18.6.2010

Official Journal of the European Union

C 158/1

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 TFEU

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance)

2010/C 158/01

Date of adoption of the decision

12.5.2010

Reference number of State Aid

N 406/09

Member State

Germany

Region

Bayern

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Clusterfonds Seed GmbH & Co. KG

Legal basis

Gesellschaftsvertrag der Clusterfonds Seed GmbH & Co. KG; Beteiligungsgrundsätze der Clusterfonds Seed GmbH & Co. KG; Geschäftsordnung für den Beteiligungsausschuss der Clusterfonds Seed GmbH & Co. KG

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Risk capital

Form of aid

Provision of risk capital

Budget

Overall budget: EUR 24 million

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

Until 31.12.2015

Economic sectors

All sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

LfA Förderbank Bayern

Königinstraße 17

80539 München

DEUTSCHLAND

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/state_aids_texts_en.htm

Date of adoption of the decision

30.4.2010

Reference number of State Aid

N 678/09

Member State

Belgium

Region

Région de Bruxelles-Capitale

Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Mesure de soutien au transport intermodal par la navigation intérieure dans la région de Bruxelles-Capitale

Steun aan het intermodaal vervoer per binnenvaart binnen het Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest

Legal basis

Contrat de gestion entre la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale et le Port de Bruxelles 2008-2012

Beheerscontract tussen het Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest en de Haven van Brussel 2008-2012

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Sectoral development

Form of aid

Direct grant

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 0,3 million

Overall budget: EUR 0,9 million

Intensity

20 %

Duration (period)

1.1.2010-31.12.2012

Economic sectors

Inland water transport

Name and address of the granting authority

Haven van Brussel

Redersplein 6

1000 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/state_aids_texts_en.htm

Date of adoption of the decision

27.4.2010

Reference number of State Aid

N 714/09

Member State

Netherlands

Region

—

Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)

Uitbreiding tonnageregeling tot kabelleggers, pijpenleggers, onderzoeksschepen en kraanschepen

Legal basis

Wet inkomstenbelasting 2001

Type of measure

Aid scheme

Objective

Sectoral development

Form of aid

Tax rate reduction

Budget

Annual budget: EUR 6 million

Intensity

—

Duration (period)

1.1.2010-31.12.2019

Economic sectors

Sea and coastal water transport

Name and address of the granting authority

Ministerie van Verkeer en Waterstaat

DG Luchtvaart en Maritieme Zaken

Postbus 20904

2500 EX Den Haag

NEDERLAND

Other information

—

The authentic text(s) of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://ec.europa.eu/community_law/state_aids/state_aids_texts_en.htm

18.6.2010

Official Journal of the European Union

C 158/7

Euro exchange rates (1)

17 June 2010

2010/C 158/06

1 euro =

	Currency	Exchange rate
USD	US dollar	1,2363
JPY	Japanese yen	112,89
DKK	Danish krone	7,4387
GBP	Pound sterling	0,83490
SEK	Swedish krona	9,5740
CHF	Swiss franc	1,3778
ISK	Iceland króna
NOK	Norwegian krone	7,8705
BGN	Bulgarian lev	1,9558
CZK	Czech koruna	25,731
EEK	Estonian kroon	15,6466
HUF	Hungarian forint	279,21
LTL	Lithuanian litas	3,4528
LVL	Latvian lats	0,7076
PLN	Polish zloty	4,0756
RON	Romanian leu	4,2355
TRY	Turkish lira	1,9308
AUD	Australian dollar	1,4281
CAD	Canadian dollar	1,2668
HKD	Hong Kong dollar	9,6299
NZD	New Zealand dollar	1,7627
SGD	Singapore dollar	1,7205
KRW	South Korean won	1 499,72
ZAR	South African rand	9,3646
CNY	Chinese yuan renminbi	8,4428
HRK	Croatian kuna	7,2050
IDR	Indonesian rupiah	11 281,05
MYR	Malaysian ringgit	4,0235
PHP	Philippine peso	57,102
RUB	Russian rouble	38,2140
THB	Thai baht	40,062
BRL	Brazilian real	2,2002
MXN	Mexican peso	15,5187
INR	Indian rupee	57,2470

(1) Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

18.6.2010

Official Journal of the European Union

C 158/9

STATE AID — POLAND

State aid C 40/08 (ex N 163/08) — Restructuring aid to PZL Hydral S.A.

Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty

(Text with EEA relevance)

2010/C 158/08

By means of the letter dated 10 September 2008, the Commission notified Poland of its decision to initiate the procedure laid down in Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty concerning the abovementioned aid/measure. By means of letter dated 12 November 2008 reproduced in the authentic language on the pages following this summary, the Commission notified Poland about its decision to extend the decision to initiate the formal investigation procedure by additional measures planned by Poland with respect to the beneficiary.

Interested parties may submit their comments on the addition measures in respect of which the Commission is initiating the procedure within one month of the date of publication of this summary and the following letter, to:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

State Aid Greffe

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

Fax +32 22961242

These comments will be communicated to Poland. Confidential treatment of the identity of the interested party submitting the comments may be requested in writing, stating the reasons for the request.

TEXT OF SUMMARY

PROCEDURE

On 27 March 2008, Poland notified a restructuring plan for PZL Hydral S.A. (hereinafter referred to as ‘PZL Hydral’). On 10 September 2008, the Commission adopted a decision to initiate the investigation procedure foreseen in Article 88(2) EC Treaty on the notified measures (1).

DESCRIPTION

In addition to measures described in the Commission decision of 10 September the Polish authorities envisage granting to the company State aid in the form of cancellation of public debt (PLN 18,7 million) and rescheduling of repayment of public debt (PLN 8,9 million). In addition, with regard to remaining public debt Poland envisages measures, which it considers to be free of aid: cancellation of public debt of PLN 49 million and rescheduling of public debt in the amount of PLN 142 million. In total the additional State support which Poland plans to grant to PZL Hydral and which was not included in the Commission decision of 10 September amounts to PLN 218,6 million.

ASSESSMENT

The Commission considers in respect to these measures that the notified measures in the form of public debt cancellation (of PLN 18,7 million) and deferment of repayment (of PLN 8,9 million) constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 87(1) EC Treaty. In addition, it seems that the additional measures, which according to Poland are free of aid (PLN 191 million), might also constitute State aid in the meaning of Article 87(1) EC Treaty. The Commission still needs to clarify this issue.

The Commission has decided to extend the scope of its decision of 10 September to initiate the formal investigation procedure with regard to restructuring aid planned by Poland for PZL Hydral S.A. by the above measures. The doubts as to the compatibility of the planned measures with State aid rules described in the decision of 10 September apply also to the above measures.

TEXT OF LETTER

‘Komisja pragnie poinformować Polskę, że po przeanalizowaniu informacji dostarczonych przez polskie władze na temat środków, o których mowa powyżej, podjęła decyzję o rozszerzeniu postępowania wszczętego na podstawie art. 88 ust. 2 Traktatu WE w dniu 10 września 2008 r.

I. POSTĘPOWANIE

Pismem z dnia 27 marca 2008 r., zarejestrowanym w tym dniu, polskie władze zgłosiły plan restrukturyzacji dla Spółki PZL-Hydral S.A (zwanej dalej »PZL Hydral«).

Pismem z dnia 10 września 2008 r. Komisja poinformowała polskie władze o swojej decyzji w sprawie wszczęcia postępowania wyjaśniającego przewidzianego w art. 88 ust. 2 Traktatu WE w odniesieniu do zgłaszanych środków (2).

W piśmie z dnia 2 października 2008 r. polskie władze przedstawiły swoje uwagi.

