Publication of an application for approval of an amendment, which is not minor, to a product specification pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2021/C 93/07)

This publication confers the right to oppose the amendment application pursuant to Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) within three months from the date of this publication.

APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION OF PROTECTED DESIGNATIONS OF ORIGIN/PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS WHICH IS NOT MINOR

Application for approval of an amendment in accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 53(2), of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

‘PERA MANTOVANA’

EU No: PGI-IT-01533-AM01 – 19.7.2018

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1.   Applicant group and legitimate interest

C.OR.MA. Soc. Coop.

Via Cantone, 20 – San Giovanni del Dosso (MN), Italy

Tel. +39 0386757323

Fax +39 0386757921

pera@opcorma.it

corma@pec.confcooperative.it

C.OR.MA. Soc. Coop., based at Via Cantone, 20 – San Giovanni del Dosso (MN), is entitled to submit an amendment application in accordance with Article 13(1) of Decree No 12511 of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy of 14 October 2013.

2.   Member State or third country

Italy

3.   Heading in the product specification affected by the amendment(s)

☐	Name of product

☒	Description of product

☒	Geographical area

☒	Proof of origin

☒	Method of production

☒

Link

☒

Labelling

☒	Other [Packaging, Inspection body, Mark]

4.   Type of amendment(s)

☐	Amendment to product specification of a registered PDO or PGI not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

☒	Amendment to product specification of registered PDO or PGI for which a Single Document (or equivalent) has not been published not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

5.   Amendment(s)

Description of product

—   Article 1 of the current product specification

has been amended as follows:

The phrase ‘followed by one of the varieties specified in Article 2 below’ has been deleted because the registered name is ‘Pera Mantovana’ and the varieties indicated in the specification are not part of the registered name, as could be inferred by mistake from the current wording.

—   Article 2 of the current product specification and point 5(a) of the summary sheet available on DOOR

The sentences:

and

have been amended as follows:

The Carmen and Santa Maria varieties have been added.

In order to allow ‘Pera Mantovana’ PGI to be consumed earlier in the year and to update the range of varieties, it is proposed that the early varieties Carmen and Santa Maria, which are harvested earlier, be added. Like the other varieties already included in the product specification of the PGI, the Carmen and Santa Maria varieties have historically been grown in the area, but they were not included previously because of the limited quantities produced. In recent years, there has been an increase in consumer demand, also as a result of their earlier production.

The amendment also applies to point 5(a) of the summary sheet available on DOOR and has been incorporated into point 3.2 of the single document.

—   Article 6 of the current product specification

The following text:

has been amended as follows and moved to Article 2 of the amended product specification:

For all varieties, the following changes have been made to the descriptions of the characteristics of the fruit:

—	The average weight of the fruit has been deleted since, as well as not being a qualitative aspect, it is directly related to the size. Apart from the weight, it is the size of the fruit that determines the qualitative and commercial aspect.

—	The description of the taste has been deleted, as this is a subjective parameter and is thus difficult to evaluate.

—	With reference to the ‘firmness’ parameter, it is proposed that the word ‘maximum’ and the unit of measurement (kg) be inserted, to specify that the value corresponds to the maximum that cannot be exceeded.

—	It is proposed that the word ‘minimum’ be inserted after the wording ‘sugar content’ for greater clarity. The values indicated in the product specification are therefore to be considered as the lower limit.

In addition:

—	As regards the Abate Fetel variety: the size has been changed from a minimum diameter of 65 mm to 60 mm;

—	As regards the Kaiser variety: the size has been changed from a minimum diameter of 65 mm to 60 mm;

It is proposed that the sizes of the Abate Fetel and Kaiser varieties be reduced slightly from a minimum diameter of 65 mm to 60 mm. This is due to the fact that over the years there has been an increase in demand for smaller fruit sizes (single servings) for use in mass catering, in schools (School Fruit Scheme) and in all situations where fruit is eaten outside the home.

It is requested that, for the following varieties, the firmness parameter be increased as follows: Abate Fetel from 5 to 5,5, Kaiser from 5,7 to 6, Decana del Comizio from 4 to 4,5 and Williams and Max Red Bartlett from 6,5 to 7. The maximum value of the firmness parameter, expressed in kg/cm2 is to be taken into account. This value has been increased to allow the product to be stored under optimum conditions and thus better meet consumer demand in terms of quality, as well as to allow the product to spend longer on the market, in particular when being exported.

Finally, in line with the amendment referred to in Article 2 above, the following descriptive parameters have been added for the Santa Maria and Carmen varieties.

The amendment has been incorporated into point 3.2 of the single document and its purpose is to add the chemical and physical characteristics to the list of varieties allowed for ‘Pera Mantovana’, as provided in the summary sheet available on DOOR.

