15.12.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 387/1

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Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 107 and 108 of the TFEU

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance)

2012/C 387/01

Date of adoption of the decision	11.2.2009
Reference number of State Aid	SA.25741 (N 239/08)
Member State	Germany
Region	Mecklenburg-Vorpommern	Article 107(3)(a)
Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)	Investitionsbeihilfe zugunsten der Volkswerft Stralsund GmbH in Stralsund — Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Legal basis	Gesetz über die Gemeinschaftsaufgabe „Verbesserung der regionalen Wirtschaftsstruktur“ (GA) dated 12.5.1969   Gemeinschaftsaufgabe „Verbesserung der regionalen Wirtschaftsstruktur“ (GA) 36. Rahmenplan: Teil II A — Gewerbliche Wirtschaft
Type of measure	Ad hoc aid	Volkswerft Stralsund GmbH
Objective	Regional development, Sectoral development
Form of aid	Direct grant
Budget	Overall budget: EUR 0,837 million
Intensity	15 %
Duration (period)	Until 31.12.2008
Economic sectors	Building of ships and boats
Name and address of the granting authority	Land Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
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/competition/elojade/isef/index.cfm

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15.12.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 387/2

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.6485 — Euler Hermes/Mapfre/Mapfre CC)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2012/C 387/02

On 20 September 2012, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

—	in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm) under document number 32012M6485. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to the European law.

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15.12.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 387/2

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.6611 — Arla Foods/Milk Link)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2012/C 387/03

On 27 September 2012, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

—	in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm) under document number 32012M6611. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to the European law.

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15.12.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 387/3

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.6724 — PAI Partners/Marcolin)

(Text with EEA relevance)

2012/C 387/04

On 29 November 2012, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

—	in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm) under document number 32012M6724. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to the European law.

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15.12.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 387/4

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Euro exchange rates (1)

14 December 2012

2012/C 387/05

1 euro =

	Currency	Exchange rate
USD	US dollar	1,3081
JPY	Japanese yen	109,55
DKK	Danish krone	7,4613
GBP	Pound sterling	0,81150
SEK	Swedish krona	8,7743
CHF	Swiss franc	1,2089
ISK	Iceland króna
NOK	Norwegian krone	7,3715
BGN	Bulgarian lev	1,9558
CZK	Czech koruna	25,231
HUF	Hungarian forint	283,76
LTL	Lithuanian litas	3,4528
LVL	Latvian lats	0,6963
PLN	Polish zloty	4,0861
RON	Romanian leu	4,4720
TRY	Turkish lira	2,3306
AUD	Australian dollar	1,2429
CAD	Canadian dollar	1,2878
HKD	Hong Kong dollar	10,1378
NZD	New Zealand dollar	1,5564
SGD	Singapore dollar	1,5980
KRW	South Korean won	1 406,04
ZAR	South African rand	11,3300
CNY	Chinese yuan renminbi	8,1704
HRK	Croatian kuna	7,5230
IDR	Indonesian rupiah	12 609,02
MYR	Malaysian ringgit	3,9982
PHP	Philippine peso	53,734
RUB	Russian rouble	40,2507
THB	Thai baht	40,067
BRL	Brazilian real	2,7244
MXN	Mexican peso	16,7345
INR	Indian rupee	71,2800

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

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15.12.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 387/5

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Communication from the Commission amending the Communication from the Commission Guidelines on certain State aid measures in the context of the greenhouse gas emission allowance trading scheme post-2012

(Text with EEA relevance)

2012/C 387/06

In the definition of the ‘fall-back electricity consumption efficiency benchmark’ (Annex I of the Guidelines), 80 % will be added. It will read as follows:

‘—

“fall back electricity consumption efficiency benchmark”, 80 % of baseline electricity consumption. It corresponds to the average reduction effort imposed by the application of the electricity consumption efficiency benchmarks (benchmark electricity consumption/ex ante electricity consumption). It is applied for all products and processes which fall within eligible sectors or subsectors, but which are not covered by the electricity consumption efficiency benchmarks set in Annex III.’