II. PRZYCZYNY ROZSZERZENIA POSTĘPOWANIA

W swoim piśmie z dnia 2 października polskie władze zawiadomiły Komisję, że formalne postępowanie wyjaśniające wszczęte w dniu 10 września 2008 r. nie uwzględnia dwóch środków, mianowicie umorzenia zadłużenia publicznoprawnego w kwocie 18,7 mln PLN oraz odroczenia spłaty zadłużenia publicznoprawnego w kwocie 8,9 mln PLN, zgłoszonych przez polskie władze w dniu 27 marca 2008 r.

Ponadto w trakcie prowadzonego postępowania Komisja stwierdziła, że dwa inne środki, mianowicie planowane umorzenie narosłego zadłużenia publicznoprawnego w łącznej kwocie 49 mln PLN oraz rozłożenie na raty spłaty zobowiązań publicznoprawnych w łącznej kwocie 142 mln PLN, mogą stanowić dodatkową pomoc państwa, a także budzą również wątpliwości co do swojej zgodności z zasadami dotyczącymi pomocy państwa.

W związku z powyższym Komisja postanowiła rozszerzyć zakres formalnego postępowania wyjaśniającego wszczętego w dniu 10 września 2008 r. o środki opisane poniżej.

III. OPIS

Jeżeli chodzi o opis przedmiotowej spółki oraz projekt restrukturyzacji, Komisja odsyła do swojej decyzji z dnia 10 września 2008 r.

Oprócz pomocy opisanej w decyzji z dnia 10 września 2008 r., w stosunku do beneficjenta planowane są dalsze środki, będące przedmiotem niniejszego rozszerzenia postępowania.

W ramach pakietu pomocy państwa na rzecz PZL Hydral polskie władze planują umorzenie zadłużenia publicznoprawnego spółki w kwocie 18,7 mln PLN (5,5 mln EUR) oraz odroczenie spłaty jej zadłużenia publicznoprawnego w kwocie 8,9 mln PLN (2,6 mln EUR).

Ponadto, w odniesieniu do narosłych zobowiązań publicznoprawnych opisanych w decyzji z dnia 10 września 2008 r., polskie władze zgłosiły planowane środki w postaci umorzenia zadłużenia publicznoprawnego w łącznej kwocie 49 mln PLN (14 mln EUR) oraz w postaci odroczenia lub rozłożenia na raty zobowiązań w łącznej kwocie 142 mln EUR (41,8 mln EUR), traktowane przez polskie władze jako środki nieobjęte pomocą państwa. Polskie władze twierdzą, że środki te spełniają test prywatnego wierzyciela, i argumentują, że bez tych środków spółka byłaby zmuszona do wniesienia wniosku o otwarcie postępowania upadłościowego, a w tym przypadku wierzyciele ponieśliby jeszcze większe straty.

IV. OCENA

Pomoc państwa w rozumieniu art. 87 ust. 1 Traktatu WE

Art. 87 ust. 1 Traktatu WE stanowi, że wszelka pomoc, przyznana przez państwo członkowskie lub przy użyciu zasobów państwowych w jakiejkolwiek formie, która zakłóca lub grozi zakłóceniem konkurencji poprzez uprzywilejowywanie niektórych przedsiębiorstw lub produkcji niektórych towarów oraz która wpływa na wymianę handlową pomiędzy państwami członkowskimi, jest niezgodna ze wspólnym rynkiem.

Planowane umorzenie zadłużenia w kwocie 18,7 mln PLN (5,5 mln EUR) oraz planowane odroczenie spłaty zadłużenia publicznoprawnego w kwocie 8,9 mln (2,6 mln EUR) opierają się na zasobach państwowych i przynoszą beneficjentowi korzyść, jakiej nie mógłby uzyskać na rynku. Dlatego też, ze względu na swój charakter, takie środki mogą zakłócić konkurencję.

W odniesieniu do planowanego umorzenia zadłużenia publicznoprawnego (49 mln EUR) oraz odroczenia spłaty zadłużenia publicznoprawnego (wartość nominalna w kwocie 142 mln PLN), które polskie władze przedstawiają jako środki niestanowiące pomocy państwa, Komisja ma wątpliwości, czy w danych okolicznościach można zastosować test prywatnego wierzyciela.

