Publication of an approved standard amendment to a product specification of a protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication in the sector of the agricultural products and foodstuffs, as referred to in Article 6b(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014
Date: 2024-01-18
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Italy, Sicily, consumer information, designation of origin, fresh fruit, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products, stone fruit




C_202400900EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
Series C













C/2024/900


18.1.2024






Publication of an approved standard amendment to a product specification of a protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication in the sector of the agricultural products and foodstuffs, as referred to in Article 6b(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014
(C/2024/900)

This communication is published in accordance with Article 6b(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014 (1).
COMMUNICATING THE APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION OF A PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN OR PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION ORIGINATING IN A MEMBER STATE

(Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012)



                     ‘Pesca di Leonforte’
                  


EU No: PGI-IT-0651-AM01 - 20.10.2023
                  


PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1.   Name of product


               ‘Pesca di Leonforte’
            
2.   Member State to which the geographical area belongs

Italy
3.   Member State authority communicating the standard amendment

Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Department for Competitiveness, Agri-Food Quality, Fisheries and Equestrian Sports, Directorate-General for Agri-food Quality Promotion, Unit Pqa 4
4.   Description of the approved amendment(s)

Explanation that the amendment(s) fall under the definition of a standard amendment as provided for in Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012: These amendments are not considered as Union amendments within the meaning of Article 53 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2021/2117, since:






a)


they do not amend the name of the protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication or the use of that name;










b)


they are unlikely to void the link referred to in Article 5(1)(b) for protected designations of origin or in Article 5(2)(b) for protected geographical indications;










c)


they do not involve a traditional speciality guaranteed; or










d)


they do not entail further restrictions on the marketing of the product.




1.   Change to the minimum weight of the fruit

Article 2 of the product specification and point 3.2 of the single document have been amended as regards the definition of the minimum weight of the fruit, which has been decreased from 100 g to 85 g.
Recent studies have shown that climate change, notably in various parts of the Mediterranean, is having an impact on the characteristics of the fruit. In particular, high temperatures during the fruit’s initial growth phase shorten its growing period. Reducing the minimum weight by 15 g will take these changes into account and, without changing the fruit’s quality characteristics, make it possible to further develop the use of ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ PGI in processed products.
This amendment concerns the single document.
2.   Amendment to the requirement regarding permitted seedlings

In Article 5 of the product specification, in the sentence ‘Permitted seedlings are bare-rooted or in pots, must be of good agronomic quality and health, and must be a maximum of 1 year old’, the phrase ‘and must be a maximum of 1 year old’ has been deleted.
This eliminates the requirement to use seedlings of a maximum of 1 year, which is irrelevant to both production and quality, but which penalises the producers, as it extends the period between transplantation and entry into production. The use of older plants will also ensure greater resistance against various agronomic risks to which, in contrast, year-old seedlings are susceptible.
This amendment does not concern the single document.
3.   Change to the maximum yield

In Article 5 of the product specification the parameter for the maximum yield has been amended, raising the yield from 25 to 35 tonnes/hectare.
Improved growing techniques, the growers’ high level of specialisation, modern systems of fertigation and annual manual removal of fruit from the trees, as well as innovative pruning techniques which maintain a higher level of vegetation, are all factors which allow for greater maximum authorised yields without compromising the quality of the fruit.
This amendment does not concern the single document.
4.   Change to the harvest period

In Article 5 of the product specification and point 3.5 of the single document, the sentence ‘Harvesting takes place between the first ten days of September and the first ten days of November.’ has been amended to read ‘Harvesting takes place between the first ten days of August and the first ten days of November.’.
This amendment means starting the harvest earlier, as of the first ten days of August. Climate change is leading to a major increase in annual average temperatures and to long periods of drought, which affect the trees’ biological cycle. Their physiological response to the stress imposed on them by nature is to bring forward their phenological phases, including the ripening of the fruit.
This amendment concerns the single document.
5.   Update of the reference to the recognition Regulation

In Article 7 of the product specification, the sentence ‘Controls on the product’s conformity with this product specification are carried out by a control body pursuant to Articles 10 and 11 of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006.’ has been updated to read ‘Controls on the product’s conformity with this product specification are carried out by a control body pursuant to Articles 36 and 37 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.’.
This amendment does not concern the single document.
6.   Amendment to the specific rules on packaging

Article 8 of the product specification and point 3.6 of the single document have been amended to delete the specific rules on the types of packaging and the materials to be used. The sentence ‘
                  “Pesca di Leonforte” PGI fruit should be sold in cardboard or wooden trays or boxes, or in baskets of various sizes from 0.5 kg to 6 kg.’ now reads ‘The product may be sold in any packaging permitted under the legislation in force.’
               
