Publication of an application for approval of an amendment, which is not minor, 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 2023/C 182/05
Date: 2023-05-24
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Autonomous Province of Bolzano, Italy, consumer information, designation of origin, labelling, pip fruit, product designation, quality control of agricultural products








C_2023182EN.01001201.xml










24.5.2023   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 182/12






Publication of an application for approval of an amendment, which is not minor, 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
(2023/C 182/05)
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 AN AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION OF PROTECTED DESIGNATIONS OF ORIGIN/PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS WHICH IS NOT MINOR

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


’Mela Alto Adige / Südtiroler Apfel'


EU No: PGI-IT-0207-AM01-23.6.2021


PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1.   Applicant group and legitimate interest

Consorzio Mela Alto Adige
Address: Via Jakobi 1a, 39018 Terlano, Italy
Email: info@suedtirolerapfel.com
Certified email: sak@pec.rolmail.net
The ‘Consorzio Mela Alto Adige’ [protection association] is entitled to submit an amendment application pursuant to Article 13(1) of Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy Decree No 12511 of 14 October 2013.
2.   Member State or Third Country

Italy
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










☒


Marketing




4.   Type of amendment(s)







☒


Amendment to 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.










☐


Amendment to product specification of registered PDO or PGI for which a Single Document (or equivalent) has not been published not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012




5.   Amendment(s)

A)   Specification: Article 2.2 - Characteristics of the product

The current paragraph:

‘(...) The term “Mela Alto Adige” or “Südtiroler Apfel” may be used only for apples which have the intrinsic and extrinsic quality characteristics expressed separately for each variety using the following parameters: external appearance, marketing class and size, chemical characteristics, physical characteristics.
The other minimum quality standards for the various varieties and classes are those laid down by the relevant EU legislation in force. The fruit’s sugar content and firmness expressed in kg/cm2, measured within 2 months of being harvested, must comply with the minimum values listed below for each variety.’ (…)

Proposed amendment to the paragraph:

‘(...)The term “Mela Alto Adige” / “Südtiroler Apfel” may be used only for apples which have the intrinsic and extrinsic quality characteristics expressed separately for each variety using the following parameters: external appearance, marketing class and size, chemical characteristics, physical characteristics.
The other minimum quality standards for the various varieties and classes are those laid down by the relevant EU legislation in force. The fruit’s sugar content and firmness expressed in kg/cm2, measured within 2 months of being harvested, must comply with the minimum values listed below for each variety.
Apples intended exclusively for processing are subject to all the requirements laid down in the specification, with the exception of the marketing class, epicarp colour, additional epicarp colour and size. These fruits may bear the “Mela Alto Adige” / “Südtiroler Apfel” PGI but cannot be marketed as such to the end consumer.’

(…)
Single document: point 3.2. Description of product to which the name in (1) applies
The current paragraph:

‘(...) The Protected Geographical Indication “Mela Alto Adige” or “Südtiroler Apfel” is reserved for fruit from apple orchards located in the area defined in Article 3 of the specification and consisting of the following varieties and their clones: Braeburn, Elstar, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Idared, Jonagold, Morgenduft, Red Delicious, Stayman Winesap, Pinova and Topaz.’

(…)
Proposed amendment to the paragraph (in addition to the change in point A):

‘(...) The Protected Geographical Indication “Mela Alto Adige” or “Südtiroler Apfel” is reserved for fruit from apple orchards located in the area defined in Article 3 of the specification and consisting of the following varieties and their clones: Braeburn, Elstar, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Idared, Jonagold, Morgenduft, Red Delicious, Stayman Winesap, Pinova and Topaz.’

(…)
Apples intended exclusively for processing are subject to all the requirements laid down in the specification, with the exception of the marketing class, epicarp colour, additional epicarp colour and size. These fruits may bear the ‘Mela Alto Adige’ / ‘Südtiroler Apfel’ PGI but cannot be marketed as such to the end consumer.’
It is proposed that a new paragraph be added to Article 2(2.2) of the specification and the corresponding point 3.2 of the single document to allow the ‘Mela Alto Adige’ / ‘Südtiroler Apfel’ PGI to be used also for apples intended for processing produced in compliance with the specification, already taking into account the amendment proposed here. In order to ensure and allow effective use of the protected designation for apples intended for processing, it is necessary to exclude for this category certain quality requirements laid down in the specification for individual varieties (marketing class, epicarp colour, additional epicarp colour and size), mainly of importance for table apples only. Without these exclusions, the additional paragraph would be completely ineffective, since it would be uneconomical for producers to use apples in the ‘Extra’ or ‘I’ (or ‘II’ for organic products) classes for processing.
B)   Specification: Article 5.9. Marketing

