Publication of an application for approval of non-minor amendments 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 170/08)

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 of the date of this publication.

APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF NON-MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION FOR A PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN OR PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION

Application for approval of amendments in accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

‘FRAISE DU PÉRIGORD’

EU No: PGI-FR-0133-AM01 – 11.8.2017

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1. Applicant group and legitimate interest

Union Interprofessionnelle de la Fraise du Périgord (UIFP) Mairie de Vergt 24 380 Vergt FRANCE

Tel. +33 0622062573

Email: contact@fraiseduperigord.com

Composition and legitimate interest: The members of the association are producers and distributors of ‘Fraise du Périgord’ strawberries. It therefore has a legitimate right to request amendments to the Product Specification.

2. Member State or third country

France

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

☐ Name of product

☒ Description of the product

☒ Geographical area

☒ Proof of origin

☒ Method of production

☒ Link

☒ Labelling

☒ Other: deletion of the summary from the specification, update of details, type of product, packaging, control structures, national requirements, update of single document.

4. Type of amendment(s)

☒ Amendments to the 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

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

5. Amendment(s)

The amendment request relates, on the one hand, to a revision of the current Product Specification and, on the other, to an update of the Product Specification made necessary by changes to the content of the PGI specifications (the PGI was registered in 2004).

5.1. Description of product

This part of the Product Specification has been completely rewritten and amended to focus on the description of the product ‘Fraise du Périgord’. The dictionary definition of the strawberry has been removed.

The description in the current Product Specification is replaced by:

‘The “Fraise du Périgord” is grown in the open air and picked when ripe. It originates from varieties selected for their taste potential by the inter-branch variety approval committee of the group. A sales unit contains only strawberries of the same variety. The “Fraise du Périgord” is healthy, not misshapen, shiny and free of blemishes. It has a minimum sugar content (in degrees Brix) established according to the time of harvesting and variety. The colouration, size and ripeness are homogeneous. The strawberries are of the “extra” category or category I. The “Fraise du Périgord” is presented fresh or frozen. The fresh strawberries must have a fresh, green collar. They are carefully presented, whatever type of packaging is used. The frozen strawberries are either whole or cut, with the stalk in place or removed.’

The main amendment is the addition of the deep-frozen form.

The addition of the deep-frozen form will increase the value of that form of strawberry for the food industry, which wishes to highlight the origin of the strawberries it uses after deep-freezing, in particular for the production of jams. Purchasing frozen strawberries allows food processors to spread their production over time, ensuring the quality of a product which stays fresh for a very short time (a few days).

Only strawberries meeting the criteria to be marketed fresh under the PGI may be deep-frozen. There is no difference in the production or sorting conditions. This amendment does not affect the link to the origin of the ‘Fraise du Périgord’.

The deep-freezing operation must take place within a short time (72 hours) in order to preserve the flavour of the ‘Fraise du Périgord’ on which its reputation is based.

Tests carried out by the group established that the deep-freezing process did not impair the organoleptic characteristics of the product (sugar content, homogeneous ripeness, etc.) and did not lead to an agglomeration of fruit which could affect the quality of presentation (colouration, size, etc.). The ‘Fraise du Périgord’ stays healthy, not misshapen, shiny and free of blemishes.

The description lists the general characteristics of the ‘Fraise du Périgord’, be it fresh or deep-frozen, and then sets out the differences resulting from it being marketed fresh or deep-frozen.

Deep-frozen, it may be presented whole or cut up, with the stalk in place or removed, whilst fresh ‘Fraise du Périgord’ strawberries must be sold whole with a fresh, green collar.

The information that the ‘Fraise du Périgord’ is grown outdoors is added to the general description. The purpose of this addition is to highlight a particular feature of the production of this product which is already included in the published summary and in the Product Specification but was not emphasised in the descriptive part of the specification. The same applies to the detail that ‘A sales unit contains only strawberries of the same variety’. In this phrase, the term ‘sales unit’ replaced the term ‘punnet’ which had become too restrictive. This amendment will allow ‘Fraise du Périgord’ strawberries to be presented in containers other than punnets and to better meet the expectations of consumers.

The terms used to describe the ‘Fraise du Périgord’ have been summarised in the following phrase: ‘The “Fraise du Périgord” is healthy, not misshapen, shiny and free of blemishes’. The following has been deleted: ‘The appearance must be shiny. The shape must be homogeneous, without deformations (“rooster combs”, etc.) The strawberries must not have any traces of rot or disease. The flesh must be firm to the touch.’ However, all these elements are implied in the above wording ‘healthy, not misshapen, shiny and free of blemishes’.