Polskie władze twierdzą, że proces restrukturyzacji oparty na częściowym umorzeniu zadłużenia jest dla wierzycieli korzystniejszy niż scenariusz oparty na postępowaniu upadłościowym. Komisja stwierdza jednak, że, po pierwsze, jakakolwiek spłata zobowiązań publicznoprawnych w scenariuszu restrukturyzacji uzależniona jest od wcześniejszego przyznania pomocy państwa (głównie w formie zastrzyków kapitału od ARP). Po drugie, obecna sytuacja jest wynikiem nieegzekwowania długów publicznoprawnych, które również zdaje się stanowić pomoc państwa udzieloną już spółce.

Dlatego też, na podstawie przyjętej praktyki i orzecznictwa oraz biorąc pod uwagę fakt, że wspomniane środki opierają się na zasobach państwowych, przynoszą beneficjentowi korzyść, jakiej nie mógłby uzyskać na rynku oraz mogą zakłócić konkurencję, Komisja ma wątpliwości, czy proponowane umorzenia i odroczenia spłaty, które według polskich władz spełniają test prywatnego wierzyciela, powinno się traktować jako środki niestanowiące pomocy państwa.

Wyłączenia na podstawie art. 87 ust. 2 i 3 Traktatu WE

Komisja odsyła do swojej decyzji z dnia 10 września 2008 r.

W kontekście obecnego rozszerzenia formalnego postępowania wyjaśniającego, w kwestii przestrzegania warunków zawartych w Wytycznych wspólnotowych dotyczących pomocy państwa w celu ratowania i restrukturyzacji zagrożonych przedsiębiorstw (3), Komisja pragnie dodać, co następuje:

Zgodnie z postanowieniami określonymi w pkt 43–45 Wytycznych pomoc musi być ograniczona do niezbędnego minimum, a od beneficjentów pomocy oczekuje się znaczącego wkładu w proces restrukturyzacji ze środków własnych lub z zewnętrznych, prywatnych źródeł finansowania.

Komisja zauważa, że wielkość kosztów restrukturyzacji oraz kwoty pomocy, przedstawiona przez polskie władze, zdaje się być zaniżona. Komisja ma wątpliwości, czy proponowane umorzenia i odroczenia spłaty zadłużenia powinno się traktować jako środki niestanowiące pomocy. Jeśli w obliczeniach kosztów restrukturyzacji uwzględnione zostałyby wszystkie te umorzenia i odroczenia oraz wszelka otrzymana pomoc, wkład własny (nawet jeśli zostałby w całości potraktowany jako rzeczywisty i faktyczny) byłby dużo niższy niż określone w wytycznych 50 %.

V. DECYZJA

W świetle powyższego Komisja postanowiła rozszerzyć zakres swojej decyzji z dnia 10 września 2008 r. o wszczęciu formalnego postępowania wyjaśniającego na podstawie art. 88 ust. 2 Traktatu WE o wyżej wymienione środki, z powodu swoich wątpliwości co do zgodności tych środków ze wspólnym rynkiem.

W świetle powyższych ustaleń Komisja, działając zgodnie z procedurą określoną w art. 88 ust. 2 Traktatu WE, zwraca się do polskich władz o przedłożenie uwag i dostarczenie wszelkich informacji, jakie mogą być pomocne w ocenie przedmiotowej pomocy, w terminie jednego miesiąca od daty otrzymania niniejszego pisma.

Komisja zwraca się do polskich władz o bezzwłoczne przekazanie kopii niniejszego pisma Spółce PZL Hydral S.A.

Komisja pragnie przypomnieć polskim władzom, że art. 88 ust. 3 Traktatu WE ma skutek zawieszający oraz zwrócić uwagę na art. 14 rozporządzenia Rady (WE) nr 659/1999, który stanowi, że wszelka pomoc niezgodna z prawem może zostać odzyskana od beneficjenta.