The current paragraph:

‘(...) The marketing of “Mela Alto Adige” or “Südtiroler Apfel” for the summer varieties (Elstar and Gala) may take place only during the period from the beginning of August to the end of July. The remaining varieties may be marketed until the end of September of the year following the harvest.’ (…)

Proposed amendment to the paragraph:

‘(...) The marketing of “Mela Alto Adige” / “Südtiroler Apfel” for the summer varieties (Elstar and Gala) may take place only during the period from the beginning of August to the end of July. The remaining varieties may be marketed within 12 months of the date of harvesting.’ (…)

Single document: Unchanged
It is proposed to redefine the marketing period for varieties other than summer varieties (Elstar and Gala) in the light of continuous technological developments in the area of food storage.
The deletion of a fixed time reference (September of the year following the harvest) makes it possible to guarantee the same marketing period (12 months) for each year, given that the harvesting period may vary from year to year, partly due to ongoing climate change.
C)   Specification: Article 6 - Evidence of the link with the environment

The current paragraph:

‘(...) The altitude of the orchards, i.e. between 200 m and 1 000 m above sea level, and the light, well-aerated soils guarantee an intense aroma, firm flesh and a long shelf-life.’ (…)

Proposed amendment to the paragraph:

‘(...) The altitude of the orchards, i.e. between 200 m and 1 100 m above sea level, and the light, well-aerated soils guarantee an intense aroma, firm flesh and a long shelf-life.’ (…)

Single document: Point 5 - Link with the geographical area
The current paragraph:

‘(...) The altitude of the orchards, i.e. between 200 m and 1 000 m above sea level, and the light, well-aerated soils guarantee an intense aroma, firm flesh and a long shelf-life.’ (…)

Proposed amendment to the paragraph:

‘(...) The altitude of the orchards, i.e. between 200 m and 1 100 m above sea level, and the light, well-aerated soils guarantee an intense aroma, firm flesh and a long shelf-life.’ (…)

An increase in the maximum altitude of the orchards from 1 000 to 1 100 m above sea level is proposed in Article 6 of the specification and the corresponding point 5 of the single document. The amendment takes account of the ongoing climate change, which allows for a gradual rise in the altitude of the production area without any loss of product quality and of the quality characteristics which distinguish ‘Mela Alto Adige’ / ‘Südtiroler Apfel’ PGI from similar products. The purpose of the amendment is to ensure uniform and non-discriminatory treatment between producers whose orchards are located in the highest parts of the production area.
SINGLE DOCUMENT

’Mela Alto Adige / Südtiroler Apfel'


EU No: PGI-IT-0207-AM01-23.6.2021


PGI (X) PDO ( )

1.   Name(s) [of PDO or PGI]

‘Mela Alto Adige / Südtiroler Apfel’
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 ‘Mela Alto Adige’ or ‘Südtiroler Apfel’ is reserved for fruit from apple orchards located in the area defined in Article 3 below and currently consisting of the following varieties, mutants and/or clones: Braeburn, Elstar, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Idared, Jonagold, Morgenduft, Red Delicious, Stayman Winesap, Pinova and Topaz.
The term ‘Mela Alto Adige’ / ‘Südtiroler Apfel’ may be used only for apples which have the intrinsic and extrinsic quality characteristics expressed separately for each variety using the following parameters: external appearance, marketing class and size, chemical characteristics, physical characteristics. The other minimum quality standards for the various varieties and classes are those laid down by the relevant EU legislation in force.
The fruit’s sugar content and firmness expressed in kg/cm2, measured within 2 months of being harvested, must comply with the minimum values listed below for each variety.
Braeburn:






—


epicarp colour: green to light green;










—


additional epicarp colour: stripes ranging from orange-red to dark red > 33 % of the surface;










—


marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products;










—


size: minimum diameter 65 mm;










—


sugar content: over 11 °Brx;










—


firmness: minimum 5,5 kg/cm2.




Elstar:






—


epicarp colour: yellow;










—


additional epicarp colour: bright red > 20 % of the surface;










—


marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products;










—


size: minimum diameter 65 mm;










—


sugar content: over 10,5 °Brx;










—


firmness: minimum 5 kg/cm2.