Geographical area

Article 3 of the current product specification

The merging of a number of municipalities has made necessary a number of corrections to the listed names. In particular:

—	the merging of the municipalities of Carbonara sul Po and Borgofranco sul Po has led to the creation of the new municipality of Borgocarbonara;

—	the merging of the municipalities of Borgoforte and Virgilio has led to the creation of the new municipality of Borgo Virgilio;

—	the merging of the municipalities of Pieve di Coriano, Revere and Villa Poma has led to the creation of the new municipality of Borgo Mantovano;

—	the merging of the municipalities of Sermide and Felonica has led to the creation of the new municipality of Sermide e Felonica.

Article 3 has been amended accordingly, as follows:

The amendment also applies to point 5(c) of the summary sheet available on DOOR and has been incorporated into point 4 of the single document.

Proof of origin

—   Article 5 of the current product specification

The following paragraph:

has been replaced as follows and moved to Article 4:

It was necessary to replace this paragraph in order to bring the specification into line with the requirements of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

Checks on compliance with the technical conditions described in the specification are not the responsibility of the Lombardy Region but of the inspection body authorised for this purpose by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy.

The new wording does not change the provisions regarding entering pear orchards in the registers/lists and providing notification of production, which under the current rules are managed directly by the inspection body, in compliance with the relevant inspection plan approved by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy.

This is therefore a formal amendment to the paragraph, which does not change the control procedures applied to date.

Production method

—   Article 4 of the current product specification

—

The following sentence has been deleted: ‘The use of irrigation, fertilisation practices and other growing and agronomic techniques must comply with the technical arrangements laid down by the competent services of the Lombardy Region.’ The growing and agronomic practices form part of the historical heritage of the production area, with the public body playing only a supporting role for the purpose of improving product quality by drawing up agronomic specifications and rules to protect integrated production. Furthermore, in line with the amendment referred to in the previous point, the role of checking compliance with the agronomic practices set out in the specification is performed by the inspection body authorised by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy. This amendment to the paragraph does not therefore change the control procedures applied to date.

—

The following sentence: ‘The planting distances allowed are those generally used, with a maximum density of 5 000 plants per hectare possible for new plantations.’ has been amended as follows: ‘The planting distances allowed are those generally used, with a maximum density of 6 000 plants per hectare possible.’ The density per hectare has been increased to a maximum of 6 000 plants. Further to the request to introduce the ‘vertical axis’ growing method, which is an evolution of the spindle, it is proposed that the maximum number of plants per hectare be increased from 5 000 to 6 000, in order to adapt the plant to more advanced techniques, while maintaining unchanged the quality of the final product as described in the product specification.

—	The following sentence: ‘The standard training methods permitted can be traced back to the “Emilian vase” and variations thereof; the espalier methods that can be used are the fan and the spindle and variations thereof.’

has been amended as follows:

The ‘vertical axis’ has been included in the training methods as it represents an evolution of the spindle.

—

The following sentence: ‘The growing techniques must include at least a winter pruning and two prunings in the growing season.’ has been amended as follows: ‘The growing techniques must include at least a winter pruning.’ The requirement for ‘two prunings in the growing season’ has been deleted as such operations are now banned for plant health reasons: cutting off branches which are sprouting makes it easier for the Erwinia amylovora pathogen, which causes fire blight, to enter the plant.

—

The following sentence: ‘Where possible, plant protection should mainly involve integrated or organic techniques.’ has been reworded as follows: ‘Plant protection must involve integrated or organic techniques.’ The sentence has been reworded so that it is more precise, making integrated or organic techniques compulsory for farmers.

—

The following sentence: ‘Maximum production per hectare is 45 000 kg for all allowed cultivars.’ has been amended as follows: ‘Maximum production per hectare is 55 000 kg for all allowed cultivars.’ Maximum production per hectare is increased to 55 000 kg for all allowed cultivars. It is proposed that the maximum production per hectare be increased from 45 000 kg to 55 000 kg, as the new technical innovations that have been introduced to agriculture over the years (fertirrigation, new rootstocks, denser plantations, new varieties, etc....) make it possible to achieve higher yields without compromising the inherent characteristics of the product.

—

The following sentence has been deleted: ‘Taking into account seasonal developments and environmental growing conditions, the Lombardy Region sets, every year by 15 July, an indicative average unit production within the above limit for each cultivar specified in Article 2.’ It is proposed that this competence of the Lombardy Region be deleted because it is not relevant to the content of the specification, which clearly defines the maximum production limit per hectare that farmers must comply with.

—

The sentence: ‘If preserving fruit that can be designated with the “Pera Mantovana” PGI, the technique of refrigeration must be used.’ has been amended as follows: ‘If preserving fruit that is suitable to be marketed with the “Pera Mantovana” PGI, the refrigeration method must be used.’ The sentence has been reworked with the aim of placing greater emphasis on the concept of the product’s suitability for PGI certification.