The reference to the colour ‘bright red’ has also been removed, as it was not a real criterion, given that the Product Specification stated that the colour could vary between varieties. The new Product Specification now indicates that ‘Fraise du Périgord’ strawberries ‘also present a uniform colouration, characteristic of the variety and in line with the approval grid’.

The following paragraph has been deleted as the list of varieties has only indicative value and may evolve, and the selection process comes under the production method:

‘Any new variety included in the list of varieties qualifying for the PGI will be the subject of an addendum to the PGI.

The varieties included since the recognition of the PGI are:

— for production from the start of spring until 31 October: Gariguette, Elsanta, Darselect, Seascape and Mara des Bois,

— for production from 15 June to 31 October: Selva.’

The approval criteria for consignments of strawberries brought by operators to the collecting station have been moved and are now included in the section on the method of production.

The ‘description’ section of the single document includes the new version of the Product Specification. This amendment includes, compared to the summary sheet, the additional elements on the deep-frozen product and the removal of the obligation to sell the strawberries in a 250 g or 500 g punnet, which had become too restrictive in commercial terms.

5.2. Geographical area

There have been no changes to the definition of the geographical area. The amendments to the specification and the single document are purely formal: the list of cantons and municipalities has been replaced by a list of all the municipalities, without changing the perimeter of the area. One municipality (Saint Pantaly d’Ans) has been added that was missing in the list in the old Product Specification, as it is surrounded by the geographical area and is thus on the map. The map showing the geographical area has been replaced by a more legible one.

The elements in the descriptive part of the geographical area section of the current Product Specification and the summary sheet have been removed. Only the descriptive elements on the geographical area of production have been kept and moved to chapter 6 on the elements justifying the link to the geographical area of origin. General considerations with no direct link to the presentation of the geographical area of the ‘Fraise du Périgord’ have been removed.

5.3. Proof of origin

The paragraph following ‘List of producers in the demarcated area’:

‘Producers of strawberries for PGI protection must be located in the production zone demarcated above and comply with this Product Specification. The producers are included on a list kept up-to-date by the marketing bodies.’

is replaced by a new paragraph based on the national regulatory provisions:

‘Any operator involved in the production or packaging of PGI “Fraise du Périgord” strawberries must make themselves known to the group to obtain their approval before the start of the activity in question.’.

The paragraph ‘production in identified plots within the demarcated area’ is moved to the section on the production method:

‘“Fraise du Périgord” strawberries are grown in plots selected and identified each year. The criteria for the selection and identification of plots are:

— geographical location: within the demarcated area;

— characteristics of the plot: soils which can easily be heated and are not at risk of flooding.

Each plot identified for the production of strawberries is identified by its cadastral number.’

The paragraph ‘Traceability of production to market’ is deleted and replaced.

As an introduction to this part of the Product Specification, the following paragraph is added, recalling the objective of traceability defined in the Product Specification:

‘Top-down and bottom-up traceability of consignments from harvesting onwards is ensured, with the aim of:

— ensuring traceability from the consumer back to the producer;

— allowing producers to trace growing plots harvested on a given date;

— tracing consignments at marketing level on the basis of a producer’s consignment number.’

The definition of a consignment in the section on the production method has been moved here. It is reiterated, supplemented by units of time and place:

‘A consignment of strawberries is defined as the quantity of product from a single producer, harvested over a half-day on the same growing plot and from a single variety.’

In this definition, the reference to a ‘cadastral plot’ has been replaced by a reference to a ‘growing plot’, in line with the definition in the section on the production method. A ‘growing plot’ can cover one or more ‘cadastral plots’, and is thus more consistent in terms of traceability because it refers to a unit of production.

In line with the section on the ‘description of the production method’, the obligation to keep a farm register to record growing practices is added.

‘The growing practices used for each plot should be recorded on whatever medium used (on paper or electronically) in the farm register. This register will provide an overview of operations and interventions on each growing plot. The growing plots are recorded annually in this register before being prepared for cultivation.’

A paragraph is added to define the ‘delivery note’, which replaces the ‘delivery pallet sheet’. This is the term used nowadays in the sector for this document, the content of which is maintained and supplemented by the requirement to indicate the number or reference of the growing plot. The information on the type of packaging ‘500 g or 250 g punnet’ is removed, in line with the removal of the term ‘punnet’ (see above).