Annex III of the Communication ‘Electricity consumption efficiency benchmarks for products covered by the NACE codes in Annex II’ will be replaced by the following:

---

(1)  For products shaded in light grey, interchangeability between electricity and fuels was established and the benchmark is provided in terms of tCO2.

(2)  Production units, definitions and processes covered, which are shaded in dark grey, are based on Commission Decision 2011/278/EU of 27 April 2011 determining transitional Union-wide rules for harmonised free allocation of emission allowances pursuant to Article 10a of Directive 2003/87/EC.

(3)  Commission Decision of 27 April 2011 on determining transitional Union-wide rules for harmonised free allocation pursuant to Article 10a of Directive 2003/87/EC, C(2011) 2772 final (OJ L 130, 17.5.2011, p. 1).

(4)  “Share of relevant indirect emissions over the baseline period” means the quotient of

—	the relevant indirect emissions and

—	the sum of total direct emissions and relevant indirect emissions

as per Article 14 of Decision 2011/278/EU.’

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15.12.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 387/14

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR AN OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION LICENCE DESIGNATED TORRENTE RIZZUTO

REGIONAL MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICES — REGIONAL DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

REGIONAL OFFICE FOR HYDROCARBONS AND GEOTHERMAL ENERGY (U.R.I.G.)

2012/C 387/07

In accordance with Sicilian Regional Law No 14 of 3 July 2000, the company MAC OIL SpA, having its registered office at via Lucullo 11, 00187 Rome, Italy (Tax Code and VAT No 09409401008) and registered with Rome Chamber of Commerce (Economic and Administrative Index (REA) No 1160635), applied on 15 September 2011, with later additions submitted on 21 May 2012 and 19 October 2012, to the Regional Ministry of Energy and Public Utility Services, Via Ugo La Malfa 87/89, 90146 Palermo, Italy, the competent authority for granting mining rights in the Region of Sicily, for an oil and gas exploration licence, designated the ‘Torrente Rizzuto’ licence, in an area of 69 203,95 ha (692,04 km2) in the following municipalities of the Provinces of Agrigento, Caltanissetta and Enna: Campobello di Licata, Licata, Ravanusa (Agrigento), Butera, Gela, Mazzarino, Riesi (Caltanissetta), Barrafranca, Enna, Piazza Armerina, Pietraperzia (Enna). To the north, the area borders on the area covered by the ‘Friddani’ exploration licence (points B, C and D of the Torrente Rizzuto area), to the east it borders on the area covered by the ‘Passo di Piazza’ exploration licence (points E and F of the Torrente Rizzuto area), while to the south it surrounds the area covered by the ‘Costa del Sole’ exploration licence (points G, H, I, L, M, N and O of the Torrente Rizzuto area).

The perimeter of the area for which the licence is requested is an irregular polygon and is delineated by continuous lines between points A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, L, M, N and O.

The above mentioned points are defined as follows:

A.	Point on the coast, at the water's edge, obtained by extending the line drawn between point B and the point 19 m above sea level along provincial road 67 in the locality of Sorgente del Pisciotto;

B.	Point located at 661 m above sea level at Cozzo Mola di Geracello and coinciding with point A of the ‘Friddani’ exploration licence;

C.	Point coinciding with the south corner of the Casa Giordano building, approximately 550 m north-northwest of the point 429 m above sea level to the south of Barrafranca and coinciding with point R of the ‘Friddani’ exploration licence;

D.	Point located at the 14 km mark of the road east of Mazzarino which passes through Contrada Floresta and joins national road No 117 Centrale Sicula, coinciding with point Q of the ‘Friddani’ exploration licence;

E.	Point coinciding with the north-east corner of the C. Zubia Nuova building 101 m above sea level, south-east of the Butera station and coinciding with point A of the ‘Passo di Piazza’ exploration licence;

F.	Point on the coast obtained by extending the line drawn between point E and the 225 km mark of national road No 115 at the water's edge coinciding with point Z of the ‘Passo di Piazza’ exploration licence;

