Genneton, Glenay, Gourgé, La Boissière-en-Gâtine, La Chapelle-Bertrand, La Chapelle-Saint-Laurent, La Forêt-Sur-Sèvre, La Petite-Boissière, La Peyratte, L’Absie, Lageon, Largeasse, Le Pin, Le Retail, Le Tallud, Les Châtelliers, Les Forges, Lhoumois, Loretz-d’Argenton, Louin, Luché-Thouarsais, Luzay, Maisontiers, Massais, Mauleon, Menigoute, Moncoutant-sur-Sèvres, Montravers, Neuvy-Bouin, Nueil-Les-Aubiers, Parthenay, Pierrefitte, Pompaire, Pougne-Hérisson, Reffannes, Saint-Amand-sur-Sèvre, Saint-André-sur-Sèvre, Saint-Aubin-Du-Plain, Saint-Aubin-Le-Cloud, Saint-Clémentin, Sainte-Gemme, Sainte-Verge, Saint-Germain-De-Longue-Chaume, Saint-Jacques-De-Thouars, Saint-Jean-De-Thouars, Saint-Lin, Saint-Loup-Lamaire, Saint-Martin-Du-Fouilloux, Saint-Maurice-Étusson, Saint-Pardoux-Soutiers, Saint-Paul-En-Gâtine, Saint-Pierre-Des-Échaubrognes, Saint-Varent, Saurais, Secondigny, Thouars, Trayes, Vasles, Vausseroux, Vautebis, Vernoux-En-Gâtine, Viennay, Vouhé, Voultegon.

Vendée department:

Bazoges-en-Paillers, Beaurepaire, Chanverrie, Cugand, La Bernardière, La Boissière-de-Montaigu, La Bruffière, La Gaubretière, Les Landes-Genusson, Mortagne-sur-Sèvre, Saint-Aubin-des-Ormeaux, Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre, Saint-Malô-du-Bois, Saint-Martin-des-Tilleuls, Tiffauges, Treize-Septiers, Treize-Vents.’

The definition of the geographical area is being amended. This amendment involves extending the geographical area to the south of the current boundary so as to include part of the departments of Vendée, Deux-Sèvres and Maine-et-Loire and removing some municipalities that are not in line with the principles underpinning the definition of the area, as expressed in the section concerned and in the ‘Details bearing out the link with the geographical environment’ section of the product specification in force and the proposed amended product specification. The territories concerned do not meet the criteria for the defined geographical area primarily because they are not predominantly characterised by combined mixed cropping and livestock rearing in a bocage landscape, but are instead essentially wine-growing areas.

It should be borne in mind that the criteria for the definition of the ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ PGI geographical area are primarily natural factors (the area is made up of catchment areas draining into the Loire, from its mouth to the Loir Valley north of Angers, the geological basement is part of the Armorican Massif, the oceanic climate is both mild and damp in winter and quite warm and sunny in summer, without major drought) and to a lesser degree human factors that appear to play a decisive role (the significance of farming systems which combine mixed cropping and livestock rearing and of which poultry production is part, the bocage-type landscape throughout the defined area, the major presence of holdings rearing poultry, and the history of the ‘Les Fermiers du Val de Loire’ group which steers, organises and structures the poultry sector within this area).

This amendment thus gives a geographical area which is more coherent and is in line with the criteria underpinning the link between ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ PGI and the geographical area.

Lastly, the form of the ‘Geographical area’ section is also being significantly revised. When the product specification was drafted, a list of cantons was chosen over a list of municipalities. As the boundaries and names of cantons change more frequently than those of municipalities, the French authorities have decided to include a list of municipalities in the product specification rather than lists of cantons. This amendment to the text has no impact on the definition for much of the geographical area.

In summary, the ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ PGI geographical area is being amended and reorganised as follows:

— Addition of 97 municipalities in the Deux-Sèvres department;

— Addition of 17 municipalities in the Vendée department;

— Removal of 13 municipalities in the Maine-et-Loire department located in the Saumur region.

Farmers in this large bocage region share agricultural practices typical of holdings combining mixed cropping and livestock rearing. It has a mild, oceanic climate that allows the poultry to venture outside early in winter. These climate criteria correspond in all respects to the climate of the Armorican Massif.