The same applies to the paragraph on the ‘approval sheet’, which replaces the term ‘pallet sheet’. This is the term used nowadays in the sector for this document, the content of which is maintained and supplemented by the requirement to indicate the time of delivery and various verified criteria:

— the number or reference number of the growing plot;

— the sugar content;

— the temperature of the fruit;

— the identification of the approval body;

— the approval note on each of the criteria in the approval grid;

— the ‘Fraise du Périgord’ PGI approval.

The following is also added, to enhance traceability:

— ‘Each consignment is identified by the approval sheet number established upon receipt of the consignment.’

The obligation to have a number identifying the producer on the packaging units is maintained. The term ‘consumer sales unit’ replaces the term ‘punnet’, in line with the rest of the Product Specification.

A paragraph is added to define the ‘delivery note and/or invoice’, which replaces the term ‘consignment sheet’. This is the term used nowadays in the sector for this document, the content of which is specified, including for fruit intended for deep-freezing.

‘It contains: the number of the approval sheet (consignment number), the name of the variety, the type of packaging, the quantity, the date and time of dispatch.’

Finally, a paragraph is introduced on the tracing of the deep-frozen product:

‘The processer has a stock record.

Each deep-frozen consignment is identified by a stock form including the following information:

— No of the pallet in the deep-freezing unit;

— customer pallet number (if any);

— No of the delivery note;

— name of the product/variety;

— number of packs;

— net weight after freezing;

— date and time of freezing;

— minimum durability date (MDD)’.

Finally, a minimum term for the archiving of documents has also been added in order to enhance traceability:

‘Documents ensuring the traceability of each consignment must be archived for at least two years by all the operators concerned.’

The purpose of all these changes is to improve traceability and to facilitate checks by specifying the information to be recorded.

5.4. Method of production

This section has been fully rewritten in order to improve the organisation, content and auditability. Consequently, all the previous chapters have been deleted and replaced. However, it should be emphasised that this rewriting does not call into question the main elements of the PGI: strawberries grown in the open, plots selected and recorded, selected varieties, harvest at maturity by hand.

Recording of plots

A definition of a growing plot is added, in line with the definition of a consignment for the traceability of the product. The definition is as follows:

‘A growing plot is defined as a collection of tunnels in which fertilisation, irrigation and plant protection treatments are carried out through the same channel (whatever the type of plant) and where each tunnel has a localised irrigation system. Only a single variety may be present within a specific growing plot.’

The procedure for the selection and annual recording of plots has been updated.

The reference to a ‘growing’ plot is added, in line with the definition above.

The concept of an annual inventory is added, specifying the procedure to be followed by operators.

The selection criteria have been supplemented (sandy, filtering, non-calcareous soils) in line with the specific characteristics of the geographical area in the Product Specification and the geological and soil characteristics described.

‘The growing plots are selected and recorded each year. Once a year, before preparation for cultivation, producers survey the growing plots intended for “Fraise du Périgord” strawberries together with a technician delegated by the group. The technician takes into account the following criteria: plots carefully selected on the basis of their soil and climatic characteristics (sandy, filtering, non-calcareous soils). The land chosen should be easily heatable and not liable to flooding and have soils with an acidic pH favourable for the cultivation of strawberries.’

Some more details on the regeneration of the land is included. Crop rotation is maintained, and the duration of the fallow period is added (equal to the implantation time of the strawberry field). The treatment of the soil is now monitored by the group, which provides operators with a list of referenced products.

‘The regeneration of the plots before each new planting, in order to mitigate the problem of soil depletion or monoculture linked to previous crops, may take place:

— either using crop rotation, in which case the fallow period should be at least equal to the duration of planting;

— or through soil treatment. Soil treatment should, as far as possible, be conducted using “gentle” sterilisation methods (e.g. using steam). If the soil is treated, the products used must be included in the list of products specified by the group.’

Fertilisation – irrigation – plant protection

Aspects regarding the analysis of the soil of each new plot to be used as a strawberry field have been added. This analysis will then serve as the basis for the soil improvement and fertilisation plan before each annual planting of strawberry plants.

The provision has been worded as follows:

‘Before each planting, producers draw up a general soil improvement and fertilisation plan (or have one drawn up by a technician delegated by the group). It is established on the basis of a full analysis of the soil (fertility analysis) carried out for each new plot to be used for strawberries. This analysis indicates the levels of available phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5), potassium oxide (K2O), magnesium oxide (MgO) and calcium oxide (CaO) available in the soil, as well as the pH.’

Irrigation by means of a localised watering system is added, taking into account the nature of the soil, supplementing the existing provisions of the Product Specification, which provides for controlled irrigation perfectly geared to the needs of the plant.