G.	Point where the extension of the line joining points I and H intersects the coastline, coinciding with point D of the ‘Costa del Sole’ exploration licence;

H.	Trigonometric point at 75 m above sea level at the Torre Manfria, coinciding with point C of the ‘Costa del Sole’ exploration licence;

I.	Trigonometric point at 289 m above sea level at Rocca d'Adamo, coinciding with point B of the ‘Costa del Sole’ exploration licence;

L.	Point coinciding with the south-west corner of the Casa Savorni building at 100 m above sea level, corresponding to point A of the ‘Costa del Sole’ exploration licence;

M.	Point coinciding with the south-west corner of the Casa La Tenutella building at 59 m above sea level, corresponding to point G of the ‘Costa del Sole’ exploration licence;

N.	Trigonometric point at 18 m above sea level at the Castello Falconara, coinciding with point F of the ‘Costa del Sole’ exploration licence;

O.	Point where the extension of the line joining points M and N intersects the coastline, coinciding with point E of the ‘Costa del Sole’ exploration licence.

Geographical coordinates

Point	Latitude N	Longitude E (M. Mario)
A	1° 23′ 54,92″	37° 07′ 33,37″
B	1° 46′ 45,6″	37° 27′ 39″
C	1° 45′ 16,98″	37° 21′ 56,37″
D	1° 51′ 25,54″	37° 16′ 54,67″
E	1° 44′ 07,44″	37° 07′ 57,24″
F	1° 41′ 59,51″	37° 05′ 45,11″
G	1° 41′ 08,14″	37° 05′ 31,11″
H	1° 41′ 11,19″	37° 05′ 59,19″
I	1° 43′ 35,59″	37° 09′ 41,35″
L	1° 42′ 23,39″	37° 09′ 49,96″
M	1° 38′ 33,56″	37° 08′ 41,63″
N	1° 36′ 03,05″	37° 06′ 29,39″
O	1° 35′ 57,97″	37° 06′ 25,14″

Interested parties may submit an application for a licence for this area within 90 days of the date of publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union. Applications received after that period will be declared inadmissible. The Decree granting the exploration licence will be issued within 6 months of the closing date for the submission of competing applications. In accordance with Article 5(1) of Directive 94/22/EC, notice is also given that the criteria on the basis of which prospection licences, exploration licences and exploitation concessions are issued have already been published in Official Journal of the European Union C 396 of 19 December 1998, with reference to Legislative Decree of the President of the Republic No 625 of 25 November 1996 (published in Official Gazette of the Italian Republic No 293 of 14 December 1996), which transposes and implements the above mentioned Directive into Italian law, and were specified in Sicilian Regional Law No 14 of 3 July 2000 (published in Official Gazette of the Region of Sicily No 32 of 7 July 2000).

The conditions and requirements regarding the performance or cessation of activities are laid down in the above mentioned Sicilian Regional Law No 14 of 3 July 2000 and in the Standard Specifications issued in Decree No 91 of 30 October 2003 and Decree No 88 of 20 October 2004 of the Regional Minister for Industry and published in Official Gazette of Sicily Region Part I, No 49 of 14 November 2003, and Part I, No 46 of 5 November 2004, respectively.

The application documents have been deposited at the Regional Office for Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy of the Regional Department of Industry and Mining at Via Ugo La Malfa 101, 90146 Palermo, Italy, where they may be consulted by any interested party.

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15.12.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 387/16

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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

2012/C 387/08

This publication confers the right to object to the application pursuant to Article 7 of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (1). Statements of objection 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

‘LENTILLES VERTES DU BERRY’

EC No: FR-PGI-0105-0948-06.02.2012

PGI ( X ) PDO ( )

1.   Heading in the specification affected by the amendment:

—		Name of product
—	☒	Description of product
—		Geographical area
—		Proof of origin
—	☒	Method of production
—		Link
—		Labelling
—	☒	National requirements
—		Other (to be specified)

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 has 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):

Description of product

—	Modification of the lentils’ size: lentils less than 4 mm in size must be excluded to ensure the lentils are uniform in size and for cooking.

