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

(2002/C 255/04)

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 03711

1. Responsible department in the Member State Name: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, United Kingdom

Tel. (44-207) 270 81 70

Fax (44-207) 270 86 45

2. Applicant group 2.1. Name: Welsh Lamb and Beef Promotions Ltd

2.2. Address: PO Box 8, Gorseland, North Road, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 2WB, Wales

2.3. Composition: Producer/processor (17000) other (0)

3. Type of product: Fresh meat and offal - Class 1.1

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

4.1. Name: Welsh lamb.

4.2. Description: "Welsh lamb" is carcases or cuts of meat from lambs bred, born, reared in Wales and slaughtered in approved abbatoirs.

4.3. Geographical area: Wales.

4.4. Proof of origin: Extensive sheep production plays an important role in the Welsh rural economy and historical references date as far back as the 14th century. Welsh lamb enjoys a unique worldwide reputation which is derived from the traditional extensive farming. Farms are often family owned and over the generations a great deal of expertise in producing Welsh lamb has accumulated.

4.5. Method of production: Each producer controls his own flock of sheep, lambs suckle the ewe and graze outdoors on the grass. Lambs are all slaughtered at up to one year old in approved abattoirs.

All abattoirs are scheme approved and are required to maintain records to ensure traceability of each batch of lambs purchased, to guarantee the integrity of supply as being Welsh lamb.

Minimum requirements with regard to the traceability of the product are:

(i) sheep raised extensively on grassland;

(ii) veterinary records according to government requirements;

(iii) traceability compliant to Farm-assured Welsh Livestock Protocol. All lambs are tagged with producer's flock number printed on the tags;

(iv) transport and slaughter identification according to government regulations.

4.6. Link: Welsh lamb is a product of the traditional extensive farming practices utilising the expertise built up over generations of producers. Welsh lamb is derived entirely from lambs bred, born, reared in Wales and slaughtered in approved abattoirs. The unique character of the product arises from the influence of the traditional hardy Welsh breeds that dominate the Welsh flock and also by the lambs feeding on the abundant natural grassland in Wales, which flourishes as a result of the wet and mild Welsh climate and topography.

4.7. Inspection body Name: Scottish Food Quality Certification Ltd

Address: Craigs House, 82 Craigs Road, East Craigs, Edinburgh EH12 8NJ

4.8. Labelling: Each carcase, part carcase or cut, carries the Welsh Lamb Enterprise label. Following registration each product will carry a protected geographical indication (PGI) symbol in close proximity to the registered name.

4.9. National requirements: -

EC No: G/UK/00081/99.02.10.

Date of receipt of the full application: 28 March 2001.