‘Irrigation by means of a localised watering system is obligatory.’

As the provisions on plant protection products have not been updated, they are taken over in full and unchanged.

Plant material

The aspects relating to the varieties, which used to be in the description of the product, have now been moved to this part of the Product Specification, without being amended. They describe the production method and not the product.

The ‘Fraise du Périgord’ is produced from:

— certified plants

— varieties on the list of varieties selected by the group.

The varieties are selected by a Commission Interprofessionnelle d’Agrément des variétés (inter-branch variety approval committee) based on the following criteria assessed by producers during trials of the new variety:’

This section is supplemented by selection criteria for the varieties, comprising both descriptive elements of the ‘Fraise du Périgord’ and the approval criteria:

‘— Visual appearance: colour, shape, shininess and size,

— sugar content: 6 to 6,5° Brix as a minimum, depending on the variety,

— durability,

— flavour.’

More details on the operation of the Commission Interprofessionnelle d’Agrément des variétés are also added:

‘This committee, comprising 7 persons, a majority of whom are producers and carriers, meets at least once a year to determine any changes to be made to the list of selected varieties: addition of new or removal of old varieties. Decisions of the committee are taken by a majority of members present.’

The list of varieties is removed from the Product Specification (description of the product) because it had only an indicative value at a given moment. The Product Specification already provided for the possibility of the list being updated. An element is added to the effect that any amendments to the list should be notified to operators, the monitoring body and the National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO) before the start of the following planting season.

‘Changes to the list should be notified to operators, the monitoring body and the INAO by the group before the start of the following planting season.’

As in the section ‘Description of the product’, the fact that the plants must be grown outside, which is only implied in the old Product Specification, is now made explicit and supplemented by the obligation to grow the plants on earth mounds. The time when the tunnels are to be installed is added. The Product Specification thus reads as follows:

‘The plant is cultivated outside, placed under a tunnel at the latest at the time of flowering. They are grown on earth mounds in order to facilitate soil drainage.’

These practices have been made explicit because they are part of the skills and knowledge utilised by producers contributing to the qualities of the ‘Fraise du Périgord’.

The density of planting is the same (≤ 6 plants per covered m2).

Harvest

An element is added to the effect that ‘this stage involves picking the fruit, placing them in sales units and transporting them to the collection station.’ The Product Specification has been supplemented to clarify that the strawberries are harvested by hand, in line with the ‘Link’ section, and the know-how of the pickers, including their harvesting skills, is essential for the quality of the product. The strawberries are collected by hand and placed directly in the sales unit, the utmost care being taken with regard to their presentation and quality. The work of the pickers is judged by the approval mark.

The Product Specification is amended to replace the term ‘punnet’ by ‘sales unit’ and to remove the 250 g and 500 g specifications, considered too restrictive in marketing terms. The Product Specification does not define the size of the various sales units but does set a maximum weight of 10 kg, accompanied by certain conditions, in order to prevent the fruit being crushed.

The Product Specification thus now reads as follows:

‘The strawberries are harvested by hand and placed directly in their sales unit, which has a maximum net weight of 10 kg. The strawberries may be placed in a maximum of 3 layers, in order to prevent their being crushed. A single sales unit must contain only strawberries of the same variety and the same category.’

The harvesting temperature is also added, because it is important for the quality of the strawberries and the working conditions of the pickers that the fruit should not be picked when it is too hot. The Product Specification therefore reads:

‘Picking is not carried out when the outdoor temperature exceeds 28 °C before 15 June or 30 °C after 15 June, unless the temperature in the tunnels is controlled.’

It has been added that ‘the period between harvesting and delivery to the collection station should not exceed half a day’ in order to avoid any alteration of the product.

Finally, in line with the descriptive part, it has been added that the strawberries harvested must uniformly have reached the characteristic colour of the variety.

Reception – shipment

The aspects relating to the approval of the strawberries which used to be in the description of the product have now been moved to this part of the Product Specification.

In the new wording, a distinction is made between the sugar content test and the approval, given that, in practice, these are two successive steps. Only consignments of strawberries which pass the sugar content test are then submitted for approval in the context of the PGI.

‘The sugar content of each consignment of strawberries is tested to ensure that they contain the minimum sugar content set out in a table of minimum sugar contents for each variety and period. This table is updated each time the list of authorised varieties changes. Any changes are notified by the group to operators, the monitoring body and the INAO. Consignments of strawberries whose sugar content is found to be compliant are then submitted for approval.’