Komisja uprzedza polskie władze, że udostępni zainteresowanym stronom informacje, publikując niniejsze pismo wraz z jego streszczeniem w Dzienniku Urzędowym Unii Europejskiej. Komisja udostępni informacje również zainteresowanym stronom w krajach EFTA, będących sygnatariuszami Porozumienia EOG, publikując zawiadomienie w Suplemencie EOG do Dziennika Urzędowego Unii Europejskiej oraz poinformuje Urząd Nadzoru EFTA przesyłając kopię niniejszego pisma. Wszystkie zainteresowane strony zostaną wezwane do przedstawienia uwag w ciągu jednego miesiąca od dnia publikacji.

Jeśli niniejsze pismo zawiera informacje poufne, które nie powinny zostać opublikowane, należy poinformować o tym Komisję w terminie piętnastu dni roboczych od daty jego otrzymania. Jeżeli Komisja nie otrzyma w wyznaczonym terminie umotywowanego wniosku, uzna to za wyrażenie zgody na ujawnianie pełnej treści niniejszego pisma.’

(1) Not yet published.

(2) Dotychczas niepublikowana.

(3) Dz.U. C 244 z 1.10.2004, s. 2.

18.6.2010

Official Journal of the European Union

C 158/12

Publication of an amendment application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

2010/C 158/09

This publication confers the right to object to the amendment application pursuant to Article 7 of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (1). Statements of objections must reach the Commission within six months from the date of this publication.

AMENDMENT APPLICATION

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

Amendment application in accordance with Article 9

‘WELSH BEEF’

EC No: UK-PGI-0105-0057-16.04.2007

PGI ( X ) PDO ( )

1. Heading in the specification affected by the amendment:

—		Name of product
—		Description
—		Geographical area
—		Proof of origin
—		Method of production
—		Link
—		Labelling
—		National requirements
—		Other

2. Type of amendment(s):

—		Amendment to single document or summary sheet
—		Amendment to specification of registered PDO or PGI for which neither the single document nor the summary sheet have been published
—		Amendment to specification that requires no amendment to the published single document (Article 9(3) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)
—		Temporary amendment to specification resulting from imposition of obligatory sanitary or phytosanitary measures by public authorities (Article 9(4) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

3. Amendment(s):

Hybu Cig Cymru — Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) is the industry-led organisation responsible for the development, promotion and marketing of Welsh red meat. In July 2004, at the request of the Welsh Assembly Government, HCC accepted the role of guardian of the ‘Welsh Beef’ PGI designation.

HCC consulted with industry representatives regarding the ‘Welsh Beef’ PGI to determine views on the adequacy of the current PGI, including its value, limitations and future potential. Views were sought on the best mechanism to maximise value of Welsh meat and how best to use the PGI’s in this context. It was agreed that there was a need for the PGI to reflect the current situation in the Welsh industry and that the amendments would enhance the monitoring and control of the PGI in the future.

Proposed Amendments

3.1. Description of Product:

Amendment	Explanation
Insertion of ‘prime cattle (cattle that have not bred)’	To ensure only prime cattle qualify for Welsh Beef PGI
Removal of ‘bred’	To reduce confusion about the meaning of the word ‘bred’
Insertion of target carcass classification and conformation for Welsh beef	To further define Welsh Beef PGI by highlighting the standards beef products must meet
Insertion of: ‘Historically the traditional cattle breeds of Wales were predominately the Welsh Black and Hereford. These breeds remain at the foundation of the Welsh beef industry today. Welsh beef is derived from the traditional breeds of Wales and these breeds crossed with each other or with any other recognised breed’	To emphasise that Welsh Beef PGI is derived from the traditional breeds of Wales
Insertion of: ‘Cattle are slaughtered and processed in HCC verification scheme approved abattoirs/processors to ensure the PGI Welsh beef brand and integrity is protected’	To ensure the Welsh Beef PGI brand and integrity is protected through adequate control and monitoring

3.2. Proof of Origin:

Amendment

Explanation

Insertion of:

‘HCC is the industry-led organisation responsible for the development, promotion and marketing of Welsh red meat’

