Publication of an approved standard amendment to a product specification of a protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication in the sector of agricultural products and foodstuffs, as referred to in Article 6b(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014
Date: 2024-11-22
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Calabria, Italy, citrus fruit, consumer information, designation of origin, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products




C_202406999EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
C series













C/2024/6999


22.11.2024






Publication of an approved standard amendment to a product specification of a protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication in the sector of agricultural products and foodstuffs, as referred to in Article 6b(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014
(C/2024/6999)

This communication is published in accordance with Article 6b(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014 (1).
COMMUNICATION OF 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)



                     ‘Clementine di Calabria’
                  


EU No: PGI-IT-1548-AM01 – 27.8.2024
                  


PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1.   Name of product


               ‘Clementine di Calabria’
            
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
—
4.   Description of the approved amendment(s)

Explanation of why the amendment(s) fall under the definition of a standard amendment as provided for in Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012
The amendments are standard ones within the meaning of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 as they do not include a change in the name of the PGI or in the use of that name, do not risk voiding the link and do not entail further restrictions on the marketing of the product.
1.   Background
There was a summary sheet for the PGI ‘Clementine di Calabria’ but no single document. This amendment to the product specification is accompanied by the single document drafted to replace the summary sheet.
This amendment does not affect the single document.
2.   Insertion of title of Article 1
The title ‘NAME’ has been added to Article 1.
The title has been included for the sake of clarity and to align the structure of the product specification for the PGI ‘Clementine di Calabria’ with the one currently in use.
The text of the Article has not been amended.
This amendment does not affect the single document.
3.   Insertion of title of Article 2
The title ‘PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS’ has been added to Article 2.
The title has been included for the sake of clarity and to align the structure of the product specification for the PGI ‘Clementine di Calabria’ with the one currently in use.
This amendment does not affect the single document.
4.   Amendment to cultivars used
In order to make the text of Article 2 more precise from a technical point of view, the words ‘clonal selections, bud mutations’ have been deleted.
The cultivars Fedele, Tardivo, Marisol and Nules have been removed and the cultivars ‘SRA89’ and ‘ISA’ added.
The cultivars that have been removed are no longer present in the production area of Clementine di Calabria PGI. They are obsolete cultivars that do not meet the new requirements of the market and are no longer productive due to recent changes in the climate. The Marisol and Nules varieties have never adapted to the microclimate of Calabria. As a result, after initially being introduced into Calabria, the few existing crops gradually dwindled until they had completely and permanently disappeared.
The cultivars ‘SRA89’ and ‘ISA’ have been introduced.

                  ‘SRA89’ is a clone that has adapted very well to the soil and microclimate of Calabria. The fruit is very similar to the ‘Clementine Comune’ (already included in the product specification), so much so that the two are often confused. The production characteristics are also similar, with slightly earlier ripening.

                  ‘ISA’ is also a clone derived from the ‘Clementine Comune’ (already included in the product specification). It ripens slightly later than ‘SRA63’ (already included in the product specification).
This amendment does not affect the single document.
5.   Insertion of product description in Article 2 and amendment of certain parameters
The product description has been moved from the former Article 6 of the product specification to Article 2. Parameters have been inserted and the text has been partially amended to improve it from a technical point of view.
The new wording and a description of the changes introduced are set out below.

                  ‘When made available for consumption, the protected geographical indication “Clementine di Calabria” must have the following characteristics:
Epicarp: smooth with many oil glands and with at least two thirds of the surface orange in colour;’
               
In the description of the epicarp, the words ‘dark orange colour’ have been deleted and the phrase ‘with at least two thirds of the surface orange in colour’ has been added, which is more technically appropriate in defining the product’s conformity during the final stage when the surface of the fruit changes colour.

                  ‘Shape: spheroidal, slightly flattened at the top and bottom;’
               
the description of the shape has not been amended.