The Product Specification refers to a table of minimum sugar contents per variety and per period, kept up-to-date with each change in the list of authorised varieties. Any changes are notified to operators, the monitoring body and the INAO.

The provisions on approval have been made more detailed to show that a note of 0, -1 or -2 on just one criterion in the approval grid will lead to the consignment been rejected. The following paragraph has thus been added:

‘Each consignment must obtain a total of at least 9 out of 15 to qualify for the PGI “Fraise du Périgord”, with no criterion marked as 0, -1 or - 2.’

The following approval criteria are included: colouring, firmness, size, shininess, presentation, shape. The expression ‘sufficient levels of quality’ (no fruit which is rotting, diseased, immature or overripe, seriously deformed, dull, soft or with a size smaller than the standard, stained punnets) is removed and replaced by the term ‘health status’ for the elements disease, rotting, stained punnets; the monitoring of sugar content and colouring covers cases of immature or overripe fruit; the monitoring of shape covers deformed fruits; the shininess element covers dull fruit; and the size element covers fruits which are too small. The term ‘moisture level of the fruit’ is added to complement the criterion ‘dry/wet strawberries’.

After reception and approval, the strawberries are chilled. The draft Product Specification sets out the conditions for cooling in order to conserve all the qualities of the strawberries:

‘In order to protect the strawberries from thermal stress, which would cause irreversible damage to quality, the chilling speed of the fruit must be adapted to their temperature upon reception. Thus, if the reception temperature of the strawberries is higher than 20 °C, they must not be placed in a ventilated dynamic pre-refrigeration module with a temperature of between + 2 °C and +4 °C. Rather, they should be stored either in a “static” cold chamber at + 6 °C or in a cold chamber with mechanical ventilation at 10-12 °C so as to allow their temperature to drop slowly and steadily.’

The maximum storage period of the strawberries after reception (48 hours) and their temperature at the time of shipping (between 6 and 12 °C) are taken over with no changes.

The provisions on the temperature of the lorries are replaced by an obligation for a particular mode of transport: ‘The strawberries must be transported in a chilled vehicle’ as it is difficult to accurately check the temperature of vehicles during loading, because the doors are open.

The marketing recommendations have been removed.

Deep-freezing

The main reason for the application for approval of amendments to the PGI is to include deep-freezing in order to increase the value of frozen strawberries for the food processing industry, which wishes to highlight the origin of the strawberries that it uses.

Deep-freezing does not change the organoleptic characteristics and the appearance of the strawberries, which constitute the characteristics of the PGI. The strawberries are deep-frozen within 72 hours of reception at the collecting station. Tests carried out by the group established that the deep-freezing process did not impair the organoleptic characteristics of the product (sugar content, homogeneous ripeness, etc.) and did not lead to an agglomeration of fruit which could affect the quality of presentation (colouration, size, etc.). The ‘Fraise du Périgord’ stays healthy, not misshapen, shiny and free of blemishes.

The following provisions are added to the Product Specification:

‘Strawberries approved under the PGI for deep-freezing must be frozen within 72 hours of arrival at the collecting station; they must be kept refrigerated throughout this period. The strawberries are frozen either directly in the packaging they were placed in during picking or in “balls” on the deep-freezing belt. In the latter case, once the strawberries are frozen, they are packed. The date of minimum durability (DMD) of frozen strawberries is 2 years [from the date of packing].’

5.5. Link with the geographical area

This chapter has been restructured in three parts to better define the specific characteristics of the geographical area and of the product, and the link between them. These are textual amendments or clarifications which do not lead to substantive changes.

The ‘Link’ section of the single document is updated under the same conditions; the ‘Link’ section of the summary sheet is therefore also amended and supplemented.

The section on the specific characteristics of the geographical area adds further details regarding the particular features of the department of Dordogne and its soils and climate. The cultivation of strawberries in the area is then described from a historical perspective, emphasising the know-how of the producers. The craft of growing strawberries outdoors, using mounds and tunnels, and the harvesting method (by hand, directly into the units of packaging) are emphasised.

The section on the specific nature of the product echoes the description of the ‘Fraise du Périgord’, highlighting its unique features. The ‘Fraise du Périgord’ is characterised by its outdoor growing method, while landless production is more common in Europe, and differs from standard strawberries in terms of the conditions under which it is harvested and presented. The strawberries must uniformly have reached the characteristic colour of the selected variety in order to be harvested at maturity.

The causal link is based on the quality and reputation of the product and establishes a link between the nature of the soils, the growing and harvesting methods and the qualities of the product.