At the request of the Welsh Assembly Government, HCC have accepted the role of guardian of the Welsh Beef PGI designation

Insertion of:

‘The HCC verification scheme ensures that any beef branded as “Welsh Beef” meets the specifications. All abattoirs and processors that wish to use the Welsh beef designation must demonstrate to HCC’s appointed inspection body on an annual basis that the beef meets the PGI specifications and that the plant is operating to best practice guidelines. This approval will be represented by a Certificate, which must be displayed prominently in the premises. HCC also undertake random spot checks to verify abattoir/processor approval and licence use of the PGI Welsh beef brand. HCC verification scheme criteria will be continually developed’

To ensure the integrity of the Welsh Beef PGI is maintained through adequate control and monitoring, HCC retains the right to monitor all plants using the designation

Insertion of:

‘At all stages of the production process records are kept to ensure traceability of the product. At the abattoirs the slaughter number, the date of slaughter, the classification details and the cold carcass weight are recorded. This information is attached on a label to the carcass and is available for inspection by HCC’

HCC will inspect labelling information, at least annually, in order to monitor the Welsh Beef PGI

Insertion of:

‘Minimum requirements with regard to the traceability of the product are:

Cattle raised extensively on grassland;

Veterinary records according to Government requirements;

Traceability compliant to recognised farm assurance scheme standards or equivalent;

Transport and slaughter identification according to Government regulations’

To ensure that traceability requirements of Welsh Beef PGI meet the HCC verification scheme criteria

3.3. Method of Production:

Amendment	Explanation
Insertion of: ‘Cattle are slaughtered at between 24-48 months of age and must not have bred’	To emphasise the slaughter age range for cattle to qualify for use of the Welsh Beef PGI. The previous age range was too prescriptive and prevented more mature beef animals from qualifying for the PGI. To prevent old cattle from being included the specification has been extended to include only prime cattle (cattle which have not bred)
Insertion of: ‘The meat must come from cattle which are born and reared in Wales’	To emphasise that Welsh Beef PGI is derived from cattle which are born and reared in Wales
Insertion of: ‘The cattle are slaughtered and processed in HCC verification scheme approved abattoirs/processors to ensure the PGI Welsh beef brand and integrity is protected’	To ensure the Welsh Beef PGI brand and integrity is protected through adequate control and monitoring
Insertion of: ‘Abattoirs and processors eligible for the HCC verification scheme approval are not restricted to the defined geographical area — Wales’	For clarification in defining the Welsh Beef PGI
Insertion of: ‘The animals are slaughtered and dressed at the abattoir in accordance with recognised industry specifications or to meet legislative or customer requirements’	For clarification in defining the Welsh Beef PGI. The previous dressing specification allowed only for a Meat and Livestock Commission specification which was seen to be too restrictive
Insertion of: ‘All cuts must be identified as Welsh beef through appropriate labelling (see Section 4.8)’	To ensure that the cuts of Welsh Beef are labelled in accordance with the PGI

3.4. Link:

Amendment	Explanation
Insertion of: ‘The predominant breeds used were the indigenous Welsh Black or the Hereford breed’ ‘The distinctive characteristics of Welsh beef are due to the influence of the traditional breeds which remain at the foundation of the Welsh beef industry’	To emphasise that Welsh Beef PGI is derived from the traditional breeds of Wales

3.5. Labelling:

Amendment	Explanation
Insertion of: ‘The geographical indication “Welsh Beef” must appear on carcasses, parts of carcasses or cuts in combination with the HCC registered trademark for Welsh beef and the PGI symbol’	To ensure parts of carcasses and cuts are labelled appropriately and to ensure integrity of the Welsh beef PGI and trademark
Insertion of: ‘Detailed guidance on labelling will be provided by HCC. Labelling regimes will form part of the HCC verification scheme inspection’	To ensure that all abattoirs and meat plants are clear on where they can get guidance on labelling and to ensure that the PGI is not misrepresented

SINGLE DOCUMENT

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘WELSH BEEF’

EC No: UK-PGI-0105-0057-16.04.2007

PGI ( X ) PDO ( )

1. Name:

‘Welsh Beef’

2. Member State or third country:

United Kingdom

3. Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff:

3.1. Type of product:

Class 1.1.