—

Increase of the percentage of ‘cracks in seeds’ permitted from 0 % to 0,2 %: this is due to the fact that there is a higher risk of finding cracks in seeds because of the more frequent periods of drought affecting the geographical area. The rate of 0,2 % allows a quality product to be obtained, while respecting the technical constraints.

Method of production

—	Abolition of the deadline for harvesting; the late harvest for the last two years having made it necessary to extend the harvesting period. The only criteria retained is the maximum humidity (18 %) for lentils when they are harvested in order to determine the stage at which they are harvested.

—	Addition of a paragraph on the fumigation of the lentils after harvesting, which is indispensable for ensuring they are safe, trustworthy and marketable with regard to the risk of insects.

—

Addition of a paragraph on the definition of a packaging period for ‘Lentilles vertes du Berry’. This period is limited to one year from 1 September of year n until 31 August of year n + 1, the lentils generally being harvested in July. This period, which relates to the use-by or best-before date of no later than two years after the date of packaging, ensures the freshness of the products on sale and the constant quality of the product. Furthermore, the fact of being able to package the previous harvest until 31 August makes it possible to avoid running out of stocks of the finished product between harvests (during the time needed for fumigating and sorting the new harvest).

—

Inclusion in the specifications of the requirement for ‘Lentilles vertes du Berry’ to be packaged only in bulk bags and in the geographical area of the protected geographical indication. The loose lentils, sorted to meet the standards for the finished product, may be packaged in bulk bags intended for external packagers for their own packaging, or for industries specialising in prepared meals. Bulk-bag packaging in the area makes it easier to ensure the identification and traceability of batches.

National requirements

The wording of the specifications was updated and a chapter on ‘national requirements’ was added, indicating the main points to check.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘LENTILLES VERTES DU BERRY’

EC No: FR-PGI-0105-0948-06.02.2012

PGI ( X ) PDO ( )

1.   Name:

‘Lentilles vertes du Berry’

2.   Member State or third country:

France

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff:

3.1.   Type of product:

Class 1.6.

Fruit, vegetables and cereals, fresh or processed

3.2.   Description of product to which the name in point 1 applies:

‘Lentilles vertes du Berry’ are dry seeds from the leguminous plant Lens culinaris, Anicia variety. The seeds are 4 mm to 6 mm in diameter and 2 mm to 2,5 mm thick. They are dark green in colour, more or less marbled with blue. After sorting, they should have the following characteristics:

—	humidity: ≤ 16 %,

—	foreign matter: ≤ 0,2 % of which mineral matter ≤ 0,001 per thousand,

—	broken or split seeds ≤ 0,8 %,

—	cracks in seeds ≤ 0,2 %,

—	damaged seeds ≤ 0,8 %,

—	unacceptable seeds ≤ 0,1 %.

They are rich in protein (31 % average).

Cooking time of no more than 30 minutes.

3.3.   Raw materials (for processed products only):

Not applicable.

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

Not applicable.

3.5.   Specific steps in production that must take place in the defined geographical area:

Crop production

Harvesting

Storage before fumigation and sorting

Fumigation

Sorting

3.6.   Specific rules on slicing, grating, packaging, etc.:

The packaging in bulk bags should also take place in the defined geographical area and be done only for loose lentils sorted to finished product standards. These bulk bags are intended for external packagers for their own packaging (consumer sales units, catering), or for industries specialising in prepared meals.

Bulk bag packaging in the area makes it easier to ensure the identification and traceability of batches because this type of packaging is more secure than bulk transport by lorry. It also minimises the risk of mixing.

‘Lentilles vertes du Berry’ may be packaged in consumer sales units and shipped from the PGI area or from the external packagers (outside the PGI area).

3.7.   Specific rules concerning labelling:

The label of the PGI product bears:

—	the name of the food: ‘Lentilles vertes du Berry’,

—	the name and address of the certification body, preceded by the words ‘certified by’,

—	the European Union’s PGI logo.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area:

This area covers 49 municipalities of Berry located in the departments Indre and Cher.