5.6. Labelling

The section on labelling in the current Product Specification and in the summary sheet is amended.

The obligation to place a list of certified characteristics on the label has been removed due to national legislative and regulatory developments.

The obligation for each consumer sales unit to bear a number identifying the producer has been added.

Showing the logo of the group has also been made compulsory.

The labelling of frozen strawberries is subject to the same rules and, in addition, must give a date of minimum durability (DMD).

5.7. Miscellaneous

Summary

The summary of the Product Specification has been removed.

Responsible department in the Member State

The contact details of the INAO, as a competent authority of the Member State, have been added in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

Applicant group

The contact details of the applicant group have been updated. The descriptive part is deleted.

Type of product

The reference to the product class has been amended to comply with Annex XI to Implementing Regulation (EU) No 668/2014.

Packaging

The requirement that packaging take place in the area is already stated explicitly in the current Product Specification. Currently relating only to fresh strawberries, it is extended to also include frozen strawberries. The strawberries are frozen either directly in the packaging they were placed in during picking or in ‘balls’ on the deep-freezing belt. In the latter case, once the strawberries are frozen, they are packed.

The Product Specification is supplemented by the necessary justifying elements, and the following paragraph has been added:

‘The “Fraise du Périgord”, when sold fresh, is packaged in the defined geographical area. The strawberries, being very fragile, are picked and placed directly in their sales units, so as to avoid unnecessary handling, which could damage the quality of the product and its conservation. Furthermore, packaging in the area makes it easier to trace and monitor the products. The “Fraise du Périgord” may be deep-frozen, in which case it may also be packaged outside the geographical area.’

Monitoring body

In accordance with national guidelines aimed at harmonising the way specifications are drafted, the name and contact details of the certifying body have been deleted. Under this heading, the contact details of the authorities responsible for national inspections are now provided, i.e. 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 be consulted via the website of the INAO and the European Commission’s database.

National requirements

In the light of developments in national legislation and regulations, the ‘National requirements’ section now contains a table indicating the main items to be checked and the evaluation methods to be used.

Update of the single document

Points 4.4 on proof of origin, 4.5 on the production method and 4.7 on the monitoring structures are removed in the single document. They are no longer part of the template in Regulation (EU) No 668/2014.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘FRAISE DU PÉRIGORD’

EU No: PGI-FR-0133-AM01 – 11.8.2017

PDO () PGI (X)

1. Name(s)

‘Fraise du Périgord’

2. Member State or third country

France

3. Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1. Type of product

Class 1.6. Fruit, vegetables and cereals fresh or processed

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

The ‘Fraise du Périgord’ is grown in the open air and harvested when ripe. It is the product of varieties selected for their taste potential. A sales unit contains only strawberries of the same variety.

The ‘Fraise du Périgord’ is healthy, not misshapen, shiny and unblemished. It has a minimum sugar content (in degrees Brix) established according to the period of harvesting and variety. The colouration, size and ripeness are homogeneous. The strawberries are of the ‘extra’ category or category I.

The ‘Fraise du Périgord’ is presented fresh or frozen.

The fresh strawberries must have a fresh, green collar. They are carefully presented, whatever type of packaging is used.

The frozen strawberries are either whole or cut, with the stalk in place or removed.

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

—

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

The strawberries must be produced in the geographical area. This includes the planting, harvesting and approval.

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

The ‘Fraise du Périgord’, when sold fresh, is packaged and stored before shipping in the defined geographical area. The strawberries, being very fragile, are picked and placed directly in their sales units, so as to avoid unnecessary handling, which could damage the quality of the product and its conservation. Furthermore, packaging in the area makes it easier to trace and monitor the products.

The strawberries are harvested by hand and placed directly in their sales unit, which has a maximum net weight of 10 kg. The strawberries may be placed in a maximum of 3 layers, in order to prevent their being crushed.

A single sales unit must contain only strawberries of the same variety and the same category.

The strawberries are stored cold before dispatch and marketing to the consumer, for a maximum period of 48 hours. In order to protect the strawberries from thermal stress, which would cause irreversible damage to quality, the chilling speed of the fruit must be adapted to their temperature upon reception.

The ‘Fraise du Périgord’ may be deep-frozen outside the geographical area.

Frozen ‘Fraise du Périgord’ may be packaged outside the geographical area.

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

Besides the compulsory information laid down in the rules on labelling and presentation of foodstuffs, the labelling features the registered name of the product and the EU PGI logo in the same visual field.

