Publication of an application for approval of an amendment, which is not minor, to a product specification pursuant to Article 50(2), point (a), of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs 2023/C 174/14
Date: 2023-05-16
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Bavaria, Germany, consumer information, designation of origin, fresh fish, freshwater fish, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products








C_2023174EN.01002401.xml










16.5.2023   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 174/24






Publication of an application for approval of an amendment, which is not minor, to a product specification pursuant to Article 50(2), point (a), of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs
(2023/C 174/14)
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 A NON-MINOR AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION FOR A PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN OR PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION

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


‘Fränkischer Karpfen / Frankenkarpfen / Karpfen aus Franken’


EU No: PGI-DE-0688-AM01


☐ PDO ☒ PGI

1.   Applicant group and legitimate interest

Name: Fischereiverband Mittelfranken e.V. [Mittelfranken Fisheries Association]
Address: Maiacher Straße 60d, 90441 Nuremberg
Tel. +49 9114249010
Email: info@mfr.de

Legitimate interest

The applicant is the same as the original applicant. It is an association of producers of the protected products. It therefore has a legitimate interest in this amendment application and is also entitled to apply (Article 53(1) in conjunction with Article 3, point (2), of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012).
2.   Member State or Third Country

Germany
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 [to be specified]




4.   Type of amendment(s)







☒


Amendments to the product specification of a registered PDO or PGI which cannot 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 in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.




5.   Amendment(s)

1.   
Description of product



Amendment to the specification

In the third paragraph of Section (b), Description, the current wording of the first sentence
‘The live weight of a 3-year-old fish is between 1 000 g and 1 700 g’ is to be amended to
‘The live weight of this table carp (from K3) is between 1 000 g and 3 000 g.’
Reason: The development of automatic filleters has resulted in the demand for fillets soaring, larger carp being particularly well suited to filleting.

Impact on the single document

The above-mentioned amendment to the specification also affects point 3.2, Product description, of the single document.
In the third paragraph, the first sentence ‘The live weight of a 3-year-old fish is between 1 000 g and 1 700 g’ is to be amended to
‘The live weight of this table carp (from K3) is between 1 000 g and 3 000 g.’
2.   
Proof of origin



Amendment to the specification

In Section (d), Proof of origin, the current wording of the fourth and fifth sentences
‘All producers registered in the control system are recorded by the pond cooperative in a database. The pond cooperative monitors ...’ is to be amended to
‘All producers registered in the control system are recorded in a database by the authorised coordinator (currently “Satzfischerzeugerring Franken e.V.”). The coordinator monitors ...’
Reason: As neither the Mittelfranken Fisheries Association nor any of the pond cooperatives in the geographical area wanted to take over the control system, Satzfischerzeugerring Franken e.V. agreed to act as coordinator.

Impact on the single document: none
3.   
Method of production



Amendment to the specification

The following amendments are requested in Section (e), Method of production:






(1)


In the first paragraph, the current wording of the fourth sentence






 


‘... and then reach the desired weight in the third summer (i.e. as K3 fish)’ is to be amended to










 


‘... and then generally reach the desired weight in the third summer (i.e. as K3 fish)’.














(2)


The current wording of the second paragraph






 


‘... be kept in the geographical area for [at least] one production period (starting in April of the year in question)’ is to be amended to










 


‘... be kept in the geographical area for [at least] one production period (starting in most cases in April of the year in question)’.














(3)


In the third paragraph, the current wording of the first sentence






 


‘... In the production of table fish (K2-K3), this is supplemented by legumes and grain, excluding maize’ is to be amended to










 


‘... In the production of table fish (from K2), this is supplemented by legumes and grain, excluding maize’.








Reason: As carp are farmed extensively (i.e. outdoors) in natural ponds, the weather has a strong influence on the growth of the fish. Table carp have developed very differently over recent years (as a result of climate change).
In some years, early spring was so warm that the fish came out of hibernation early and started to feed. This meant that their natural food sources were not sufficient and had to be supplemented.
Although carp prefer warmth, the last, extremely hot and dry summers have shown that other factors also have a negative impact on growth: mainly lack of oxygen, but in some cases also high incidence of blue-green algae, and also low water levels in ponds. This led to stress, as a result of which the fish ate less and also grew more slowly. In addition, fish had to be removed from ponds as an emergency measure when the water level was too low, which, again, had a negative impact on their growth. As it is not possible to tell how the climate will develop, the applicants consider greater flexibility in the production method (as described above) to be a matter of urgency.