—

The following sentence has been deleted: ‘The values for humidity and temperature inside the cold stores must be appropriate to the quality requirements.’ It is considered appropriate to delete this sentence as it does not contain objective and measurable parameters and is therefore unclear and incomplete. Furthermore, humidity and temperature parameters within the stores may vary according to the varying demands of customers in relation to the ripeness of the product.

—

The sentence: ‘The Conference, Decana del Comizio and Kaiser varieties which are to be marketed in the spring must be preserved in a controlled atmosphere.’ has been amended as follows: ‘The quantities of the (Williams, Max Red Bartlett, Abate Fetel, Conference, Decana del Comizio and Kaiser) varieties which are to be marketed in the spring must be preserved in a controlled atmosphere.’ This is a formal correction to specify that it is the ‘quantities’ to be marketed that are being referred to. Moreover, the introduction of new preservation techniques has meant that the Williams, Max Red Bartlett and Abate Fetel varieties can also be marketed in the spring; it is therefore requested that they be included in the specification.

Link

The information provided in 1998 in order to include ‘Pera Mantovana’ in the European Union’s PDO-PGI register has been added to the product specification and used for point 5 of the single document; this is incorporated into point 5(d) and (f) of the summary sheet available on DOOR. In addition, the requirements underlying the registration of ‘Pera Mantovana’ have been specified. Since this information is already included in the registration file, the amendment is of a purely editorial nature.

The information added is as follows:

Other

Packaging and Labelling

Article 7 of the current product specification

—

The paragraph: ‘When marketed for consumption, “Pera Mantovana” must be packaged in such a way as to allow any specific marks to be affixed. In all cases containers must be sealed so as to prevent the contents from being removed without breaking the seal.’ has been amended as follows: ‘When marketed, “Pera Mantovana” must be packaged in such a way as to allow a specific mark with the wording “Pera Mantovana” and “Indicazione Geografica Protetta” [“Protected Geographical Indication”] or its acronym “IGP” [“PGI”] to be affixed, either onto 50 % of the individual pieces of fruit in a pack or directly onto the packaging, if sealed.’ The following sentence has been deleted: ‘In all cases containers must be sealed so as to prevent the contents from being removed without breaking the seal’, with clarification being added that ‘Pera Mantovana’ must be packaged in such a way as to allow a specific mark to be affixed, either onto 50 % of the individual pieces of fruit or directly onto the packaging if sealed. The amendment takes into account a number of difficulties related to the different types of containers that can be used. Not all containers are suitable for sealing, especially in the case of large packs such as crates, boxes and bins where the product is sold loose. To ensure the identification of the fruit, it is considered appropriate for at least 50 % of the fruit in these containers to have stickers; in the case of packs without stickers on the fruit, it is considered appropriate to seal the pack so as to prevent the contents from being removed without breaking the seal. The paragraph amended as above has been added to point 3.5 of the single document.

—

The following sentence has been added in order to give packagers freedom as regards the type of packaging used, so that they can be better respond to market needs. ‘All packaging accepted within the EU in accordance with the legislation in force may be used, whether it can be sealed (baskets, trays) or is open (crates, boxes, bins).’

—

The paragraph: ‘The product must be placed on the market between 10 August and 31 May of the following year, specifically during the periods specified below for each cultivar: Abate Fetel: 20 September to 10 February; Conference: 15 October to 30 May; Decana del Comizio: 30 September to 30 March; Kaiser: 15 September to 15 March; Max Red Bartlett: 20 August to 10 November; Williams: 10 August to 10 November.’ has been amended as follows: ‘The product must be placed on the market in the period between 15 July and 30 June of the following year.’ The dates when the product can be placed on the market have been changed as follows: ‘The product must be placed on the market in the period between 15 July and 30 June of the following year’. The following phrase has been deleted: ‘during the periods specified below for each cultivar’ and the information for each cultivar has been deleted accordingly. It is proposed that the start and end dates for placing the product on the market be changed:

—

Start date for placing product on market: 15 July instead of 10 August, to promote the early cultivars Carmen and Santa Maria, whose inclusion has been requested, and because over the years the harvest has had to be brought forward more and more frequently for all varieties due to the change in climate;

—

End date for placing product on market: moved from 31 May to 30 June, as the modern methods of preservation that have been developed over time allow the product to be kept for longer without reducing its quality. Moreover, market requirements make it necessary not to concentrate supply into a short period. The specific dates for placing each variety on the market are linked to seasonal weather conditions, which are increasingly variable, and it is no longer realistic to limit it to precise dates.