                  ‘Size: Clementine di Calabria PGI in sizes 4 - 3 - 2 (fruit diameter: minimum 50 mm and maximum 69 mm) are approved for placing on the market;’
               
in the description of the size, the words ‘minimum diameter of 16-18 mm’ have been deleted and the words ‘Clementine di Calabria PGI in sizes 4 - 3 - 2 (fruit diameter: minimum 50 mm and maximum 69 mm) are approved for placing on the market’ have been added. The amendment has introduced the official AGECONTROL sizes.

                  ‘Flesh: juicy, uniform orange colour, deliquescent, aromatic;’
               
the description of the flesh has not been amended.

                  ‘Juice ratio: greater than or equal to 40 %.’
               
the percentage of juice has been introduced. This is a quality parameter indicating the correct ratio between juice, acidity and sugar content, which is normally used for marketing.

                  ‘Seeds: none or only a small number.
Sugar content: (Brix) minimum of 10.’
               
The parameters for seeds and sugar content have not been amended.
The use of synthetic fungicides and degreening agents post-harvest is not permitted.
This provision has been added to ensure the quality of the product.
This amendment does not affect the single document.
6.   Changes to the production area and insertion of title of Article 3 - Production area
The municipalities of Candidoni, Amendolara, Villapiana, Cerchiara di Calabria, San Cosmo Albanese, Pietrapaola, Maierato and Roccabernarda have been included in the area.
These municipalities were not included in the production area due to a clerical error when the product specification was drafted, even though, like the other municipalities, the environmental and historical conditions required to produce Clementine di Calabria PGI are present there.
Some errors in the names of certain municipalities forming part of the production area have also been corrected. The name Cassano Ionio has been amended to Cassano allo Ionio; the two names Corigliano and Rossano have been merged because, due to an administrative change, they now form a single municipality, Corigliano-Rossano; and the name Torretta di Crucoli has been corrected to Crucoli.
This amendment does not affect the single document.
7.   New wording of Article 4 to specify proof of origin
This Article completely replaces the former Article 4. The text of the former Article 4, with appropriate amendments, now constitutes a new Article 5, as further detailed below.
The text is as follows:


‘Article 4
Proof of origin
Each stage in the production process is monitored, with all incoming and outgoing products recorded at each production stage. Product traceability and tracking (all along the production chain) is ensured in this way, as well as by entering the land registry plots on which the product is grown, and details of the producers and packers, in lists managed by the control body, and by declaring the quantities produced to the control body.
All natural and legal persons entered in the relevant lists are subject to checks by the control body in accordance with the product specification and the associated control plan.’


