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

‘Mela Alto Adige / Südtiroler Apfel’

EU No: PGI-IT-0207-AM02 – 11 October 2024

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1.   Name of product

‘Mela Alto Adige / Südtiroler Apfel’

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

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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 do not include a change in the name of the protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication, or in the use of that name;

they do not risk voiding the link referred to in Article 5(1), point (b), for protected designations of origin, or the link referred to in Article 5(2), point (b), for protected geographical indications;

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

1.   Introduction of four new varieties

The following varieties have been added to Article 2, point 2.1 of the product specification and point 3.2 of the single document:

n)

Ipador

o)

CIVM49

p)

Bonita

q)

SQ159

The proposal to add the new varieties Ipador, CIVM49, Bonita and SQ159 to the ‘Mela Alto Adige’ PGI product specification is justified for several reasons:

1.

Pathogen resistance: The new varieties have been selected with a particular focus on resistance to the pathogen responsible for apple scab, which is a primary objective of many genetic improvement programmes around the world. Such resistance reduces dependence on plant protection products and promotes more sustainable farming practices that are compatible with organic and integrated cultivation.

2.

Research and selection: The varieties are the result of a lengthy research and selection process carried out at the Laimburg Research Centre and in collaboration with the Variety Innovation Consortium South Tyrol (SK). They have been assessed for more than 10 years under different agronomic and microclimatic conditions in Alto Adige and have demonstrated their adaptability and potential for commercial production.

3.

Sustainability: The demand for increasingly sustainable production is an important driver for the adoption of these new varieties. Their resistance to disease reduces the use of pesticides and promotes farming practices that are more eco-friendly, in line with the growing demands of consumers and environmental legislation.

In conclusion, adding these new varieties to the ‘Mela Alto Adige’ PGI product specification not only enhances the genetic diversity of the apples grown, but also promotes agricultural production that is more sustainable and able to rise to current and future environmental and market challenges.

The amendment affects the single document.

2.   Establishing the quality parameters for the varieties introduced

The quality parameters of the four varieties introduced have been added to Article 2, point 2.2 of the product specification and point 3.2 of the single document.

Ipador — epicarp colour: light green-yellow; — additional epicarp colour: deep red > 40 % of the surface; — marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products; — size: minimum diameter 65 mm; — sugar content: over 11,5 ° Bx; — firmness: minimum 6,5 kg/cm2,

CIVM49 — epicarp colour: light green-yellow; — additional epicarp colour: carmine red > 60 % of the surface; — marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products; — size: minimum diameter 55 mm; — sugar content: over 11,5 ° Bx; — firmness: minimum 5,5 kg/cm2.

Bonita — epicarp colour: light green-yellow; — additional epicarp colour: bright red > 30 % of the surface; — marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products; — size: minimum diameter 60 mm; — sugar content: over 10 ° Bx; — firmness: minimum 5 kg/cm2.

SQ159 — epicarp colour: light green-yellow; — additional epicarp colour: from red to bright red > 33 % of the surface; — marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products; — size: minimum diameter 60 mm; — sugar content: over 11 ° Bx; — firmness: minimum 5 kg/cm2.

Confirmation of characteristics: The multi-site tests and studies carried out on these varieties have confirmed their suitability for the soil and climate conditions in the Alto Adige apple-growing area. This ensures that these varieties can achieve the specific characteristics required by the product specification.

The amendment affects the single document.

3.   Greater flexibility as regards indicating the marketing period

The following provisions have been deleted from Article 5, point 5.9 of the product specification:

They have been replaced by the following:

The product specification sets out precise quality parameters that must be complied with and that guarantee the quality of the apples placed on the market during the marketing season.

The requirement for marketing to take place within 12 months of the date of harvest means that it is necessary to continuously keep track of the harvest dates of individual batches from areas spread throughout the PGI area, for 13 varieties grown by around 6 000 producers, creating major difficulties in managing the process. Greater flexibility in the marketing period requirement, while keeping to the quality standards laid down for each variety, makes it possible to ensure that fruit of a suitable level of quality is produced, and that this is monitored, while facilitating sales activity so that it can be carried out more smoothly and flexibly.

