Publication of an application for registration pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin

(2001/C 354/06)

This publication confers the right to object to the application pursuant to Article 7 of the abovementioned Regulation. Any objection to this application must be submitted via the competent authority in the Member State concerned within a time limit of six months from the date of this publication. The arguments for publication are set out below, in particular under 4.6, and are considered to justify the application within the meaning of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92.

COUNCIL REGULATION (EEC) No 2081/92

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION: ARTICLE 5

PDO ( ) PGI (x)

National application No: 398990093

1. Responsible department in the Member State Name: Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt Markenabteilung 3.2

Address: D-80297 München

Tel.: (49-89) 21 95-46 22

Fax: (49-89) 21 95-41 43.

2. Applicant group 2.1. Name: Teichgenossenschaft Oberpfalz

2.2. Address: Säulnhof 19, D-92551 Stulln

2.3. Composition: producer/processor (x), other ( ).

3. Type of product: Class 1.7 Fish, molluscs, fresh crustaceans and fish-based products.

4. Specification (summary of requirements under Article 4(2)):

4.1. Name: Oberpfälzer Karpfen.

4.2. Description: Table carp live, slaughtered or processed into smoked fish (also in cuts such as fillets or cutlets) and finished products; minimum weight of individual live fish: 1000 g, form: elongated. The meat is white, firm, tasty and low in fat with a unique flavour.

4.3. Geographical area: Government district of Oberpfalz (Upper Palatinate) Bavaria

4.4. Proof of origin: Oberpfälzer Karpfen is a product of traditional pond farming with a history going back several centuries. Carp pond farming in the Upper Palatinate started in the Cistercian monastery in Waldsassen (founded in 1132), was at its height in the 15th century and has since undergone a renaissance in the 20th century. Today carp pond farming is practised on about 3000 farms in the Upper Palatinate with a pond surface area of approximately 10000 ha and is thus one of the leading areas in Germany, representing a major economic factor in the structurally weak Upper Palatinate area. Oberpfälzer Karpfen is bred from the egg to the finished table fish in the Upper Palatinate itself. Pond farmers and traders undertake not to market goods from other origins under the name "Oberpfälzer Karpfen". For control purposes, records are kept of the size of the undertaking, purchase and sale of fish, feed, etc. and the purchase of carp.

4.5. Method of production: Oberpfälzer Karpfen is bred from the egg to the finished fish (1500 to 2000 g), a weight which is normally reached at the end of the third growing season. They are fed predominantly on a natural basis (pond bed nutrients, zooplankton, etc.), with added cereals (but not maize) from local farms.

4.6. Link: As a result of the specific geographical and climate conditions (elevation, soil substrate, water quality, etc.), the Upper Palatinate is distinct from other pond farming regions. The relatively low temperatures, and the weather conditions and slightly acid soils conducive to extensive farming, coupled with moderate use of natural feed supplements lead to slower fish growth and the typical lean, firm meat. Through the food chain, the meat quality is also influenced by the soil substrate and water properties. The qualities of Oberpfälzer Karpfen are thus closely linked to its geographical origin and contribute to the reputation traditionally enjoyed by this product.

4.7. Inspection bodies: Name: Bayerische Landesanstalt für Ernährung

Address: Postfach 95 01 40, D-81517 München

Name: Lacon GmbH

Address: Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Str. 10, D-77656 Offenburg

Name: Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Arbeit und Sozialordnung, Familie, Frauen und Gesundheit

Address: D-80792 München.

4.8. Labelling: Protected geographical indication (PGI).

4.9. National requirements: None.

EC No: G/DE/00191/01.04.24.

Date of receipt of full application: 24 April 2001.