Reason
To respond in a timely and efficient manner to the various requirements of the market, it is necessary to offer the product in any type of packaging and associated weight capable of meeting consumer demand.
This amendment concerns the single document.
7.   Addition of specific rules on product intended for processing

A text containing specific rules on product intended for processing has been added to Article 8 of the product specification and points 3.6 and 3.7 of the single document: ‘Only fruit intended for processing may be packaged in containers of up to 200 kg. In this case, apart from these labelling rules, the following wording must be shown on the label in legible and visible characters: “Pesca di Leonforte” PGI intended for processing’’.
Reason
The increased use of ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ in making processed products has led to the need to draw up specific rules on the packaging and identification of product intended for the processing industry.
This amendment concerns the single document.
8.   Amendment to the specific rules on how the fruit is arranged in packages

In Article 8 of the product specification and point 3.6 of the single document, the following sentence has been deleted: ‘It must be packaged in a single layer and the individual peaches must be separated from each other by protective material.’
               
Reason
Closely related to what has already been stated, and as various different types of packaging are permitted for the marketing of ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ PGI, it is necessary to delete the provision according to which the fruit must be arranged in a single layer, as it is expected that this will not always be possible.
This amendment concerns the single document.
9.   Addition of the option to sell the loose product at points of sale

In Article 8 of the product specification and point 3.7 of the single document, the following sentence has been inserted: ‘It is also permitted at points of sale to sell the loose product taken from sealed packages or crates, provided that the product is placed in specific compartments or containers prominently displaying the same information required for the packaging referred to in this product specification.’
               
Reason
The sale of loose product is becoming more widespread for various products sold in large supermarket chains. This amendment is therefore opportune in order to codify this method of sale and meet the demands of the final consumer.
This amendment concerns the single document.
10.   Change to the ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ PGI logo

The ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ PGI logo has been completely reworked.
The name ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ PGI was included in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications on 16 July 2010 by Regulation (EU) No 622/2010 of 15 July 2010. Since thirteen years have passed since recognition, a restyling of the designation logo is necessary above all so as to make it easy to read, recognise and reproduce in all paper and digital formats required by modern communications.
This amendment concerns the single document.
SINGLE DOCUMENT


                     ‘Pesca di Leonforte’
                  


EU No: PGI-IT-0651-AM01 - 20.10.2023
                  


PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1.   Name(s) [of the PDO or PGI]


               ‘Pesca di Leonforte’
            
2.   Member State or Third Country

Italy
3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product [listed in Annex XI]

Class 1.6. Fruit, vegetables and cereals fresh or processed
3.2.   Description of the product to which the name in (1) applies


                  ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ PGI peaches are grown from two local peach ecotypes, Bianco di Leonforte and Giallone di Leonforte, which are not listed in the national catalogue of varieties. When released for consumption, the peaches must be as follows: fresh, undamaged, with a healthy appearance, unaffected by rot or any changes rendering them unsuitable for consumption. They must also be clean, i.e. free of any visible foreign substance and free of parasites at any stage of their growth, as well as free of any foreign smell and/or flavour. The consistency of the flesh, measured with an 8 mm penetrometer tip, must be at least 4,5 kg/cm2 for the Giallone di Leonforte ecotype and at least 3,5 kg/cm2 for the Bianco di Leonforte ecotype; the soluble solids content must be not less than 11 degrees Brix and the weight between 85 and 350 g. The fruit must be round in shape, with asymmetrical ‘halves’; the flesh of the Bianco di Leonforte ecotype is white and the skin is also white, with red streaks (not always evident). the flesh of the Giallone di Leonforte ecotype is yellow and the skin is also yellow, with red streaks (not always evident). The flesh must adhere directly to the stone. Only Class Extra and Class I peaches may be referred to as ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ PGI.
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