Fresh meat and offal

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

Welsh beef is the name given to carcasses or cuts of meat taken from prime cattle (cattle that have not bred), which are born and reared in Wales. Producers of Welsh beef aim to meet a target carcass classification of R conformation or better and 4L fat content or leaner. See the table below.

Target Carcass EUROP Classification Grid for Welsh beef

		Fat class
		1	2	3	4L	4H	5L	5H
Conformation	E	x	x	x	x
	U +	x	x	x	x
	– U	x	x	x	x
	R	x	x	x	x
	O +
	– O
	P +
	– P
x indicates the target carcass classifications for Welsh beef.

Historically the traditional cattle breeds of Wales were predominately the Welsh Black and Hereford. These breeds remain at the foundation of the Welsh beef industry today. Welsh beef is derived from the traditional breeds of Wales and these crossed with each other or with any other recognised breed.

Cattle are slaughtered at between 24-48 months of age and must not have bred.

Cattle are slaughtered and processed in Hybu Cig Cymru — Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) verification scheme approved abattoirs/processors to ensure the PGI Welsh beef brand and integrity is protected. This scheme ensures that any beef branded as ‘Welsh Beef’ meets the specifications. All abattoirs and processors that wish to use the Welsh beef designation must demonstrate to HCC’s appointed inspection body on an annual basis that the beef meets the PGI specifications and that the plant is operating to best practice guidelines. HCC also undertake random spot checks to verify abattoir/ processor approval and licence use of the PGI Welsh beef brand.

After slaughter and dressing the beef may be marketed as a whole body, as a whole side, as part sides (hindquarter/forequarter) or as cuts of beef (including minced beef).

Meat profiles on the whole are convex, with very good muscle development and a wide, thick back, up to a well-rounded shoulder. Solid to the touch, with a loose and consistent texture, the well-developed muscles are of a deep red colour with fat that is yellowish white. The meat is generally well marbled.

3.2. Raw materials:

—

3.3. Feed (for products of animal origin only):

Cattle are raised extensively on grassland within the geographical area, according to traditional husbandry practices of Welsh cattle farming.

On occasions where feed is utilised to supplement grass pasture, the feed will be sourced from within the geographical area where possible.

3.4. Specific steps in production that must take place in the identified geographical area:

Each producer controls their own herd of beef animals which are reared extensively on natural grass pastures. Animals are sold either deadweight to abattoirs or at livestock markets. The meat must come from cattle which are born and reared in Wales and slaughtered/processed in HCC verification scheme approved abattoirs/processors. The animals are slaughtered and dressed at the abattoir in accordance with recognised industry specifications or to meet legislative or customer requirements.

Abattoirs and processors eligible for the HCC verification scheme approval are not restricted to the defined geographical area — Wales.

At all stages of the production process records are kept to ensure traceability of the product. At the abattoirs the slaughter number, the date of slaughter, the classification details and the cold carcass weight are recorded. This information is attached on a label to the carcass and is available for inspection by HCC.

3.5. Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc.:

N/A

3.6. Specific rules concerning labelling:

The geographical indication ‘Welsh Beef’ must appear on carcasses, parts of carcasses or cuts in combination with the HCC registered trademark for Welsh beef and the PGI symbol.

4. Concise definition of the geographical area:

The whole of Wales.

5. Link with the geographical area:

5.1. Specificity of the geographical area:

The Welsh cattle industry is richly documented for its importance from the Celts, the Romans, the Normans and up to the present day. There are numerous historical references to Welsh cattle production given in ‘The Drovers’ Roads of Wales’ and ‘Medieval Wales’ by Hewitt.

A distinctive characteristic of Welsh beef is that cattle feed on the abundant natural grassland in Wales, which flourishes as a result of the wet and mild Welsh climate and topography.