Accordingly, the municipalities in the Maine-et-Loire department are being removed because they are located in the Paris Basin, have the characteristics of that environment and have different modes of production (vineyards, cereal crops, etc.).

The summary, now presented in the form of a single document, is being amended in section ‘4. Concise definition of the geographical area’ to take account of the amendments outlined above.

The following provision of the summary:

‘c) Geographical area: Loire-Atlantique department and the western part of Maine-et-Loire department.’

is being deleted. In order to prevent the single document from being excessively long while ensuring that it is precise, a list specifying one department and various cantons has been preferred to a list of municipalities whenever the cantons or department concerned are included in their entirety. The nomenclature of the proposed geographical area differs between the draft product specification and the single document but its boundaries are identical.

The following provision of section ‘3.3 Geographical area’:

‘3.32. This geographical area corresponds to the river basin of the lower Loire. The Loire bisects the geographical area defined in 3.31. Starting from Angers, the main tributaries of the lower Loire are as follows: 1. Right-bank tributaries: — the Maine, together with the Mayenne, Sarthe and Loir which flow into it; — the Erdre. 2. Left-bank tributaries: — the Layon; — the Evre; — the Divatte; — the Sèvre Nantaise, together with the Petite Moine which flows into it; — the Acheneau. Also present are the Brière marshes to the north of the Loire (north of Saint-Nazaire), the Petit Mars marshes (north of Nantes) and lake Grand-Lieu (south of Nantes). 3.33. This geographical area has a particularly mild and damp climate. The western boundary of the geographical area is formed by the Atlantic Ocean (map in Annex 1). Beyond Angers, the river influences the climatic conditions of the river basin (the influence of the tides can be observed on the banks of the river more than 80 km upstream of the mouth). This particularly damp climate is characteristic of the geographical area. Indeed, Joachim du Bellay (1522-1560), who was born in Lire, 3 km south of Ancenis, evoked “the mildness of Anjou” (“la douceur angevine”) in his poem “Regrets du Pays Natal” [“Nostalgia for one’s native land”]. The map “Régions climatiques de France” [“Climate regions of France”] in Annex 2, which is taken from the book “Le Climat de France” [“The Climate of France”] by Raymond Arlery, reveals the uniform relief of the geographical area described and the significant homogeneity of its climate owing to the influence of the ocean (with the influence of the river and its tributaries pushing the climate transition eastwards, beyond Angers).’

and the following provision of section ‘3.3 Geographical area’:

‘3.35. The uniformity and coherence of the defined geographical area are thus based on the following main elements: 1. A geographical area based around a major river: Starting from Angers, the Loire divides the geographical area into two practically equal parts. 2. The Loire and its many tributaries make up a dense river network constituting the river basin of the lower Loire. 3. The Loire and the dense river network mean that the maritime influence reaches deep into the defined geographical area and gives it a uniform climate (i.e. particularly mild and damp). 4. All the poultry farms and slaughterhouses are located in the defined geographical area.’

are being replaced by the following:

‘Concise geographical presentation of the area: The “Volailles d’Ancenis” PGI geographical area covers the entire lower Loire Valley from the mouth of the river to the Loir Valley to the north of Angers and the Sèvre Nantaise Valley to the south. The landscape is undulating and has a rather dense network of rivers that are drained by the Loire. In geological terms, the area is situated in the lower part of the Armorican Massif. The area is also one of the bocage regions of France, with a high density of hedgerows where the European oak features heavily.’

The current provisions of the ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ product specification appear to be highly detailed and repetitive insofar as the same details are repeated a number of times in close proximity to each other. The proposed wording allows the key elements of the description of the geographical area to be retained in a concise manner. What is more, many of these details regarding the description of the characteristics of the geographical area that have a link with the product are included in the proposed wording for the ‘Details bearing out the link with the geographical environment’ section of the proposed product specification.