During the phase in which the fruit reaches the size of a walnut, but not after the month of July, parchment paper coverings in the form of small bags must be used as a physical defence against pathogens. Harvesting takes place between the first ten days of August and the first ten days of November. Picking must be by hand, avoiding the hottest times of the day and exposure of the picked fruit to direct sunlight. Particular care should be taken when removing the fruit from the branch – this should be done without damaging the stalk. Also, the wire used to tie the parchment bags must be removed, so as not to damage the fruit.
3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product the registered name refers to


                  ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ PGI peaches must be packaged in the production area so that they do not get dirty and bruised from transporting and excessive handling, which would expose them to mould and pathogens and thus compromise the characteristic qualities of the product. The product may be sold in any packaging permitted under the legislation in force. Only fruit intended for processing may be packaged in containers of up to 200 kg.
Every package must contain fruit of the same variety, quality class, size and degree of ripeness. The fruit must be of a consistent colouring depending on the ecotype. The protective and/or decorative material must be new, odourless and non-toxic; also, the product must not come into contact with ink and/or glue used for stamping or labelling. In addition, the packaging must be free of any foreign body. Every package must be sealed in such a way that opening the package breaks the seal and it is impossible to change the contents following packaging.

                  ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ PGI peaches must be packaged in the production area so that they do not get dirty and bruised from transporting and excessive handling, which would expose them to mould and pathogens and thus compromise the characteristic qualities of the product.
3.6.   Specific rules concerning labelling of the product the registered name refers to

The label must feature the product logo and the EU graphic symbol. It is forbidden to add any description that is not expressly provided for. However, references to brand names may be used, on condition that they have no laudatory purport and are not such as to mislead the purchaser.
For the marketing of fruit intended for processing, apart from these labelling rules, the following wording must be shown on the label in legible and visible characters:


                     ‘
                     “Pesca di Leonforte” PGI intended for processing’.

It is also permitted at points of sale to sell the loose product taken from sealed packaging or crates, provided that the product is placed in specific compartments or containers prominently displaying the same information required for the packaging referred to in the product specification.
Product logo





4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The production area for ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ PGI peaches is made up of the municipalities of Leonforte, Enna, Calascibetta, Assoro and Agira, in the Province of Enna.
5.   Link with the geographical area

5.1.   Specificity of the geographical area

The area in which the peaches are grown is situated in the ‘heart’ of Sicily. The soil is alluvial and of a medium consistency, deep, with high levels of clay and organic substances. There is a Mediterranean climate characterised by long, hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Rainfall is concentrated in the period from October to March. In addition, it is in the area delineated above that growers invented and developed the practice of putting the fruit in small bags while it is still on the branch, which protects it from pests and enables it to ripen smoothly before picking.
5.2.   Specificity of the product


                  ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ PGI peaches stand out from other products in the same product category by virtue of their firmness, their late ripening and the use of protective bags. These properties mean that they can be marketed when the other products in the same category are no longer available. Harvesting takes place between the first ten days of August and the first ten days of November. A particular feature of ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ PGI peaches is that, for decades, they have been placed in bags while still on the branch, as a means of combating the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata). Over time, this practice has been one of the more significant aspects in the production of these peaches and has made them more resistant to falling, as they are protected by a small, rain-resistant, silver parchment bag.
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)

The application for PGI status for ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ peaches is justified by the product’s reputation and the fact that it is so well known for its characteristic firmness and late ripening, which means that it is still available at times when it is virtually impossible to find peaches in the shops. The work of the growers themselves is fundamental – they have come to manage their own production, fully aware that they are dealing with a unique product. They often get members of their own families to work hard day and night, helping to put on the protective bags. The return from selling the peaches is such as to have improved the living conditions of the operators in the area. For about the last 20 years, ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ has had a considerable economic impact not only in the area of production, but also in neighbouring municipalities at the time of an annual festival held on the first Sunday in October in the old centre of the small town built by Prince Nicolò Placido Branciforti in the 17th century. The municipal authorities first set up this event in 1982, promoting and celebrating the fruit to encourage its development and raise awareness among Sicilian consumers of how special and unique a product it is. From its inception, the ‘Pesca di Leonforte Festival’ has existed to promote the late-ripening product.

Reference to publication of the product specification

https://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/files/1/3/b/D.a849232794790e11beaa/DISCIPLINARE_PESCA_LEONFORTE_08.23.pdf


(1)  
            OJ L 179, 19.6.2014, p. 17.


ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/900/oj
ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)