The amendment does not affect the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Mela Alto Adige / Südtiroler Apfel’

EU No: PGI-IT-0207-AM02 – 11 October 2024

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

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.   Combined Nomenclature code

—	08 - EDIBLE FRUIT AND NUTS; PEEL OF CITRUS FRUIT OR MELONS 0808 - Apples, pears and quinces, fresh; 0808 10 - Apples

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

The Protected Geographical Indication ‘Mela Alto Adige’ / ‘Südtiroler Apfel’ is reserved for fruit from apple orchards located in the area defined in point 4 and 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, Topaz, Ipador, CIVM49, Bonita and SQ159.

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: streaked ranging from orange-red to deep red > 33 % of the surface; — marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products; — size: minimum diameter 65 mm; — sugar content: over 11 °Bx; — 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 °Bx; — firmness: minimum 5 kg/cm2.

Fuji: — epicarp colour: light green-yellow; — additional epicarp colour: light red to deep red > 50 % of the surface – at least 30 % of the red area must be deep red; — marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products; — size: minimum diameter 65 mm; — sugar content: over 12,5 °Bx; — 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 °Bx; — firmness: minimum 5 kg/cm2.

Golden Delicious: — epicarp colour: light green-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 °Bx; — 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 °Bx; — firmness: minimum 5,5 kg/cm2.

Idared: — epicarp colour: yellow-green; — additional epicarp colour: uniform deep red > 33 % of the surface; — marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products; — size: minimum diameter 65 mm; — sugar content: over 10 °Bx; — firmness: minimum 5 kg/cm2.

Jonagold: — epicarp colour: yellow-green; — additional epicarp colour: bright red – for Jonagold: streaked 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 °Bx; — 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 °Bx; — firmness: minimum 5 kg/cm2.

Red Delicious: — epicarp colour: green-yellow; — additional epicarp colour: deep brilliant red and streaked > 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 °Bx; — 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 °Bx; — firmness: minimum 5 kg/cm2.

Pinova: — epicarp colour: light green-yellow; — additional epicarp colour: streaked red > 10 % of the surface; — marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products; — size: minimum diameter 65 mm; — sugar content: over 11 °Bx; — firmness: minimum 5 kg/cm2.

Topaz: — epicarp colour: light green-yellow; — additional epicarp colour: streaked 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 °Bx; — firmness: minimum 5 kg/cm2.

Ipador — epicarp colour: light green-yellow; — additional epicarp colour: deep red > 40 % of the surface; — marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products; — size: minimum diameter 65 mm; — sugar content: over 11,5 °Bx; — firmness: minimum 6,5 kg/cm2.

CIVM49 — epicarp colour: light green-yellow; — additional epicarp colour: carmine red > 60 % of the surface; — marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products; — size: minimum diameter 55 mm; — sugar content: over 11,5 °Bx; — firmness: minimum 5,5 kg/cm2.

Bonita — epicarp colour: light green-yellow; — additional epicarp colour: bright red > 30 % of the surface; — marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products; — size: minimum diameter 60 mm; — sugar content: over 10 °Bx; — firmness: minimum 5 kg/cm2.

SQ159 — epicarp colour: light green-yellow; — additional epicarp colour: from red to bright red > 33 % of the surface; — marketing class: ‘Extra’ and ‘I’; also ‘II’ for organic products; — size: minimum diameter 60 mm; — sugar content: over 11 °Bx; — firmness: minimum 5 kg/cm2.

Apples intended exclusively for processing are subject to all the requirements laid down in the product specification, with the exception of the marketing class, epicarp colour, additional epicarp colour and size. These fruit may bear the ‘Mela Alto Adige’ / ‘Südtiroler Apfel’ 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)

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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 sales packaging, on the sales packaging itself or on the individual fruit. The minimum height of the words ‘Mela Alto Adige’ or ‘Südtiroler Apfel’ on the labels to be affixed to the sales packaging or on the sales packaging itself is 2 mm. The minimum height of the words ‘Mela Alto Adige’ or ‘Südtiroler Apfel’ on the stickers to be affixed to the fruit is 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 not such as to mislead the consumer.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The production area of ‘Mela Alto Adige’ / ‘Südtiroler Apfel’ apples includes 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’ / ‘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 Saint 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 product specification

https://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeAttachment.php/L/IT/D/1%252F2%252F8%252FD.326d6d2561373a878b23/P/BLOB%3AID %3D3343/E/pdf?mode=download

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(1)   OJ L 179, 19.6.2014, p. 17.