The following provision is being deleted:

‘3.34. The “Volailles d’Ancenis” poultry farms are all situated in the geographical area defined in 3.31. NB: OTHER BUSINESSES SITUATED IN THE GEOGRAPHICAL AREA SLAUGHTERHOUSES: ETS GICQUEL La Charlotte 44540 ST MARS LA JAILLE (15 km north of Ancenis) ETS PROVOLOIRE Zone de l’Hermitage 44150 ANCENIS FEED PLANT: LA CANA La Noëlle 44150 ANCENIS HATCHERIES: ETS GRELIER La Bohardière 49290 ST LAURENT DE LA PLAINE (20 km south-west of Angers) Ets GAUGUET 44540 LE PIN (20 km north of Ancenis)’

That section sets out the businesses (besides poultry farms) situated in the geographical area at the time of the application for recognition of ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ as a PGI. It does not lay down any requirements and is no longer up-to-date. Its deletion thus serves only to update the text.

5.3. ‘Proof of origin’ section

The traceability provisions that were present in the product specification were limited to monitoring of the label number by the control body, covering some partial information in the product specification.

They are being replaced by provisions concerning the following:

— Identification procedures are being introduced for operators wishing to participate in any stage of production of ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ (farmers and slaughterhouses).

— A traceability system that makes it possible to guarantee to consumers that ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ conforms to the characteristics certified by the PGI. Traceability consists in keeping necessary and sufficient information to trace the origin and composition of the product throughout the stages in its production, processing and distribution. Origin is guaranteed through product identification and through a system of upstream and downstream traceability.

— The system identifies and, using a table, summarises the documents and records required and the minimum information expected at each stage of the product life cycle (hatching, rearing, removal for slaughter, receipt, slaughter, packaging, cutting). These documents must be available to inspectors.

This new, more complete wording strengthens product traceability.

5.4. ‘Method of production’ section

The following provision is being deleted from the product specification:

‘3.2. Method of production Products eligible for the “Volailles d’Ancenis” Protected Geographical Indication must comply in all respects with (x): — Specifications of Regulation (EEC) No 1538/91, as amended by that of 22 October 1993 (281/93), on the use on labels of the term “Traditional free range”. — Technical guidelines drawn up by the French Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for the “Label” quality marks, which specify the minimum criteria to be met in order to obtain the following “Label Avicole” quality marks: — Broiler — Broiler cuts — Guinea fowl — Guinea fowl cuts — Turkey — Poularde — Capon Technical regulations for the “Label Avicole” quality marks kept by the association Sèvre et Loire Qualité, which are available for consultation at its offices and bear the following reference numbers: — White free-range chicken No 08-76 + addendum on cuts — Black free-range chicken No 04-80 — Yellow free-range chicken No 14-87 + addendum on cuts — Black free-range turkey No 04-86 — Free-range guinea fowl No 60-88 + addendum on cuts — Free-range capon No 29-89 — White free-range poularde No 12-91 — Yellow free-range poularde No 13-91’

It is being replaced by the following:

‘5.1. Strains used Robust, slow-growing strains are used. The poultry are thus adapted to a long rearing period and to being reared free-range, and they make best use of their runs. The strains selected to produce “Volailles d’Ancenis” make it possible to obtain poultry with the following phenotypes: Poultry type Phenotype White chicken, white capon, white poularde Red plumage, white feet and skin Yellow chicken, yellow capon, yellow poularde Red plumage, yellow feet and skin Black chicken Black plumage, black feet and white skin Guinea fowl, guinea fowl capon Grey to black barred plumage; Tarsal joints that are dark to a greater or lesser extent Turkey Black plumage, white skin Black plumage, yellow skin Bronze-coloured plumage, white skin’

This amended wording makes it possible to keep the same details regarding the phenotypes of the poultry eligible for the ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ PGI while also giving details for capons, guinea fowl and turkeys. A description of the phenotype is also being added for guinea fowl capons, the phenotype of which is the same as for guinea fowl. This amended wording also makes it possible to delete the reference numbers of the ‘Label Rouge’ quality mark specifications formerly associated with ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’, the majority of which are in fact no longer valid.