Impact on the single document

The amendments affect the following points in the single document:
NB: the numbering of the single document has changed; what was point 3.4, Feed, is now 3.3 and what was point 3.5, Specific steps in production, is now 3.4.
Point 3.3 (Feed)
The sentence in the current single document (point 3.4, first and second lines)
‘… In the production of table fish (K2-K3), this is supplemented by legumes …’ is to be amended to
(now under point 3.3, first and second lines)

‘... In the production of table fish (from K2), this is supplemented by legumes …’

Point 3.4 (Specific steps in production that must take place in the defined geographical area)
In the current wording of the fourth sentence of the first paragraph (under point 3.5 of the current single document)
‘... and then reach the desired weight in the third summer (i.e. as K3 fish)’, the word ‘generally’ is inserted before ‘reach’.
The sentence (which is now the fourth sentence under point 3.4) now reads:

‘... and then generally reach the desired weight in the third summer (i.e. as K3 fish)’.

In the second paragraph (under point 3.5 of the current single document, in the phrase ‘(starting in April of the year in question)’ the words ‘in most cases’ are inserted before ‘in April’.
The phrase (which is now in the fifth sentence under point 3.4) now reads:

‘... (starting in most cases in April of the year in question).’

4.   
Link with the geographical area



Amendment to the specification

Under point (3), Causal link / Reputation, the current wording of the second and third sentences of the last paragraph:

‘ … “Frankenkarpfen” has also been included in the database of traditional Bavarian specialities (http://www.foodfrombavaria.de). Only products with a reputation among the people of Bavaria may be included in the database, which is operated by the Bavarian State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’

is to be amended to

‘ … “Frankenkarpfen” is also listed as a traditional Bavarian speciality in the Bavarian specialities database (www.spezialitaetenland-bayern.de). In order to be included in the database, a product, dish or drink must meet a number of requirements.
The speciality must have been produced or grown in the region for at least 50 years. It must also have a history and/or origin that demonstrates that the product is closely linked to the region where it is produced or processed. Last but not least, consumers must perceive the product as being typically Bavarian or typical of a region within Bavaria.’

Reason: The reason for the amendment is that the indicated URL (www.foodfrombavaria.de ) is no longer valid.

Impact on the single document


The above-mentioned amendment to the specification also affects point 5(3), Causal link, of the single document. The current wording of the second and third sentences of the last paragraph:


‘… “Frankenkarpfen” has also been included in the database of traditional Bavarian specialities (http://www.foodfrombavaria.de). Only products with a reputation among the people of Bavaria may be included in the database, which is operated by the Bavarian State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’

is to be amended to

‘… “Frankenkarpfen” is also listed as a traditional Bavarian speciality in the Bavarian specialities database (www.spezialitaetenland-bayern.de). In order to be included in the database, a product, dish or drink must meet a number of requirements.
The speciality must have been produced or grown in the region for at least 50 years. It must also have a history and/or origin that demonstrates that the product is closely linked to the region where it is produced or processed. Last but not least, consumers must perceive the product as being typically Bavarian or typical of a region within Bavaria.’

SINGLE DOCUMENT

’ Fränkischer Karpfen / Frankenkarpfen / Karpfen aus Franken'


EU No: PGI-DE-0688-AM01— 7.2.2022


PDO ( ) PGI (X )

1.   Name(s) [of PDO or PGI]

’ Fränkischer Karpfen / Frankenkarpfen / Karpfen aus Franken'
2.   Member State or Third Country

Germany
3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Class 1.7. Fresh fish, molluscs and crustaceans and products derived therefrom
3.2.   Description of the product to which the name in (1) applies

‘Fränkischer Karpfen’ / ‘Frankenkarpfen’ / ‘Karpfen aus Franken’ (hereinafter ‘Frankenkarpfen’), a mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio), is a table fish which is sold live or slaughtered.
The ‘Frankenkarpfen’ has a dark green, grey or greyish blue back, yellow-green to gold sides and a yellowish white belly. Its dorsal and caudal fins are grey, the caudal and anal fins have a reddish tone and the pectoral and pelvic fins are yellowish or reddish in colour.
The live weight of this table carp (from K3) is between 1 000 g and 3 000 g. The ‘Frankenkarpfen’ is a mirror carp characterised by its firm, white, palatable flesh and its low fat content of practically no more than 10 %. The fat content is kept low by limiting the stocking density (a maximum of 800 carp per ha at the K2 stage).
3.3.   Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

The carp feed predominantly on what is naturally available (bottom nutrients, zooplankton, etc.). In the production of table fish (from K2), this is supplemented by legumes and grain (excluding maize). In addition, mixed feed authorised under the Bavarian agricultural landscapes programme is permitted. The mixed feed must consist of arable crops only and may not contain any ingredients of animal origin. It may not contain more than 16 % raw protein and the total phosphorus content must not be more than 0,6 %. The greenmeal content must be at least 10 %.
3.4.   Specific steps in production that must take place in the identified geographical area

