EN Official Journal of the European Union C 308/17

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

2012/C 308/10

This publication confers the right to object to the amendment application pursuant to Article 7 of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (1). Statements of objection must reach the Commission within six months from the date of this publication.

AMENDMENT APPLICATION

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

AMENDMENT APPLICATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 9

‘POMODORO DI PACHINO’

EC No: IT-PGI-0105-0153-23.11.2010

PGI ( X ) PDO ( )

1. Heading in the product specification affected by the amendment:

—  Name of product — ☒ Product description — ☒ Geographical area —  Proof of origin — ☒ Method of production —  Link — ☒ Labelling —  National requirements — ☒ Other: control body, updated references to legislation and packaging

2. Type of amendment(s):

— ☒ Amendment to single document or summary sheet —  Amendment to specification of registered PDO or PGI for which neither the single document nor the summary has been published —  Amendment to specification that requires no amendment to the published single document (Article 9(3) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006) —  Temporary amendment to specification resulting from imposition of obligatory sanitary or phytosanitary measures by public authorities (Article 9(4) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

3. Amendment(s):

Specification

3.1. Description of product:

The following has been inserted into Article 6:

‘The main characteristics of the “Pomodoro di Pachino” are the following:

— firm flesh,

— small placenta cavity,

— high sucrose content, measured on the basis of a quantity of soluble solids greater than Brix 4,5.’

These characteristics, which were always present in the summary sheet, were not transcribed into the specification, which must therefore be adjusted.

3.2. Geographical area:

The proposed amendment seeks to correct an error in the last paragraph of Article 3. Specifically, the mouth of the River Vecchio is located at Kilometre 5,5 rather than at Kilometre 4 as mistakenly stated in the product specification.

3.3. Method of production:

In Article 4, the range of the planting density is extended, the lower limit is brought down (from 2 to 1,5) since according to the different types of growing techniques the plants may be sown more densely if they are kept to a single branch and less if they consist of two branches. In the latter case, density can be of up to 1,5 plants per m2, in accordance with the latest techniques, in order to achieve better management of the plant, without in any way affecting the characteristics of the product.

In Article 4 the unit of measurement ‘ms’ now appears as ‘μS/cm’, thus correcting a clerical error which resulted in the appearance of a unit of measure which is unsuitable for describing electrical conductivity.

In Article 4 yield values have been increased, so the values are now changed from:

‘— smooth round tomato: tonnes 100/ha,

— ribbed tomato: tonnes 75/ha,

— cherry tomato: tonnes 50/ha.’

to:

‘— smooth round tomato: tonnes 120/ha,

— ribbed tomato: tonnes 90/ha,

— cherry tomato: tonnes 70/ha.’

This amendment is based on clear technical grounds: in the time since approval of the specification to date, the type of glasshouse has been changed and the unit volume has risen from 2-2,5 to values between 2,5 and 3. These taller glasshouses allow the plant to continue to grow, since the varieties used are of unlimited growth, and thus to throw out more flowering stems and therefore yield more fruit. This does not detract from the maintenance of the quality characteristics which, rather, in the higher-growing flowering stems are of the greatest level.

3.4. Labelling:

The following has been added to Article 7: ‘The product may also be placed on the market in open packaging provided that individual fruits are identified with adhesive labels bearing the “Pomodoro di Pachino” PGI logo, subject to labelling requirements for packaging, as set out below.’

The exemption from enclosed packaging is essential for the marketing of both ribbed and smooth tomatoes weighing up to 60 g to 120 g per unit, sold loose by weight or individually and, as such, not packaged.

3.5. Other:

Article 5 now includes the updated reference to Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 and the details of the inspection body have been added.

Article 1 is amended to refer to the new regulation (Regulation (EC) No 510/2006) which governs the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs.

Article 7 has been updated to refer to Regulation (EC) No 1898/2006.

In Article 7 the words ‘… “Pomodoro di Pachino” PGI must be packaged in boxes. The net weight of each box must not be greater than 10 kg. Only new boxes may be used.’ are now the following: ‘… “Pomodoro di Pachino” PGI must be packaged in new single-use packaging of various types, as allowed by the rules in force, of no greater than 10 kg weight.’

Accordingly, in the rest of the Article, the term ‘box’ is replaced by ‘packaging’.

This change of terminology is due to the fact that the term ‘box’ was inappropriate in relation to different types of packaging and packages used in the sector and the choice was therefore made to adopt the term ‘packaging’ in line with that used in national and European legislation on packaging.

In Article 7, the words ‘brand’ and ‘mark’ used to indicate the image of the product are replaced by ‘distinctive logo’, which is a more appropriate term and is also in keeping with the specifications for other products.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘POMODORO DI PACHINO’

EC No: IT-PGI-0105-0153-23.11.2010

PGI ( X ) PDO ( )

1. Name:

‘Pomodoro di Pachino’

2. Member State or Third Country:

Italy

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 the product to which the name in 1 applies:

The protected geographical indication (PGI) ‘Pomodoro di Pachino’ refers to fresh tomatoes grown in the defined area, corresponding to the botanical species Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.

‘Pomodoro di Pachino’ PGI includes the following types:

— smooth round,

— ribbed,

— cherry (or ‘ciliegino’).

The main characteristics of the ‘Pomodoro di Pachino’ are the following:

— firm flesh,

— small placenta cavity,

— high sucrose content, measured on the basis of a quantity of soluble solids greater than Brix 4,5.

The fruit must belong to the ‘extra’ and ‘prime’ product categories and must be:

— whole,

— fresh in appearance,

— sound (produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is not accepted),

— clean, free of any visible foreign matter,

— free of any foreign smell and/or taste.