The following section 5.2 ‘Rearing method’ has been added to the draft product specification:

‘5.2. Rearing method “Volailles d’Ancenis” poultry are free-range: they have access to a run at a specified age. The minimum age at slaughter is also set for each poultry type. The houses are thus equipped with popholes that are open from 9 a.m. until nightfall. Maximum age of first access to the run Minimum age at slaughter Chicken 37 From the 37th day to the 42nd day, adjusted hours are possible in winter 81 Guinea fowl 56 94 Capon 42 150 Guinea fowl capon 56 150 Poularde 42 120 Turkey 56 140’

The following section 5.3 ‘Poultryhouses and runs’ is being added to the draft product specification:

‘5.3. Poultryhouses and runs The poultry are reared in small houses of 400 m2 maximum, except for turkeys where the maximum is 500 m2. The houses are bright and have popholes giving the poultry access to the run, with a ratio of at least 4 m of popholes per 100 m2 of floor space. A maximum stocking density must be complied with for each type of poultry: Maximum number of animals/m2 Chicken 11 Guinea fowl 13 Turkey 6,25

Maximum number of animals/m2 in the house from entry until the date of partial removal Maximum number of animals m/2 in the house from the date of partial removal until the minimum age at slaughter (1) Capon 11 6,25 Guinea fowl capon 13 10 Poularde 11 9 Partial removal or thinning: practice of dividing a batch of poultry being reared in a longer production chain. (1) The period between the date of partial removal and the minimum age at slaughter must not be less than: — 58 days for capons; — 49 days for guinea fowl capons; — 28 days for poulardes. From the 35th day of rearing, wheat is scattered every day onto the litter in houses for chickens, capons and poulardes (at least 250 kg/house of 400 m2/batch). On the 42nd day of rearing at the latest, perches are installed in houses for chickens and guinea fowl: the total length of the perches made available to the poultry is a minimum of 128 m per house of 400 m2. At the same time, the animals are provided with objects to peck on, such as strings. The size of the run must be sufficient to provide “Volailles d’Ancenis” with a minimum area for each type of poultry: Minimum run area per animal Chicken 2 m2 Guinea fowl 2 m2 Turkey 6 m2

Minimum run area per animal from entry until the date of partial removal Minimum run area per animal from the date of partial removal until the minimum age at slaughter (1) Capon 2 m2 4 m2 Guinea fowl capon 2 m2 3 m2 Poularde 2 m2 3 m2 Partial removal or thinning: practice of dividing a batch of poultry being reared in a longer production chain. (1) The period between the date of partial removal and the minimum age at slaughter must not be less than: — 58 days for capons; — 49 days for guinea fowl capons; — 28 days for poulardes. The run is situated outside the animals’ popholes, has a minimum of 200 linear metres of hedgerows or the equivalent in trees based on their shadow cast on the ground.’

The following section 5.4 ‘Feed’ has been added to the draft product specification:

‘5.4. Feed The feed of “Volailles d’Ancenis” poultry is 100 % composed of plants, minerals and vitamins, with at least 70 % cereals and products derived therefrom, excluding additives. At least 12 % of the cereals are in the form of whole wheat for the entire fattening period (after 28 days), which helps the birds’ gizzards to function properly and thus facilitates digestion. Products derived from cereals represent at most 15 % of the total quantity of cereals and products derived therefrom. The maximum total fat content of the feed is 6 %. The different categories of raw materials that can make up the feed are as follows: — Cereal grains and products derived therefrom; — Oil seeds, oil fruits, and products derived therefrom; As regards vegetable oils, only crude and refined oils are used; — Legume seeds and products derived therefrom; — Tubers, roots and products derived therefrom; — Other seeds and fruits and products derived therefrom, e.g. grapes and products derived therefrom; — Forages and roughage, and products derived therefrom, e.g. lucerne and products derived therefrom; — Other plants, algae and products derived therefrom; — Minerals and products derived therefrom; — Fermentation (by-)products from micro-organisms: brewer’s yeasts that have been inactivated or killed, grown on substrates of vegetable origin; — Other: Products from the processing of plants, products from the processing of spices and seasonings; — Products from the processing of herbs.’

The addition of the sections 5.2 ‘Rearing method’, 5.3 ‘Poultryhouses and runs’ and 5.4 ‘Feed’ to the product specification makes it possible to enshrine the actual working practices of ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ PGI poultry farmers and thus ensure rigorous oversight of those practices.

The practices are in line with the elements underpinning the specific characteristics of the geographical area and with the specific characteristics of the product, namely the use of slow‐growing strains which allows the animals to explore their runs, the existence of runs that reflect the bocage character of the landscape (presence of hedgerows and trees, dense river network), and a diet that is strongly based on the cereals made available by the fact that these poultry farms are situated in an area where mixed cropping is combined with livestock rearing and where wheat plays an important role in the feed. Moreover, these cereals are distributed in part by being scattered in the poultryhouses. Lastly, the mild climate allows the poultry to venture out onto the runs earlier than other free-range poultry.