Cher: Charost, Mareuil/Arnon, Civray, St. Ambroix, Saugy.

Indre: St. Georges/Arnon, Migny, Diou, Ste Lizaigne, Paudy, Giroux, Meunet-sur-Vatan, Vatan, St. Florentin, La Chapelle St. Laurian, Guilly, Fontenay, Bouges-le-Château, Liniez, Ménétréols-sous-Vatan, Lizeray, Les Bordes, St. Aoustrille, Issoudun, Chouday, Ségry, St. Aubin, Meunet-Planches, Vouillon, Brives, Ste Fauste, Diors, Neuvy-Pailloux, Thizay, Montierchaume, Levroux, Coings, La Champenoise, St. Valentin, Vineuil, Villegongis, Francillon, Bretagne, Brion, Luçay le Libre, Chezelles, Villers-les-Ormes, Condé, Moulins-sur-Céphons.

5.   Link with the geographical area:

5.1.   Specificity of the geographical area:

5.1.1.   Soil factors

All the soils used for growing Berry green lentils are lime-clay soils. They may be either ‘rendzina’ or ‘calcareous brown soil’ types. The soils are healthy in hydromorphic terms, not very consolidated, rich in organic matter, not very compact. They have an average water reserve (60 mm to 100 mm), which helps the lentils reach maturity.

They are shallow, promoting the plant’s growth, which contributes to excellent yields: over 20 quintals on average over the last 15 years. Record yields, such as an average of almost 40 quintals for example, have even been obtained on lands not known as excellent for cereal cultivation, and that without irrigation or fertilisation.

These lime-clay soils are thus healthy, easy to work and perfectly suited to lentil cultivation.

5.1.2.   Climate factors

The geographical area enjoys a temperate climate with regular rainfall in the spring and high temperatures (27 °C to 30 °C) from the end of June.

5.1.3.   Human factors

The first growing techniques for improving the quality and the yields of green lentils were developed in the 1950s in Champagne Berrichone. This expertise was passed on from farmer to farmer growing ‘Lentilles vertes du Berry’, which allowed the development of this crop in the geographical area of the PGI.

Initially grown by a number of farmers in the region during the 1960s, cultivation expanded to reach 7 200 hectares in 1983 and 79 % of French lentil production.

Since 1994 when the ‘Lentilles vertes du Berry’ association was created and the achievement of PGI status in 1998, the share of PGI ‘Lentilles vertes du Berry’ has increased. The production under PGI went from an initial 170 hectares to its present level of some 400 hectares.

The expertise of ‘Lentilles vertes du Berry’ producers is typified by:

—	sowing the lentils in lime-clay soils,

—	sowing density adapted to the soil type,

—	mastery of weed control adapted to this type of cultivation and limiting the risk of grey rot,

—	the lentils’ uniform maturity before harvesting,

—	the quality of sorting to eliminate split, broken, cracked or damaged lentils.

5.2.   Specificity of the product:

5.2.1.   Characteristic properties

‘Lentilles vertes du Berry’ are characterised by the dark green colour of their husks, marbled with blue. They have a fine tender skin encasing a soft kernel, with a mild chestnut flavour.

The rigorous sorting of ‘Lentilles vertes du Berry’ makes it possible to obtain a uniform size (4 mm to 6 mm in diameter), eliminate all impurities and thus ensure the absence of mineral matter (maximum content = 0,001 per thousand).

The uniform size favours the quick, uniform cooking of ‘Lentilles vertes du Berry’, a highly valued feature for consumers and processors.

5.2.2.   Reputation

The expansion of this crop has allowed ‘Lentilles vertes du Berry’ to gain a strong local and regional renown. Its renown was assessed in 1993 by a public awareness survey where 31 % of the people surveyed spontaneously said they knew ‘Lentilles vertes du Berry’ and 51 % did when asked by the surveyor.