This amendment does not affect the single document.
8.   Amendment to Article 5
The following text is deleted from Article 5 as it is no longer compatible with national and EU legislation:
The Calabria Region is responsible for checking that the technical conditions established in Article 4 are met.
Citrus orchards suitable for producing ‘Clementine di Calabria’ are entered in the appropriate register, which is set up, updated and published annually.
A copy of this register is lodged with each of the municipalities located within the production area.
The Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Resources indicates the procedures to follow in relation to registration, annual reporting of production and obtaining the corresponding certification, in order to ensure proper and appropriate monitoring of annually recognised production marketed under the geographical indication.
This amendment does not affect the single document.
9.   Amendment of Article 5 and insertion of title - Production method
The title ‘Production method’ has been included for the sake of clarity and to align the structure of the product specification for the PGI ‘Clementine di Calabria’ with the one currently in use.
The text used is that of the former Article 4 with the following changes:
The land suitable for growing ‘Clementine di Calabria’ PGI has soil with a silt and clay content less than or equal to 70 % and a limestone content of no more than 15 %.
In the first paragraph, the abbreviation ‘PGI’ has been added, the word ‘loamy’ has been deleted and the words ‘or equal to 70 %’ have been added.
The definition of ‘loamy’ has been deleted as it is not technically precise. The increase in the percentage relating to the silt and clay content brings the value in the product specification into line with the actual figure detected in soil analyses over the years. Analyses of the product’s organoleptic characteristics have also shown a correlation between better product quality (sugar concentration, diameter, colour, texture of the flesh) and the higher percentage of silt and clay, as well as an improvement in the quantity of product per plant and in uniform size.
This amendment does not affect the single document.
10.   Amendment of Article 5
The second paragraph, which reads as follows, has been deleted:
The use of irrigation, fertilisation practices and other growing and agronomic techniques must comply with the technical arrangements laid down by the competent services of the Calabria Region.
It has been replaced with the following:
Farming practices and pest management must refer to the provisions of the EU, national and regional rules in force.
The amendment was necessary to bring the provision into line with the legislation in force.
This amendment does not affect the single document.
11.   Amendment of Article 5
In the third paragraph, the density of plants per hectare has been reduced from 1 200 to 1 000, the words ‘in a rectangle’ have been deleted and the words ‘on the basis of the relevant planting distance’ have been added as regards plant arrangement.
This amendment was necessary in order to adapt the planting density to the reality of conditions in Calabria and because the clementine trees are not vigorous enough to withstand such a close density. Moreover, with a density of 1 200 plants per hectare, mechanisation would not be feasible.
The amended text is as follows:
the planting distances allowed are those generally used, with a maximum density of 1 000 plants per hectare possible for new plantations using high-density dynamic planting.
The standard training methods permitted can be traced back to the ‘full canopy’, with the plants arranged on the basis of the relevant planting distance.
Clementine plantations must be appropriately separated from mandarin plantations to avoid cross-pollination, which would result in fruit with seeds.
This amendment does not affect the single document.
12.   Amendment of Article 5
The fourth paragraph, which reads as follows, has been deleted:
Pruning must be carried out in a particularly targeted way; vertical branches should not be trimmed. Only excess branches should be removed. Where possible, pest management should mainly involve integrated or organic techniques.
This paragraph was no longer necessary in the light of the reference in the second paragraph to farming practices and pest management, which must refer to the provisions of the EU, national and regional rules in force.
This amendment does not affect the single document.
13.   Amendment of Article 5
In the fifth paragraph, the word ‘marketable’ has been added to the words ‘Maximum yield’, the unit of measurement has been changed from quintals to kg, and the text has been amended by deleting references to clonal selections and bud mutations in line with the amendments referred to in Article 2.
The fifth paragraph reads as follows:


                     ‘Maximum marketable yield per hectare is 35 000 kg for all permitted cultivars, with regard to the sizes described below.’
                  

This amendment does not affect the single document.
14.   Amendment of Article 5
The sixth paragraph, which reads as follows, has been deleted:


                     ‘Taking into account seasonal trends and environmental growing conditions, by 15 July every year, the Calabria Region sets an indicative average yield within the above limit for each cultivar specified in Article 2.’
                  

The paragraph has been deleted as it is not compatible with the legislation in force.
This amendment does not affect the single document.
15.   Amendment of Article 5
In the last paragraph, the temperature values inside the cold stores have been changed from ‘between 4 °C and 6 °C’ to ‘between 2 °C and 7 °C’ and the sentence ‘The protocols must be those of the countries to which the product is exported’ has been added.
This amendment will make it possible to adapt the storage temperatures to the different marketing requirements in the various markets of destination while maintaining the product’s characteristics.
The amended text is as follows:

                  ‘If storing fruit that can be designated with the “Clementine di Calabria” PGI, the technique of refrigeration must be used. The temperature values inside the cold stores must be between 2 °C and 7 °C. The protocols must be those of the countries to which the product is exported.’
               