A 1 200 km coastline surrounds Wales and inland there is a sweeping and soaring landscape that seamlessly merges mountains, hills, valleys and lakes. Supported by the typical high rainfall of the area, Wales is perfectly adapted to the production of natural pasture. This sprawling emerald tapestry woven by acre after acre of lush green grass, combined with heathers and indigenous fragrant wild herbs, contribute to the distinctive flavour of Welsh beef.

5.2. Specificity of the product:

To be branded as ‘Welsh Beef’, only cattle which are born and reared in Wales are eligible, linking the product directly to the geographical area in which it is produced.

In order to ensure consistency in quality for the consumer, cattle must be prime cattle (cattle that have not bred) and should be slaughtered at between 24-48 months of age. Producers of Welsh beef aim to meet a target carcass classification of R conformation or better and 4L fat content or leaner.

A distinctive characteristic of Welsh beef is due to the influence of the traditional breeds which remain at the foundation of the Welsh beef industry, from which Welsh beef is derived.

The meat must come from cattle which are slaughtered/processed in approved abattoirs/processors. The animals are slaughtered and dressed at the abattoir in accordance with recognised industry specifications or to meet legislative or customer requirements.

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):

Welsh beef enjoys a number of competitive production advantages. Traditional breeds are reared in an ideal environment, using tried and tested traditional farming techniques, supplemented by contemporary breeding methods. This results in the unique character and distinctiveness of Welsh beef.

Year after year, generation after generation, the singular husbandry and grassland management skills of the Welsh beef farmer are practised across Wales, predominately on small family farms, utilising the benefits of the natural landscape to produce beef of the highest calibre. Over the centuries their dedication and hard work has delivered consistently high standards of quality production in the most efficient and environmentally sensitive way whilst shaping the landscape, culture and identity of Wales.

The farms of the region are typically family farms having a mixed holding of sheep and cattle. Holdings in Wales are on average smaller than the UK as a whole. The smaller average holding size is reflected in smaller herd sizes for beef as well as the structure of the workforce. The husbandry skills of the Welsh livestock farmer have been passed down from one generation to the next. Each producer controls their own herd of beef animals, which are reared extensively on natural grass pastures. Animals are sold either deadweight to abattoirs or at livestock markets. At all stages of the production process records are kept to ensure traceability of the product.

The efficient production and use of grass is central to the well being of Welsh beef production. The grass leys in many of the regions of Wales are interspersed with heathers and indigenous fragrant wild herbs, all of which contribute to the distinctiveness of Welsh beef. The grassland management skills of the Welsh farmer are noted worldwide with Welsh farmers regularly winning awards for their grassland management.

Reference to publication of the specification:

(Article 5(7) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/food/industry/regional/foodname/products/documents/welsh-beef.pdf

(1) OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12.

		ISSN 1725-2423 doi:10.3000/17252423.C_2010.158.eng
Official Journal of the European Union		C 158

English edition	Information and Notices	Volume 53 18 June 2010

Notice No	Contents	page
	II Information
	INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES
	European Commission
2010/C 158/01	Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 TFEU — Cases where the Commission raises no objections ( 1 )	1

2010/C 158/02	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.5755 — Schneider Electric/Areva T&D) ( 1 )	4

2010/C 158/03	Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.5811 — Erste Bank/ASK) ( 1 )	4

	IV Notices
	NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES
	Council
2010/C 158/04	Council Act of 23 October 2009 appointing a Deputy Director of Europol	5

2010/C 158/05	Draft amending budget No 4 of the European Union for the financial year 2010 — Council position	6

	European Commission
2010/C 158/06	Euro exchange rates	7

	V Announcements
	ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
	European Commission
2010/C 158/07	Call for proposals under the Implementation Plan of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking	8

	PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY
	European Commission
2010/C 158/08	State aid — Poland — State aid C 40/08 (ex N 163/08) — Restructuring aid to PZL Hydral S.A. — Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty ( 1 )	9

	OTHER ACTS
	European Commission
2010/C 158/09	Publication of an amendment application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs	12