The provision that slaughter is carried out in the geographical area is being deleted:

‘All poultry farms and slaughterhouses are located in the defined geographical area.’

The requirement for slaughter to take place in the geographical area is being removed because it seems that more and more slaughterhouses are closing down. There are currently several slaughterhouses in the geographical area, but the situation might change in the next few years and operators would face difficulties.

The following provisions are being added:

‘5.5. Conditions for removing and transporting the poultry The poultry’s feed is withdrawn at least five hours prior to their removal from the farm so as to ensure that their digestive tract is as clean as possible. Transport from the farm to the slaughterhouse must not exceed three hours so as to guarantee the animals’ welfare. 5.6. Waiting time before slaughter In order to give the poultry a period of rest following transport, there is a waiting period of at least 30 minutes.’

These provisions make it possible to ensure compliance with the minimum animal welfare conditions that have an impact on the characteristics of the product.

5.5. ‘Link’ section

The product specification in force outlines the link in numerous sub-sections. These have been entirely re-written in the section of the product specification entitled ‘Details bearing out the link with the geographical environment’ in order to more clearly demonstrate the link between ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ and its geographical area, without any substantive changes being made. The link between the geographical area and the product is based on the reputation and specific characteristics of the product. The reputation and renown of the product name have developed over time thanks to the characteristics of the environment (the bocage landscape, the dense river network in the area, the mild climate) and characteristics linked to the know-how of the operators (early exit of the animals onto the runs, feed, vegetation on the runs).

This section is introduced by a paragraph specifying the basis for the link to the geographical origin: ‘The link to the origin of “Volailles d’Ancenis” is based on its reputation and on the product’s specific characteristics linked to the know-how of the poultry farmers.’

The section is then divided into three parts:

— The ‘Specific characteristics of the geographical area’ part outlines the natural factors, stressing the undulating landscape of the geographical area, the dense river network in the area, the highly variable soils overlaid on a common geological basement – the Armorican Massif – which means that different parcels have different uses, a mild climate, the presence of minerals in the form of grit in the soils, and human know-how in the generous distribution of cereals to poultry and in shaping the land into a bocage landscape.

— The ‘Specific characteristics of the product’ section stresses the product’s particular characteristics (plump carcase with well-developed fillets and pronounced fat deposits on the lateral side of the thighs and on both sides of the wishbone).

— Lastly, the ‘Causal link’ part explains the interactions between the natural and human factors and the product, namely a line of poultry production that has been developed by making the most of: — the highly variable quality of the soils (cereal production and meadows in very close geographical proximity); — a mild climate (allowing the poultry to venture out onto the runs particularly early); — the presence of large numbers of hedgerows (which protect the poultry from predators and wind, provide natural perches, ensure that there are insects and grit and, by being present, encourage the poultry to explore their runs); — the use of slow-growing, robust strains; — a diet based on a high degree of cereal use; — poultry with a plump conformation, well-developed fillets and pronounced fat deposits on the lateral side of the thighs and on both sides of the wishbone.

All of these factors have helped ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ to win a reputation first at regional level (Ancenis poultry market) and then nationally (prizes at the Concours Général Agricole).

For the reasons mentioned above, point (f) ‘Link’ of the summary has been replaced by point 5 ‘Link with the geographical area’ in the single document.

5.6. ‘Labelling’ section

The following provision of the product specification:

‘Any label affixed to products coming under the “Ancenis” Protected Geographical Indication must first be approved:

1) by Sèvre et Loire Qualité’s Certification Committee;

2) by the National Commission for Quality Marks and Conformity Certification.