This amendment does not affect the single document.
16.   Amendment to Article 6
As stated above, the text of the old Article 6 has been moved to Article 2 (product description) and replaced by text relating to the link, which is taken in full from the current summary sheet.
The text of the Article 6 is therefore as follows:


‘Article 6
LINK WITH THE AREA
After 1950, clementine cultivation spread in Calabria, where the conditions of its natural habitat were found. Clementine production is highly dependent on climate conditions. In areas with a mild and predictable climate, typical of the geographical area in question, the fruit is able to fully develop its extrinsic and intrinsic quality characteristics.’


As already explained, this amendment will make it possible to align the structure of the product specification for the ‘Clementine di Calabria’ PGI with the one currently in use.
This amendment does not affect the single document.
17.   Amendment to Article 7
The text of the old Article 7 has been moved and changed to Article 8 (Packaging and labelling) and replaced by the text on the control body.
The text of Article 7 is therefore as follows:


‘Article 7
CONTROL
Verification of compliance with the product specification is carried out by a control body, in accordance with the provisions of Article 39 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143.
The control body is Check Fruit S.r.l., via dei Mille n. 24, 40121 Bologna, Italy; Tel. +39 051 649 48 36; Fax + 39 051 649 48 13; info@checkfruit.it’


This amendment does not affect the single document.
18.   Insertion of Article 8 - Packaging and labelling
As already mentioned, the provisions on packaging and labelling were laid down in Article 7, which now concerns the control body.
The text of this Article was used to draft Article 8, deleting outdated or inapplicable requirements and introducing some clarifications where necessary.
Specifically:
the requirement to use ‘packages with a minimum capacity of 0.5 kg and grouped packages, in accordance with the provisions adopted by the Calabria Region to that effect’ has been deleted. The requirement that ‘Marketing must be carried out in the period fixed annually by the competent technical bodies of the Calabria Region’ has been deleted. The requirement that ‘At the request of the producers concerned, a graphic symbol may be used. This symbol must correspond to the graphic image, including any reference colours, of the figurative or specific and unambiguous logo, which must always be used in conjunction with the geographical indication.’ has been deleted as inapplicable. The requirement that ‘The wording “Prodotto in Italia” [Produced in Italy] must also appear on batches intended for export’ has been deleted.
The requirements on the content of labels have been clarified and details have been introduced on selling the loose product. The text of Article 8 is as follows:


‘Article 8
LABELLING AND PACKAGING
Clementine di Calabria PGI are placed on the market in packaging that complies with the rules in force, sealed so as to prevent the contents from being removed without breaking the seal.
The packaging must bear the European PGI symbol and the name “Clementine di Calabria”, followed by the words “Indicazione Geografica Protetta” [Protected Geographical Indication]. Any other information shown on the packaging, including the information required by law – the name, business name and address of the packager, and the net weight – must appear in smaller characters than those used for the PGI name.
It is also permitted to sell the loose product at the point of sale from sealed packaging, 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.
It is permitted to use information or graphics that refer to names, business names or brand names provided these have no laudatory purport and are not such as to mislead the consumer, as well as other truthful and verifiable references that are permitted under EU, national or regional law and that do not conflict with the purposes and content of this product specification.
The words “Indicazione geografica protetta” [protected geographical indication] may be repeated elsewhere on the packaging, including in the form of the acronym “I.G.P.” [PGI] or translated in accordance with the European legislation in force.’


This amendment does not affect the single document.
SINGLE DOCUMENT


                     ‘Clementine di Calabria’
                  


EU No: PGI-IT-1548-AM01 – 27.8.2024
                  


PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1.   Name(s) (of PDO or PGI)


               ‘Clementine di Calabria’
            
2.   Member State or Third Country

Italy
3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Combined Nomenclature code