The labels affixed to the sales units must contain:

— The name of the PGI: ‘Fraise du Périgord’

— ‘Certified by:’ [name of certifying body].

Each sales unit bears a number identifying the producer.

For strawberries sold fresh, each sealed sales unit (sealed with a lid or film) bears the logo below, defined by the group and made available to all operators. For non-sealed sales units packed in trays, the logo must be affixed to the sales unit or to the tray.

The labelling of frozen strawberries contains the same information as the labelling of the fresh product, plus the storage temperature and the date of minimum durability (DMD).

4. Concise definition of the geographical area

The geographical area where the product is grown covers a large part of the department of Dordogne and a number of adjacent municipalities in the department of Lot:

Department of Dordogne

Cantons of Bergerac-1, Bergerac-2, Coulounieix-Chamiers, Isle-Manoire, Lalinde, Montpon-Ménestérol, Pays de la Force, Périgord Central, Saint-Astier, Sarlat-la-Canéda, Vallée Dordogne, Vallée de l’Isle, Vallée de l’Homme.

Municipalities of Agonac, Ajat, Allemans, Antonne-et-Trigonant, Archignac, Auriac-du-Périgord, Azerat, (La)Bachellerie, Bardou, Bars, Bertric-Burée, Biras, Blis-et-Born, Boisse, (La)Boissière-d’Ans, Borrèze, Bouniagues, Bourdeilles, Bourg-des-Maisons, Bourg-du-Bost, Brantôme en Périgord (the part corresponding to the territory of the delegated municipality of Saint-Julien-de-Bourdeilles on 1 January 2016), Brouchaud, Bussac, Calviac-en-Périgord, Carlux, Carsac-Aillac, (La)Cassagne, Cazoulès, Celles, Cercles, Champcevinel, (Le)Change, Chapdeuil, Chassaignes, Château-l’Évêque, Chavagnac, Chourgnac, Colombier, Coly, Comberanche-et-Épeluche, Condat-sur-Vézère, Conne-de-Labarde, Cornille, Coulaures, Coutures, Creyssac, Cubjac, (La)Dornac, Douchapt, Escoire, Faurilles, Faux, Fossemagne, Gabillou, (La)Gonterie-Boulouneix, Grand-Brassac, Granges-d’Ans, Hautefort, Issigeac, Jayac, (La)Jemaye, (Le)Lardin-Saint-Lazare, Léguillac-de-Cercles, Limeyrat, Lisle, Lusignac, Mayac, Milhac-d’Auberoche, Monbazillac, Monmadalès, Monmarvès, Monsaguel, Montagnac-d’Auberoche, Montagrier, Montaut, Nadaillac, Orliaguet, Paulin, Paussac-et-Saint-Vivien, Périgueux, Petit-Bersac, Peyrillac-et-Millac, Plaisance, Ponteyraud, Port-Sainte-Foy-et-Ponchapt, Prats-de-Carlux, Ribagnac, Ribérac, Sadillac, Saint-André-de-Double, Saint-Antoine-d’Auberoche, Saint-Aubin-de-Cadelech, Saint-Aubin-de-Lanquais, Saint-Capraise-d’Eymet, Saint-Cernin-de-Labarde, Saint-Crépin-et-Carlucet, Sainte-Eulalie-d’Ans, Saint-Geniès, Saint-Géraud-de-Corps, Saint-Julien-de-Lampon, Saint-Just, Saint-Léon-d’Issigeac, Saint-Martin-de-Gurson, Saint-Martin-de-Ribérac, Saint-Méard-de-Drône, Saint-Méard-de-Gurçon, Sainte-Mondane, Sainte-Orse, Saint-Pantaly-d’Ans, Saint-Pardoux-de-Drône, Saint-Paul-Lizonne, Saint-Perdoux, Saint-Rabier, Sainte-Radegonde, Saint-Rémy, Saint-Sulpice-de-Roumagnac, Saint-Victor, Saint-Vincent-de-Connezac, Salignac-Eyvigues, Savignac-les-Églises, Segonzac, Sencenac-Puy-de-Fourches, Simeyrols, Siorac-de-Ribérac, Temple-Laguyon, Thenon, Tocane-Saint-Apre, Tourtoirac, Trélissac, Vanxains, Veyrignac and Villetoureix.

Department of Lot

Municipalities of Anglars-Nozac, Fajoles, Gourdon, Léobard, Masclat, Milhac, Payrignac, Rouffilhac and Saint-Cirq-Madelon.