3.3. Raw materials (for processed products only):

—

3.4. Animal feed (for products of animal origin only):

—

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

The cultivation of ‘Pomodoro di Pachino’ must take place in the defined geographical area, using a protected environment (glasshouses and/or tunnels covered with polyethylene film or other covering); where cultivation is in the summer the crop may be protected by suitable structures covered with insect-proof nets.

Cultivation other than in soil is not permitted.

3.6. Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc.:

‘Pomodoro di Pachino’ PGI may be packaged directly on-farm or in suitable packaging premises within 24 hours of picking.

Wrapping and packaging must be carried out in facilities located within the municipalities, including those partly within the production area. Packaging must be carried out in the area in order to avoid losses at the marketing stage due to damage to the outside of the tomato which can then give rise to mould rendering the product unsellable.

‘Pomodoro di Pachino’ PGI that are to be placed on the market must be put up in new single-use packaging of various types, as allowed by the rules in force, weighing no more than 10 kg.

The cover on the packaging must be such that their contents cannot be removed without showing signs of having been tampered with. The product may also be placed on the market in open packaging provided that individual fruits are identified with adhesive labels bearing the ‘Pomodoro di Pachino’ PGI distinctive logo.

3.7. Specific rules concerning labelling:

The following must be affixed on the packaging:

— the distinctive logo shown below:

— the name of the packer and/or dispatcher,

— the commercial characteristics: type, category, weight of the package,

— the words: ‘pomodoro prodotto in coltura protetta’,

— the Union symbol.

4. Concise definition of the geographical area:

‘Pomodoro di Pachino’ tomatoes are grown in an area comprising the whole of the municipality of Pachino and Portopalo di Capo Passero and part of the municipalities of Noto (Province of Syracuse) and Ispica (Province of Ragusa), located in south-eastern Sicily.

5. Link with the geographical area:

5.1. Specificity of the geographical area:

The region where ‘Pomodoro di Pachino’ tomatoes are grown has the highest temperatures and receives the greatest amount of solar radiation, averaged out over the year, in mainland Europe (data provided by Landsat and Meteosat satellites). The proximity of the sea means that its climate is mild and spring and winter frosts are infrequent.

This combination of factors, together with the quality of the water used for irrigation (salinity level ranging from 1 500 μS/cm to 10 000 μS/cm), has shaped the development of glasshouse crops, and been a decisive factor for growers in the area as to the crops they have had to choose and, at the same time, for the distinctive organoleptic qualities of ‘Pomodoro di Pachino’.

5.2. Specificity of the product:

The characteristic which established the reputation of ‘Pomodoro di Pachino’ was its early ripening, observed by local farmers when it was first planted. Additional characteristics which have been recognised over time by the consumer, such as their flavour, the consistency of their flesh, their glossiness and long life following harvesting, have been such as to establish ‘Pomodoro di Pachino’ on the market.

5.3. Causal link between the geographical area and the quality or characteristics of the product (for PDO) or a specific quality, the reputation or other characteristic of the product (for PGI):

Tomato-growing is typical of Pachino horticulture. Tomatoes were first cultivated in 1925 on holdings located along the coast supplied with irrigation water from groundwater wells.

Early experience showed that tomatoes grown in the area were ready for harvesting some 15-20 days earlier than in other areas.

However, interest in growing the crop was circumscribed by the widespread cultivation of vines. Around about the 1950s, cultivation was extended over a very much larger area also located along the coast, using techniques for bringing on and protecting the crop in the early stages. The environment of the coastal area, despite favourable thermometric conditions, is prone to sudden exceptional plunges and changes in temperature between day and night which have occasionally been responsible for the destruction of entire crops of vegetables.

The most widespread means of protection was individual covers for single plants made from prickly pear (cactus) cladods or tiles or multiple covers consisting of mats made from stubble woven with iron wire and supported on canes.

In the early 1960s the first growing tunnels appeared, consisting of cane sheds covered with polyethylene film. In subsequent years, they consisted of sturdier structures with cane being replaced by chestnut stakes and a deal frame. The protected growing of crops is the outcome therefore of a development process that began in a rudimentary and quasi-natural way to bring on the cultivation and harvesting of tomatoes.

The serious problems facing vine-growers in the 1970s led to a rapid switch in many areas to glasshouse cultivation and the setting-up of the first associations which began to market tomatoes bearing the name of their place of origin ‘Pachino’.

Growing techniques were improved with the use of modern localised irrigation systems and galvanised metal glasshouses began to prove a success.

Over time then ‘Pomodoro di Pachino’ tomatoes have become renowned on national and export markets on account of their distinct qualitative characteristics.

The particular soil and climate conditions in the production area confer on the product these qualitative characteristics, which combined with the production techniques adopted by growers make the crop characteristic of the geographical area.

The features of ‘Pomodoro di Pachino’ tomatoes are linked to their intrinsic characteristics, which set it apart: their flavour, the consistency of their flesh, their glossiness and long life following harvesting; these are all sought by the consumer when buying the ‘Pomodoro di Pachino’ on the market, which thus acquires a reputation both in Italy and abroad.

Reference to publication of the specification:

The Ministry has initiated the procedure provided for in Article 5(5) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 with the publication of the proposal for amending ‘Pomodoro di Pachino’ as a Protected Geographical Indication in Official Gazette of the Italian Republic No 234 of 6 October 2010.

The full text of the product specification is available on the following website:

http://www.politicheagricole.it/Flex/cm/pages/serveblob.php/L/IT/idpagina/3335

or alternatively:

on the home page of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy (http://www.politicheagricole.it) by clicking on ‘Qualità e sicurezza’ (in the top right-hand corner of the screen) and then on ‘Disciplinari di Produzione all’esame dell’UE’.

(1) OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12.