‘Lentilles vertes du Berry’ play a part in the local tourism industry:

—	a lentil museum (maison de la lentille) was established in Chouday, the home of the first farmer to grow the lentils,

—	in 1993 the ‘Confrérie des Fins Mangeux d’Lentilles vertes du Berry’ association was established to promote ‘Lentilles vertes du Berry’,

—	in Vatan in the Indre department, a lentil festival was established in 1993, the second weekend of September, to showcase the early lentils.

As far as gastronomy is concerned, since 1972 ‘Lentilles vertes du Berry’ have been referred to in national newspapers (Le Figaro), with the original creation by Alain Nonnet, Maître Cuisinier de France (master chef), of ‘la crème de lentilles du Berry’ (cream of Berry lentils) at ‘La Cognette’ restaurant in Issoudun. This soup has since become a major culinary staple, mentioned in numerous cookbooks and even in the Larousse encyclopaedia of regional cuisine. In 2004, the cream of lentil soup featured in the competition to find the best apprentice chef in Europe.

The restaurateurs of the Berry gourmand association have also actively contributed to the reputation of ‘Lentilles vertes du Berry’ by featuring this local product in their menus.

Numerous partnerships have developed between the restaurateurs and they all promote ‘Lentilles vertes du Berry’ on their menus.

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 another characteristic of the product (for PGI):

The lime-clay soils have a strong effect on the uniform size and green colour of the lentils. The fact that these soils are healthy in hydromorphic terms, not very compact and not very consolidated means that they favour the cultivation of the crop, thus helping to fight diseases.

The temperate climatic conditions do not expose the crop to any stress factors. The high temperatures at the end of the growing cycle put a rapid end to the flowering period, which contributes to a uniform degree of maturity.

The correlation of the climatic conditions with this soil type ensures that the lentils are uniform in colour, size and maturity.

The lime-clay soils are also easy to work, which limits the presence of mineral matter in the crops harvested. The know-how developed for sorting the lentils in the PGI area then contributes to this special quality of an absence of mineral matter in the finished product.

Furthermore, these soil types, unlike the more acidulous or hard mountain soils, give ‘Lentilles vertes du Berry’ a mild flavour with a slight hint of chestnut, highly prized by consumers. Many say that they have a delicate flavour and can distinguish them from other lentils.

It is thus the soil characteristics of the area and the growing techniques used for 30 years by the region’s farmers which give this local production its specific characteristics. Thanks to Paul Dufour’s work in developing this cultivation, which is perfectly adapted to the lime-clay soil types of the PGI area, the quality of the product and the yields have improved. This is how ‘Lentilles vertes du Berry’ obtained its reputation, which has gone from strength to strength over time thanks to the region’s chefs showcasing its gastronomic potential.

Reference to publication of the specification:

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

https://www.inao.gouv.fr/fichier/CDCIGPLentilleVerteDuBerry.pdf

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(1)  OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12.

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15.12.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 387/22

---

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

2012/C 387/09

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

AMENDMENT APPLICATION

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

AMENDMENT APPLICATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 9

‘CABALLA DE ANDALUCÍA’

EC No: ES-PGI-0105-0935-09.01.2012

PGI ( X ) PDO ( )

1.   Heading in the product specification affected by the amendment:

—		Name of product
—	☒	Description of product
—	☒	Geographical area
—	☒	Proof of origin
—	☒	Method of production
—		Link
—	☒	Labelling
—	☒	National requirements
—	☒	Other. Verification of compliance with Specification.

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 has 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):

3.1.   Section B ‘Product description’ of the Specification is amended to include the species ‘Scomber colias’ as a raw material and to permit the use of salted water with less than 1 % salt as a liquid medium:

It is proposed to include the species Scomber colias as a raw material for the product covered by the Protected Geographical Indication ‘Caballa de Andalucía’ in the light of the development of scientific knowledge, since a number of fish taxonomists have recognised this species as being distinct from Scomber japonicus, as stated in the scientific paper ‘Phylogenetic differentiation between Atlantic Scomber colias and Pacific Scomber japonicus based on nuclear DNA sequences’ by Carlos Infante, Enrique Blanco, Eugenia Zausti, Aniela Crespo and Manuel Manchado, published in Genetica (2007), Volume 130, Number 1, pp.1–8 doi:10.1007/s10709-006-0014-5.