5. Link with the geographical area

Specificity of the geographical area

The geographical area of the ‘Fraise du Périgord’ PGI corresponds to the area where this strawberry has traditionally been produced and where the strawberry plants are cultivated on land that is particularly suitable for this crop.

It covers mainly the centre and the south/south-east of the department of Dordogne and a very small area in the department of Lot bordering Dordogne to the south-east.

In terms of soil and geology, the production area is rolling in the west with sharper inclines in the east, which is generally densely forested. A particular feature of this region is the almost ubiquitous forest, interspersed with cultivated fields, often on cleared plots on well-exposed hillsides.

The Périgord region, largely open to the influence of the ocean, enjoys a temperate, maritime climate. The average temperature is around 12 °C, without great seasonal fluctuations. Rainfall is fairly abundant: 800 to 900 mm a year.

Strawberry-growing in the Dordogne dates back to the late 19th century, when it was practised to a very limited extent. Not until after the Second World War did a real strawberry-growing industry establish itself on the light, sandy, acidic soils of the hills of Eglise-Neuve de Vergt.

In the 1960s, producers realised that they needed to renew their fields, the yield from which was declining rapidly due to soil exhaustion. From then on, they started clearing chestnut coppice for new land and found that these soils, rich in humus, were perfect for strawberry-growing: production reached 1 000 tonnes in 1960. The Union Interprofessionnelle de la Fraise du Périgord (UIFP) was founded in 1988, bringing together producers, cooperatives, the auction house in Vergt and private carriers.

Many years of experience and the establishment of specific professional structures have enabled the development of shared practices on the basis of the know-how of producers with regard to the selection of plots (type of soil) and varieties (taste varieties), cultivation techniques (mounds and tunnels) and harvesting (by hand, placed directly in the packaging units). These traditional methods allow producers to obtain a quality strawberry, the storage conditions of which before despatch are also regulated in view of its fragility.

Special characteristics of the product

The ‘Fraise du Périgord’ is characterised by its outdoor growing method, while landless production is more common in Europe, and differs from standard strawberries in terms of the conditions under which it is harvested and presented. The strawberries must uniformly have reached the characteristic colour of the selected variety in order to be harvested at maturity.

They are picked by hand and placed directly into their sales unit, the utmost care being taken with regard to presentation. They must be healthy, not misshapen and shiny. The strawberries are stored carefully by size, no more than three-layers high in order to prevent the fruit from becoming crushed in the largest containers. The strawberries should be of uniform colouring, size and ripeness.

Causal link

The causal link is based on the quality and reputation of the product.

The soil and climatic conditions of the geographical area are particularly conducive to the production of ‘Fraise du Périgord’ strawberries. They are usually grown on hillsides, often on plots which have been cleared of trees, i.e. ‘virgin’ soils exposed to the sun for good ripening. The soils are selected according to the following factors: they should be filtering, sandy, slightly acidic and with no active limestone. They are grown on earth mounds in order to facilitate soil drainage and prevent the asphyxiation of the plants. Fertilisation and localised irrigation which takes into account the nature of the soil are used, fine-tuned to meet the needs of the plant.

In this part of France, the strawberries enjoy mild temperatures without significant variations, allowing the fruits to grow and ripen in a uniform manner. The fact that they are grown outdoors in tunnels, no later than at the time of flowering, means that ‘Fraise du Périgord’ strawberries can be found on market stalls for six months of the year at least, from April to October. This long period of production makes it possible to retain pickers, whose know-how is essential to the quality of the product. The strawberries are collected by hand and placed directly in the sales unit, the utmost care being taken with regard to their presentation, shape and colouring. Growing them in tunnels protects them from the vagaries of the weather (storm, rain, hail), ensuring that they are clean and shiny and keeping them warmer, meaning that the growing season can start earlier and last longer. It also protects the strawberry from the worst of the heat, which could alter the fruit. During periods of intense heat, producers have to pick them during cooler periods and protect them from the heat as the picking continues. Particular attention is paid to harvesting and storage temperatures. The strawberry thus obtained may subsequently be frozen, within a time limit compatible with maintaining its characteristics.

The reputation of the ‘Fraise du Périgord’ is also confirmed by its traditional valuation as a prestigious product. It established its presence on the various marketplaces, as documented by this price list dating from 31 May 1974: ‘In Rungis, the Fraise du Périgord was selling at between 3,50 francs and 4,80 francs a kg, while the Lot-et-Garonne strawberry was selling at between 2,80 francs and 3,80 francs’.

Reference to publication of the Product Specification

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

https://extranet.inao.gouv.fr/fichier/CDC-FraisePerigord.pdf

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