The wordings on labels must be in line with the compulsory and specific wordings for products with quality marks, as set out in the official technical guidelines drawn up by the Ministry of Agriculture for the “Label Avicole” quality marks.’

is being deleted insofar as all of the information in this point of the product specification is out-of-date, since:

— the name of the certification body responsible for controls (Sèvre et Loire Qualité’s Certification Committee) has since been changed and it does not appear appropriate to retain such information on labelling;

— the organisational structure of the French authorities responsible for investigating official origin marks (National Commission for Quality Marks and Conformity Certification) has been changed and that body no longer exists. As in the previous point, it does not appear appropriate to retain such information on labelling;

— lastly, the official technical guidelines drawn up by the Ministry of Agriculture for the ‘Label Avicole’ quality marks no longer exist, and it no longer appears appropriate to link a PGI product specification with a separate national document.

The provision:

‘The Geographical Indication will be given on the label, preceded by the product name.’

is being replaced by the following in the product specification:

‘Besides the compulsory wordings required by the rules on the labelling and presentation of foodstuffs, labels must include:

— the registered product name “Volailles d’Ancenis”;

— the European Union’s PGI symbol in the same visual field.’

In addition, the wordings in point (h) ‘Labelling’ of the summary are being deleted and are therefore not included in point 3.6 of the single document.

5.7. Other

- Applicant group:

The following provision of the product specification is being deleted:

‘1. INFORMATION ON THE APPLICANT GROUP 1.1. Name: Les Fermiers d’Ancenis 1.2. Address: 276, bd Schuman 44150 Ancenis, France Telephone: Fax +33 40988954 +33 40960110 1.3. Legal form: Association regulated by the Law of 21 March 1884, established on 17 October 1975 1.4. Composition: 225 member producers of “Volailles d’Ancenis” as at 31 December 1994’

It is being replaced by the following:

‘Applicant group: Les Fermiers du Val de Loire Boulevard Pasteur - BP 50262, 44158 Ancenis Cedex, France Tel. +33 240988252 Fax +33 240831500 Email: fermiersduvaldeloire@terrena.fr Association under the Law of 1901’

This amendment is an update to the group’s details.

This amendment to the specification does not affect the single document.

- Control bodies:

In accordance with national guidelines aimed at harmonising how specifications are drafted, the name and contact details of the certification body are being deleted. This section will now give the contact details of the competent control authorities at national level, the National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO) and the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF). The name and contact details of the certification body can now be consulted on the INAO website and the European Commission’s database.

This amendment to the specification does not affect the single document.

- National requirements:

The main points to be checked are being added to the section on national requirements, in accordance with the national legislation in force.

This amendment to the specification does not affect the single document.

- Controls:

The current product specification includes a specific section on controls on the provisions of the specification, which could be seen as being equivalent to a control plan. In line with the current requirements on controls, all of these elements are being deleted from the product specification. A separate control plan has been drawn up and will make it possible to ensure oversight of the proposed product specification in its entirety.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘VOLAILLES D’ANCENIS’

EU No: PGI-FR-0167-AM02 - 15.10.2019

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1. Name(s) [of PDO or PGI]

‘Volailles d’Ancenis’

2. Member State or third country

France

3. Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1. Type of product [listed in Annex XI]

Class 1.1. Fresh meat (and offal)

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

‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ are birds of the Galliformes order. They belong to different families and include several types of animal:

— chicken, poularde, capon;

— guinea fowl, guinea fowl capon;

— turkey.

All of the poultry come from robust, slow-growing strains allowing a long rearing period and slaughter just before sexual maturity, thus ensuring optimal quality (conformation and organoleptic characteristics).

They are reared free-range on grassy runs with trees, which is conducive to the natural inclination of these strains to explore their runs.

‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ poultry are characterised by a plump carcase with well‐developed fillets and pronounced fat deposits on the lateral side of the thighs and on both sides of the wishbone.

Depending on the type of poultry, the characteristics of the finished products are as follows:

Minimum weight Flesh and skin colour Feet colour Chicken 1 kg Yellow or white Yellow, white or black Guinea fowl 0,850 kg Beige Black Capon 2,5 kg Yellow or white Yellow or white Guinea fowl capon 1,4 kg Beige Black Poularde 1,6 kg Yellow or white Yellow or white Turkey 2,3 kg Yellow or white Black

3.3. Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

The feed of ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ poultry is 100 % composed of plants, minerals and vitamins, with at least 70 % cereals and products derived therefrom. At least 12 % of the cereals are in the form of whole wheat for the entire fattening period (after 28 days), which helps the birds’ gizzards to function properly and thus facilitates digestion.