—


08 - EDIBLE FRUIT AND NUTS; PEEL OF CITRUS FRUIT OR MELONS




3.2.   Description of the product to which the name in (1) applies

The protected geographical indication ‘Clementine di Calabria’ refers exclusively to clementine fruit from the following cultivars: ‘Spinoso’, ‘SRA89’, ‘ISA’, ‘SRA 63’, ‘Comune’ and ‘Hernandina’. When made available for consumption, the protected geographical indication ‘Clementine di Calabria’ must have the following characteristics:
Epicarp: smooth with many oil glands and with at least two thirds of the surface orange in colour;
Shape: spheroidal, slightly flattened at the top and bottom;
Size: Clementine di Calabria PGI in sizes 4 - 3 - 2 (fruit diameter minimum 50 mm and maximum 69 mm) are approved for placing on the market;
Flesh: juicy, uniform orange colour, deliquescent, aromatic;
Juice ratio: greater than or equal to 40 %.
Seeds: none or only a small number.
Sugar content: (Brix) minimum of 10.
The use of synthetic fungicides and degreening agents post-harvest is not permitted.
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

All steps in the production of ‘Clementine di Calabria’ PGI must take place in the geographical area.
3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product the registered name refers to


                  ‘Clementine di Calabria’ PGI are placed on the market in packaging that complies with the rules in force, sealed so as to prevent the contents from being removed without breaking the seal.
3.6.   Specific rules concerning labelling of the product the registered name refers to

The packaging must bear the European PGI symbol and the name ‘Clementine di Calabria’, followed by the words ‘Indicazione Geografica Protetta’ [Protected Geographical Indication]. Any other information shown on the packaging, including those required by law – the name, business name and address of the packager, and the net weight – must appear in smaller characters than those used for the PGI name. It is also permitted to sell the loose product at the point of sale from sealed packaging, 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. It is permitted to use information or graphics that refer to names, business names or brand names provided these have no laudatory purport and are not such as to mislead the consumer, as well as other truthful and verifiable references that are permitted under EU, national or regional law and that do not conflict with the purposes and content of the product specification. The words ‘Indicazione geografica protetta’ [protected geographical indication] may be repeated elsewhere on the packaging, including in the form of the acronym ‘I.G.P.’ [PGI] or translated in accordance with the European legislation in force.
4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The production area covers the part of the Calabria Region suitable for the cultivation of clementine citrus fruit, including the following municipalities:






a)


Province of Reggio Calabria: Ardore, Benestare, Bianco, Bovalino, Brancaleone, Casignana, Caulonia, Ferruzzano, Locri, Marina di Gioiosa Jonica, Monasterace, Portigliola, Candidoni, Roccella Jonica, Sant’Ilario dello Jonio, Siderno, Rizziconi, Gioia Tauro, Palmi, Rosarno and San Ferdinando;










b)


Province of Catanzaro: Borgia, Botricello, Curinga, Lamezia Terme, Maida, Montauro, Montepaone, San Floro, San Pietro a Maida, Sant’Andrea Apostolo dello Jonio, Sellia, Sellia Marina, Simeri Crichi, Soverato, Squillace and Catanzaro;










c)


Province of Cosenza: Cassano all’Ionio, Castrovillari, Corigliano-Rossano, Crosia, Francavilla Marittima, San Lorenzo del Vallo, Spezzano Albanese, Terranova da Sibari, Trebisacce, Vaccarizzo Albanese, Saracena, Cariati, Calopezzati, San Demetrio Corone, San Giorgio Albanese, Amendolara, Villapiana, Cerchiara di Calabria, San Cosmo Albanese and Pietrapaola;










d)


Province of Vibo Valentia: Briatico, Francavilla Angitola, Limbadi, Nicotera, Pizzo and Maierato; e) Province of Crotone: Cirò Marina, Crucoli, Rocca di Neto and Roccabernarda.




5.   Link with the geographical area

After 1950, clementine cultivation spread in Calabria, where the conditions of its natural habitat were found. Clementine production is highly dependent on soil and climate conditions. In areas with a mild and predictable climate, typical of the geographical area in question, the fruit is able to fully develop its extrinsic and intrinsic quality characteristics.

Reference to publication of the product specification


www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/2024/06/06/24A02898/sg



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


ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/6999/oj
ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)