Fuji:






—


epicarp colour: light green to yellow;










—


additional epicarp colour: light to deep red > 50 % of the light red surface, of which 30 % is deep red;










—


marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products;










—


size: minimum diameter 65 mm;










—


sugar content: over 12,5 °Brx;










—


firmness: minimum 5 kg/cm2.




Gala:






—


epicarp colour: green-yellow to golden yellow;










—


additional epicarp colour: red on at least 20 % of the surface (standard Gala); > 50 % for red clones;










—


marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products;










—


size: minimum diameter 60 mm;










—


sugar content: over 10,5 °Brx;










—


firmness: minimum 5 kg/cm2.




Golden Delicious:






—


epicarp colour: light green to yellow;










—


additional epicarp colour: pink in some environments;










—


russeting: net-like russeting on up to 20 % of the surface, covering not more than 20 % of fruit; russeting is permitted for organic products in accordance with the russeting criteria laid down for Class ‘II’ ;










—


marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products;










—


size: minimum diameter 65 mm;










—


sugar content: over 11 °Brx;










—


firmness: minimum 5 kg/cm2.




Granny Smith:






—


epicarp colour: dark green;










—


additional epicarp colour: slight pink blush possible;










—


marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products;










—


size: minimum diameter 65 mm;










—


sugar content: over 10 °Brx;










—


firmness: minimum 5,5 kg/cm2.




Idared:






—


epicarp colour: yellow-green;










—


additional epicarp colour: uniform bright red > 33 % of the surface;










—


marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products;










—


size: minimum diameter 65 mm;










—


sugar content: over 10 °Brx;










—


firmness: minimum 5 kg/cm2.




Jonagold:






—


epicarp colour: yellow-green;










—


additional epicarp colour: bright red for Jonagold; striped red > 20 % of the surface; for Jonagored: red > 50 % of the surface;










—


marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products;










—


size: minimum diameter 65 mm;










—


sugar content: over 11 °Brx;










—


firmness: minimum 5 kg/cm2.




Morgenduft:






—


epicarp colour: light green to yellow;










—


additional epicarp colour: uniform bright red on at least 33 % of the surface; for Dallago: deep brilliant red on at least 50 % of the surface;










—


marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products;










—


size: minimum diameter 65 mm;










—


sugar content: over 10 °Brx;










—


firmness: minimum 5 kg/cm2.




Red Delicious:






—


epicarp colour: green-yellow;










—


additional epicarp colour: deep brilliant red streaks on at least 75 % of the surface; for red clones > 90 % of the surface;










—


marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products;










—


size: minimum diameter 65 mm;










—


sugar content: over 10 °Brx;










—


firmness: minimum 5 kg/cm2.




Stayman Winesap:






—


epicarp colour: yellowish green;










—


additional epicarp colour: uniform red with light streaking > 33 %;










—


for Red Stayman (Staymanred): > 50 % of the surface;










—


marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products;










—


size: minimum diameter 65 mm;










—


sugar content: over 10 °Brx;










—


firmness: minimum 5 kg/cm2.




Pinova:






—


epicarp colour: light green to yellow;










—


additional epicarp colour: striped red > 10 % of the surface;










—


marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products;










—


size: minimum diameter 65 mm;










—


sugar content: over 11 °Brx;










—


firmness: minimum 5 kg/cm2.




Topaz:






—


epicarp colour: light green to yellow;










—


additional epicarp colour: striped red > 33 % of the surface;










—


marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products;










—


size: minimum diameter 60 mm;










—


sugar content: over 10,5 °Brx;










—


firmness: minimum 5 kg/cm2.




Apples intended exclusively for processing are subject to all the requirements laid down in the specification, with the exception of the marketing class, epicarp colour, additional epicarp colour and size. These fruits may bear the ‘Mela Alto Adige’ PGI but cannot be marketed as such to the end consumer.
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 identified geographical area

‘Mela Alto Adige / Südtiroler Apfel’ apples must be grown and harvested within the production area indicated in point 4.
3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product the registered name refers to

To avoid damage to the product such as skin lesions, bruising leading to browning of the flesh and other damage, preparation and packing must take place within the defined geographical area. This restriction is due to the great deal of experience gained in the post-harvest management of the product by growers who have been operating for more than 40 years in the defined area of Alto Adige.
3.6.   Specific rules concerning labelling of the product the registered name refers to