3.2.   Classical taxonomy distinguishes three species of the genus Scomber: S. scombrus, S. australasicus and Scomber japonicus. In the light of this new scientific knowledge, it was decided to name the migratory species of the genus Scomber usually found in the Atlantic Ocean Scomber colias, keeping the name Scomber japonicus for the variety typically found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Both species are suitable for making this product:

It is proposed to approve the use of salted water with less than 1 % salt as a liquid medium for ‘natural’‘Caballa de Andalucía’.

The raw material for this product is the same, i.e. Scomber japonicus and Scomber colias, and production is the same non-industrial method used for the product in oil. The product’s characteristics are not affected. The only change is in the liquid medium, which is salted water with less than 1 % salt taken from the cooking water.

3.3.   Section C ‘Geographical area’ of the Specification is amended to include the Municipality of Chiclana de la Frontera:

An error in the Summary Sheet and the Specification concerning the Municipality of Chiclana de la Frontera in the Province of Cádiz is corrected. The municipality was included in the documentation submitted to the European Commission on 29 June 2004 but, because of human error, was omitted from the documents subsequently sent for publication.

3.4.   The wording of Section D ‘Proof that the product originates in the area’ is amended:

The wording of this Section is amended, since the body responsible for evaluating the product’s compliance with the Specification has changed, to specify the checks to be carried out but without expressly mentioning the body responsible for carrying them out, as this may change.

3.5.   The wording of Section E ‘Description of the method of production’ is amended to include the use of salted water as a liquid medium in the packaging and the forms of packaging to be used:

The text under ‘Packaging’ is amended as follows:

3.6.   Amendment of Section G ‘Verification of compliance with the specification’:

In order to bring the text into line with the information submitted to the European Commission under the system of official checks on quality products of Andalusia, which forms part of the Multiannual Inspection Plan, a website of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment of the Government of Andalusia is given on which details will be provided of the bodies responsible for verifying compliance with the Specification.

3.7.   Section H ‘Labelling’ of the Specification is amended:

The wording of this Section is amended as follows to include the logo of ‘Caballa de Andalucía’:

3.8.   Amendment of Section I ‘Legal requirements’:

The legislation specified in the Specification is updated.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘CABALLA DE ANDALUCÍA’

EC No: ES-PGI-0105-0935-09.01.2012

PGI ( X ) PDO ( )

1.   Name:

‘Caballa de Andalucía’

2.   Member State or Third Country:

Spain

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff:

3.1.   Type of product:

Class 1.7.

Fresh fish, molluscs, and crustaceans and products derived thereform

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

Preserved mackerel fillets, natural and in olive oil, produced using non-industrial methods.

The fillets are a high-quality product with a greyish white colour, a smooth, compact and juicy texture, a pleasant smell and a very characteristic bluefish taste.

Three varieties of the preserved mackerel fillets are marketed, differing in the liquid medium used: olive oil, sunflower oil or cooking water. They are packed in round or rectangular tins or glass jars.

3.3.   Raw materials (for processed products only):

The raw material used is fish of the species Scomber japonicus and Scomber colias, which have a spindle-shaped and elongate body, a pointed snout and a thin caudal peduncle. They have two clearly separated dorsal fins and their head and body are covered with small scales. They are a greenish blue colour, with narrow wavy black lines and speckles, while their belly and flanks are of a silvery yellow with bluish grey speckles. They normally measure between 20 and 30 cm.

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

—

3.5.   Specific steps in production that must take place in the defined geographical area:

Non-industrial production methods traditional in Andalusia since antiquity are used. The mackerel is skinned by hand without the use of chemicals, thus ensuring a high-quality product with a greyish white colour that preserves all its characteristics.