Cereal by-products must not represent more than 15 % of the total ration. The maximum total fat content of the feed is 6 %.

The different categories of raw materials that can make up the feed are as follows:

— Cereal grains and products derived therefrom;

— Oil seeds, oil fruits, and products derived therefrom;

As regards vegetable oils, only crude and refined oils are used;

— Legume seeds and products derived therefrom;

— Tubers, roots and products derived therefrom;

— Other seeds and fruits and products derived therefrom, e.g. grapes and products derived therefrom;

— Forages and roughage, and products derived therefrom, e.g. lucerne and products derived therefrom;

— Other plants, algae and products derived therefrom;

— Minerals and products derived therefrom;

— Fermentation products and by-products from micro-organisms: brewer’s yeasts that have been inactivated or killed, grown on substrates of vegetable origin;

— Other: — Products from the processing of plants; — Products from the processing of spices and seasonings; — Products from the processing of herbs.

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

‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ poultry are reared in the defined geographical area from the age of one day until they are removed for slaughter.

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

‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ poultry is sold as whole birds or as cuts, fresh or frozen.

Whole birds must be class A carcases. Cuts may come from class B carcases but the pieces sold must be class A.

Carcases are presented:

— ‘ready-to-cook’ (RTC) (plucked, eviscerated, headless, with or without the tarsal joints), film-wrapped, packaged in a protective atmosphere or vacuum packed;

— ‘effilé’ (plucked, eviscerated, with head, feet and giblets present).

The giblets (heart, gizzard and liver) are sold fresh or frozen.

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

—

4. Concise definition of the geographical area

List of the cantons and municipalities making up the ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ PGI geographical area:

Loire-Atlantique department in its entirety

Maine-et-Loire department:

Cantons:

Angers 1;

Angers 2;

Angers 3;

Angers 4;

Angers 5;

Angers 7 except for the former territory of the delegated municipalities of Bauné and Corné (municipality of Loire-Authion) as well as La Ménitré - Beaupréau - Chalonnes-sur-Loire - Chemillé-Melay except for the former territory of the delegated municipality of Martigné-Briand (municipality of Terranjou);

Cholet 1;

Cholet 2;

La Pommeraye;

Ponts-de-Cé except for the former territory of the delegated municipalities of Chemellier and Coutures (municipality of Brissac-Loire-Aubance);

Saint Macaire-en-Mauges;

Tiercé except for the municipalities of Baracé, Durtal, Étriché, Les Rairies, Montigné-les-Rairies and the former territory of the delegated municipalities of Daumeray and Morannes (municipality of Morannes-sur-Sarthe-Daumeray).

Municipalities: Angers (part of the canton of Angers 6) - Montreuil-sur-Loir - Rives-du-Loir-en-Authion - Saint-Barthélemy-d’Anjou - Verrières-en-Anjou.

Deux-Sèvres department:

Cantons:

Bressuire;

Cerizay;

La Gâtine except for the municipalities of Doux, La Ferrière-en-Parthenay, Fomperron, Mazières-en-Gâtine, Oroux, Pressigny, Saint-Germier, Saint-Georges-de-Noisne, Saint-Marc-la-Lande, Thénezay and Verruyes;

Mauléon;

Parthenay;

Thouars except for the municipality of Louzy.

Municipalities: Airvault, Argenton-l’Eglise, Availles-Thouarsais, Bouillé-Loretz, Boussais, Coulonges-Thouarsais, Glénay, Louin, Luché-Thouarsais, Luzay, Maisontiers, Pierrefite, Sainte-Gemme, Saint-Loup-Lamaire, Saint-Varent, Tessonnière, Val-en-Vigne.

Vendée department:

Canton:

Mortagne-sur-Sèvre;

Municipalities: Bazoges-en-Paillers, La Boissière-de-Montaigu and Treize-Septiers.

5. Link with the geographical area

The link to the origin of ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ is based on its reputation and on the product’s specific characteristics linked to the know-how of the poultry farmers.

The ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ PGI geographical area covers the entire lower Loire Valley from the mouth of the river to the Loir. The landscape is undulating and has a rather dense network of rivers.