The words ‘Mela Alto Adige’ Indicazione geografica protetta (Italian) or ‘Südtiroler Apfel’ geschützte geografische Angabe (German) must appear on the label to be affixed to the boxes, sales packaging or individual fruit. The minimum height of the words ‘Mela Alto Adige’ or ‘Südtiroler Apfel’ on the labels to be affixed to the boxes or the sales packaging must be 2 mm. The minimum height of the words ‘Mela Alto Adige’ or ‘Südtiroler Apfel’ on the stickers to be affixed to the fruit must be 0.8 mm.
Together with the Protected Geographical Indication, indications and/or graphic symbols referring to individual and/or collective names or company names or company trademarks may be used, provided that they have no laudatory purport or are such as to mislead the consumer.
4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The production area of ‘Mela Alto Adige’ or ‘Südtiroler Apfel’ apples forms part of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano - Alto Adige (Südtirol), covering the entirety of 72 municipalities
5.   Link with the geographical area

The link between ‘Mela Alto Adige’ / ‘Südtiroler Apfel’ apples and the geographical area is based on their specific qualities, characteristics and reputation. ‘Mela Alto Adige’ or ‘Südtiroler Apfel’ apples are noted for their particularly pronounced colour and taste, their firm flesh and their very long shelf-life; these quality characteristics are due to the intertwined combination of soil and weather factors and the skills of the growers.
The climate of Alto Adige is highly favourable for apple cultivation, with more than 300 days of sunshine during the year. In late summer and autumn there are typical marked temperature changes between day and night. During the day the temperature can reach 30 °C while during the night it can fall to 8-10 °C. Most of the production comes from holdings located more than 500 m above sea level. The extraordinarily fertile soils are light, well drained and oxygen rich. This allows optimum root development. The soils have an average or high humus content.
The practices of growers in Alto Adige allow them to produce high quality apples, thanks to the optimum balance between growth and fruit production. ‘Mela Alto Adige’/‘Südtiroler Apfel’ apples are produced using techniques and methods which have a low impact on the environment. The production systems for ‘Mela Alto Adige’/‘Südtiroler Apfel’ apples aim to make the best use of the production areas’ natural soil and climate advantages. The combination of a high number of sunlight hours, cool nights and low rainfall guarantees fruit with a particularly pronounced taste and colour. The altitude of the orchards, i.e. between 200 m and 1 100 m above sea level, and the light, well-aerated soils guarantee an intense aroma, firm flesh and a long shelf-life. Moreover, nutrients are provided through balanced fertilisation carried out on the basis of a soil analysis, boosting fruit quality and curbing the development of physiological diseases. Thanks to the favourable soil and climate conditions, apple growing in Alto Adige has over time passed from purely local varieties to include those from other countries, well adapted to the microclimate, as attested by numerous sources. As early as the Middle Ages various apple and pear varieties were widely grown on the mountain farms (masi) of Alto Adige for the use of the family living on the farm. From the mid-19th century, fruit-growing became a flourishing production and commercial activity, with foreign buyers in Vienna, Innsbruck, Munich, Warsaw and St Petersburg. This period also saw the modernisation of fruit-growing in Alto Adige. In 1831 the schoolmaster Johann Iakob Pöll published the first manual on fruit-growing and in 1872, at the newly established San Michele all'Adige Agricultural Institute, fruit-growing was introduced as a subject in its own right in the teaching curriculum.
A nursery list of the Bolzano Agricultural Association of 1856 already mentions no fewer than 193 varieties of cultivable apple. The most important historical work on fruit and vegetable growing in Alto Adige by Karl Mader (1894 and 1904) recognises almost 40 varieties as being very widespread in the entire Alto Adige area. The combination of these environmental factors and the centuries of human activity, involving the close interweaving of apple growing and the protection of the land and the environment that is a feature of the local production system, contribute to the reputation of ‘Mela Alto Adige’/‘Südtiroler Apfel’ on both the domestic and international markets. The apple production chain at present involves 8 000 growers, mainly associated in cooperatives, 2 500 workers in the market preparation centres and 12 000 fruit pickers.

Reference to publication of the specification

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:
by going directly to the home page of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food, Forestry and Tourism Policy (www.politicheagricole.it) and clicking on ‘Qualità’ (at the top right of the screen), then on ‘Prodotti DOP IGP STG’ (on the left-hand side of the screen) and finally on ‘Disciplinari di Produzione all’esame dell’UE’.


(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.