The fish are placed exclusively in salted water (with less than 1 % salt), olive or sunflower oil.

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

—

3.7.   Specific rules concerning labelling:

The individual label of each producer marketing the product covered by the Protected Geographical Indication ‘Caballa de Andalucía’ must bear prominently the words: ‘Indicación Geográfica Protegida’ (Protected Geographical Indication), the name ‘Caballa de Andalucía’ and the European Union logo. In addition, the packaging of all preserved ‘Caballa de Andalucía’ covered by the Protected Geographical Indication must bear the following PGI logo.

All packaging in which the protected mackerel is placed on the market must bear a numbered label issued by the Regulatory Board that is affixed at the packaging stage in such a way that it cannot be reused.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area:

Production takes place in the municipalities of Almería, Adra, Carboneras, Garrucha and Roquetas de Mar in the Province of Almería; Algeciras, Barbate, Cádiz, Chiclana de la Frontera, Chipiona, Conil, La Línea, Puerto de Santa María, Rota, Sanlúcar de Barrameda and Tarifa in the Province of Cádiz; Almuñécar and Motril in the Province of Granada; Ayamonte, Cartaya, Huelva, Isla Cristina, Lepe, Palos de la Frontera and Punta Umbría in the Province of Huelva; and Estepona, Fuengirola, Málaga, Marbella and Vélez-Málaga in the Province of Málaga.

5.   Link with the geographical area:

5.1.   Specificity of the geographical area:

The mackerel preserves are produced in preserving plants located within the geographical production area in accordance with the requirements of the Specification, particularly as regards non-industrial processing involving methods and procedures used since antiquity that allow the fish’s natural characteristics to be maintained.

Skinning of the fish by hand is a particularly important stage in the production process and is carried out by skilled workers trained in this traditional operation that has been passed down from generation to generation.

5.2.   Specificity of the product:

The non-industrial methods used to produce ‘Caballa de Andalucía’ preserve all the natural characteristics of the product, which is distinguished by a smooth, compact and juicy texture, a pleasant smell and a very characteristic bluefish taste.

The species of mackerel referred to above that provide the raw material for the product, although migratory, are normally found along the coast of the production area.

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):

Migratory species have been fished in the south of Spain for 3 000 years, since the Phoenicians and the Tartessians began catching tuna, frigate tuna and mackerel using small nets, rudimentary purse seines and the familiar hook and line. As well as fishing, mention should also be made of the importance of the processing industry for these migratory species, whose origins go back to the 1st century AD. All types of tuna and mackerel were processed at factories all along the coast of Andalusia. The famous ruins of Baelo Claudia at Bolonia (Tarifa), where tanks are still visible today, are just one example. Preserving fishery products from species caught in the area is a time-honoured tradition in Andalusia that continues to this day, using non-industrial methods to produce a distinctive, high-quality product meeting food safety standards and with organoleptic properties that derive from the particular raw material used.

In addition, the non-industrial preserving sector has been dominated by small and medium-sized family undertakings, managed by either the founders or their descendants, which has made it possible to maintain traditional production methods. The long traditions of the industry in Andalusia and the experience of non-industrial production handed down from generation to generation guarantee a skilled labour force.

Reference to publication of the specification:

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

The full text of the Product Specification is available at:

http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/agriculturaypesca/portal/export/sites/default/comun/galerias/galeriaDescargas/cap/industrias-agroalimentarias/denominacion-de-origen/Pliegos/Pliego_modificado_Caballa.pdf

or

via the homepage of the Regional Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment (http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/agriculturaypesca/portal), by following the following navigation pathway: ‘Industrias Agroalimentarias’/‘Calidad y Promoción’/‘Denominaciones de Calidad’/‘Otros Productos’. The Specification is located under the name of the Quality Designation.

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(1)  OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12.

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15.12.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 387/27

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Corrigendum to notice of open competition EPSO/AST/125/12

( Official Journal of the European Union C 384 of 13 December 2012 )

2012/C 387/10

The publication of notice of open competition EPSO/AST/125/12 is to be considered null and void.

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