As the carp grow during the warm summer months, their age is counted in summers. Table carp in Franconia generally grow to maturity over the course of three summers. In the first year, what are known as K1 fish are raised from the eggs. After the subsequent winter, the fish grow to K2, are kept for another winter and then generally reach the desired weight in the third summer (i.e. as K3 fish). ‘Frankenkarpfen’ must be kept in the geographical area at least from fry (K2) to table fish (K3), i.e. for at least one production period (starting in most cases in April of the year in question).
3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product the registered name refers to

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

-
4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The geographical area covers all carp ponds in Unterfranken, Mittelfranken and Oberfranken.
5.   Link with the geographical area

(1)   Specificity of the geographical area

‘Frankenkarpfen’ has been produced in the production region for about 900 years. Carp production has close historical links to the Franconian monasteries.
The fish ponds in Franconia form a band of varying width through the geological Rednitz basin and the upper Altmühl, Aisch and Wörnitz valleys. They are located mainly in the Middle (or ‘Bunter’) Keuper, the sandstone Keuper, and in particular in the light sandy soils of the Löwenstein Formation.
The alternation of sandstone layers and clayey, impermeable layers, which is a particular characteristic of the soils of the Bunter Keuper, proved to be extremely conducive to the construction of ponds.
Throughout Franconia, ponds can be found almost exclusively in the geological formation that is the Keuper. That formation, as stated above, is made up of impermeable soils with only minimal water loss through seepage. This means that only small inflows or simple precipitation are enough to maintain the water level over summer.
Compared to the rest of Germany, Franconia has very little precipitation. Average annual rainfall is thus between about 600 mm and 650 mm, and the average temperature is 7-9 °C. In other words, it is a warm, dry continental climate with little precipitation. Unlike in the Oberpfalz, the water balance is the limiting factor for pond farming in Franconia. The climate is warmer than in the Oberpfalz and the ponds are more fertile and give better yields as a result.
Carp farming is a distinctive feature not only of the landscape of Franconia but also of its culture. There are books of fish-farming anecdotes, songs about carp and even art and other exhibitions dedicated to the carp.
‘Frankenkarpfen’ is a traditional meal served in hostelries all over Franconia, many of which – like the delicacy itself – have been there for hundreds of years. Most of the innkeepers, who follow in a long family tradition of serving carp, keep them in tanks or basins so that they always have a ready supply of fresh fish.
The ‘Frankenkarpfen’ is very highly regarded as a foodstuff throughout the region and can be prepared in ways typical of Franconia (e.g. carp cut in half lengthways and fried).
(2)   Specificity of the product

‘Frankenkarpfen’ is characterised by its firm, white flesh, which has a typical flavour that can be said to be not earthy or musty, pleasantly palatable and reminiscent of good, freshly boiled potatoes. As a result of the prescribed stocking density, ‘Frankenkarpfen’ has a low fat content of practically no more than 10 %.
(3)   Causal link

The link is based on the quality and characteristics of the product and the natural factors of the area.
‘Frankenkarpfen’ is known throughout the region and beyond and is highly regarded among consumers. The characteristic and typical taste of the fish comes from the high quality and purity of the water in the defined area in which they are bred, the effects of the natural and geographical conditions on the breeding of the carp, the influence of the specific subsoil in Franconia and, in particular, the predominantly natural feed (fish food organisms) in the water of the area concerned. It can be said to be not earthy or musty, pleasantly palatable and reminiscent of good, freshly boiled potatoes. The feed and low stocking density (which does not exceed 800 K2 carp per hectare) ensure the outstanding quality of the meat.
‘Frankenkarpfen’ is held in high regard because of its quality and the importance and centuries-old tradition of pond farming in Franconia. The carp is an integral part of cultural life in the geographical area and is a highly prized foodstuff and a key component of traditional Franconian cuisine – these factors too have made ‘Frankenkarpfen’ a speciality of the region with a reputation that extends far beyond it.
A consumer survey carried out in Nuremberg in 2002 showed that 31 % of consumers prefer ‘Frankenkarpfen’. ‘Frankenkarpfen’ is also listed as a traditional Bavarian speciality in the Bavarian specialities database. In order to be included in the database, a product, dish or drink must meet a number of requirements.
The speciality must have been produced or grown in the region for at least 50 years. It must also have a history and/or origin that demonstrates that the product is closely linked to the region where it is produced or processed. Last but not least, consumers must perceive the product as being typically Bavarian or typical of a region within Bavaria.

Reference to publication of the specification


Markenblatt [Trade Mark Journal] Vol. 32 of 13.8.2021, Part 7a-bb, p. 31509
https://register.dpma.de/DPMAregister/geo/detail.pdfdownload/42259


(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.