The geographical area is characterised by highly variable soils overlaid on a common geological basement, the Armorican Massif, and thus, in terms of the agronomic potential of the soils, by diverse land use including within individual holdings. This explains to a large extent how crop-growing is organised. Farmers and livestock breeders in the area have always traditionally reserved the most arid or most poorly drained land for pasture, the deepest and/or most fertile land for cereals, mainly wheat and barley, and other land for fodder crops.

The ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ PGI geographical area is part of one of France’s major bocage regions. Bocage features to a large extent in the departments of Loire‐Atlantique, Maine-et-Loire, Vendée and Deux-Sèvres, which means that bocage is present without interruption throughout the geographical area. Hedgerows, whose diverse plant species make them veritable reservoirs of biodiversity, provide shelter for wild animals and in particular insects. On the runs, these insects represent a source of protein for the poultry which, although hard to quantify, is real and supplements earthworms. Similarly, the soils provide minerals in the form of grit, i.e. the small stones that can be found in the top layer of these lightly worked bocage soils and that help the development of the gizzards of the poultry that ingest them.

The climate of the geographical area is a patchwork of mostly mild and oceanic mesoclimates that allow the poultry to venture outside early. The spring rainfall level fosters early grass growth and has thus traditionally encouraged farmers to allow their poultry out early.

The ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ geographical area is traditionally a region combining mixed cropping and livestock rearing. Farmyard poultry became common alongside these two main modes of production, with wheat forming the basis of their diet. This ancillary activity was traditionally the preserve of women as a source of money for day-to-day expenses. These rearing traditions have been preserved and are still present today in ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ production: the animals are outside all day long, they perch like they used to in the farmyard, the poultry breeder does what the farmer’s wife used to do and scatters wheat every day, and the poultry are mainly fed on cereals. Particular attention is paid to feeding and fattening so as to ensure that the grain-fed chickens are plump.

‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ are traditional free-range poultry. ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ venture outside early. This takes place on the 37th day for chickens, capons and poulardes, on the 53rd day for guinea fowl and guinea fowl capons and on the 42nd day for turkeys.

The robust strains are not only able to venture outside early but also thoroughly explore their runs. These strains are naturally very active and are able to satisfy their needs to perch, scratch and peck, which are fostered by the rearing practices employed by the producer group.

The feed of ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ poultry is 100 % made up of plants, minerals and vitamins, with at least 70 % cereals and products derived therefrom. At least 12 % of the cereals are in the form of whole wheat, which stimulates the animals’ gizzards and contributes to their specific organoleptic characteristics.

‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ poultry are characterised by a plump carcase with well‐developed fillets and pronounced fat deposits on the lateral side of the thighs and on both sides of the wishbone.

The production of ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ has developed by making the most of the highly variable quality of the soils, whether across the production area or even within individual holdings.

People adapted to this by putting in place integrated farming systems to best exploit all of their land, namely mixed cropping combined with livestock rearing and in particular combined cereal growing and cattle rearing.

In order to do this, they had to parcel up their land thereby creating a bocage landscape. This landscape is characteristic of the ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’ production area.

The bocage landscape is made up of protective hedgerows that mark out runs that can be used to rear free-range poultry. It protects the birds against wind and predators, provides natural perches as well as insects and grit that help the poultry develop, and encourages exploration of the entire surface of the runs.

The choice of robust strains, the predominantly mild and oceanic climate and the protective hedgerows allows the poultry to venture outside early. Venturing outside early enables the poultry to ingest grass in abundance.

One of the natural behaviours of these robust strains is that they perch, which they can do on the low branches of the hedgerows and also in the poultryhouses, where farmers install perches. Thus made possible, this regular activity guarantees the characteristics of ‘Volailles d’Ancenis’.

For chickens, the other natural behaviours of pecking and scratching are encouraged by the farmers who scatter wheat daily and also make objects available for pecking. These are all factors which, by providing the poultry with the calm needed for proper fattening, and combined with a long rearing period, allow for the characteristic well‐developed carcases.

The traditional nature of this line of production first earned it a reputation regionally, as demonstrated by the presence of a weekly poultry market in Ancenis.

Taken together, these elements confer acknowledged quality upon the finished product, as the medals obtained at the Concours Général Agricole in Paris since 1995 prove.

Reference to publication of the specification

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

https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000039121349&dateTexte=&categorieLien=id

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