—

The paragraph: ‘The container must be marked, in letters of the same size, with the words “Pera Mantovana” followed by “Protected Geographical Indication” and then by the name of the cultivar. The name, business name and address of the packager, as well as the original gross weight, must appear in the same field of vision.’ and the following sentence in point 5(h) of the summary sheet: ‘When released for consumption, the product must bear the wording “Pera Mantovana” followed by “Indicazione Geografica Protetta” (“Protected Geographical Indication”) and any mark.’ have been amended as follows: ‘The marks “Pera Mantovana” and “Indicazione Geografica Protetta” (“Protected Geographical Indication”) or its abbreviation “IGP” (“PGI”) must appear on the front of or inside the packs or containers in clear and legible printed characters of equal size. The name, trademark or business name and address of the packager and the name of the cultivar may also appear in the same field of vision.’ The position of the ‘Pera Mantovana’ and ‘Indicazione Geografica Protetta’ (‘Protected Geographical Indication’) mark on the packaging has been specified. It has been made optional to indicate the cultivar, trademark or business name and address of the packager on the packaging, and the requirement to indicate the original gross weight has been deleted as it is not a typical feature and is not compulsory for this type of product. The proposed amendment applies to point 3.6 of the single document.

—

The following paragraph has been added to the article: ‘In case the loose product is sold to the final consumer from packaging or crates that are sealed or that contain fruit with stickers, it must be placed in specific compartments or containers prominently displaying the same information required for packaging as referred to in the product specification or the information shown on the packaging containing the individual pieces of fruit that are to be sold loose.’ The purpose of adding this information is to regulate the sale of loose product from packaging or crates that are sealed or that contain fruit with stickers, which generally happens at points of sale, to ensure that the consumer is provided with all the information necessary to recognise the ‘Pera Mantovana’ PGI. The addition applies to point 3.6 of the single document.

—

The paragraph: ‘At the request of the producers concerned, a graphic symbol may be used. This symbol shall correspond to the graphic image, including any reference colours, of the figurative or specific and unambiguous logo, which must always be used in conjunction with the geographical indication.’ has been deleted and replaced by the following: ‘The mark is a sticker of sufficient size to ensure significant visibility. The shape is concentric elliptical with yellow on the inside (Yellow p 102 c) and red on the outside (Pantone p485), with the wording “Pera Mantovana” and “Protected Geographical Indication” or its acronym PGI in white capital letters in the font ITC Avant Garde Gothic. The use of terms referring to companies, names, business names, private trademarks and consortiums which do not seek to promote the product and are not likely to mislead the purchaser is possible. These terms shall appear in the yellow-coloured inner area of the label, packaging or sticker, in letters that are the same size or smaller than those used for the Protected Geographical Indication.’ The paragraph has been replaced by more precise provisions that are in line with the previous changes relating to the mark, the graphic features and size of which have been defined in order to ensure the visibility and significant recognisability of the product. Furthermore, it is proposed that terms be used referring to companies, names, business names, private trademarks and consortiums which do not seek to promote the product and are not likely to mislead the purchaser. These terms shall appear in the yellow-coloured inner area of the label, packaging or sticker, in letters that are the same size or smaller than those used for the Protected Geographical Indication.

—	The following sentence has been deleted: ‘The wording “Made in Italy” must also appear on batches intended for export.’ It is proposed that the information regarding ‘Made in Italy’ be deleted as this is already provided for by the legislation in force.

Mark

In order to make the product more recognisable it was considered appropriate to insert an image of the mark in the product specification and in point 3.6 of the single document.

Inspection body

In accordance with Article 7 of the amended product specification, the reference to the inspection body has been newly added, as follows:

This adapts the product specification to the provisions referred to in Article 7(g) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

'PERA MANTOVANA'

EU No: PGI-IT-01533-AM01 – 19.7.2018

PGI (X) PDO ( )

1.   Name(s) [of PDO or PGI]

'Pera Mantovana'

2.   Member State or third country

Italy

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 the product to which the name in 1 applies

The indication ‘Pera Mantovana’ refers exclusively to the fruit of the following pear cultivars: Abate Fetel, Conference, Decana del Comizio, Kaiser, Max Red Bartlett, Williams, Carmen and Santa Maria.

When released for consumption, ‘Pera Mantovana’ must have the following characteristics:

Abate Fetel

Epicarp: light greenish yellow, russeting around the eye cavity and stalk;

Shape: calebasse form, fairly elongated;

Size: minimum diameter 60 mm;

Minimum sugar content: (° Bx) 11;

Maximum firmness: 5,5/0,5 kg/cm2.

Conference

Epicarp: greenish yellow with broad russeting around the eye cavity often affecting the bottom third of the fruit;

Shape: piriform, often symmetrical;

Size: minimum diameter 60 mm;

Minimum sugar content: (° Bx) 11;

Maximum firmness: 5,5/0,5 kg/cm2.

Decana del Comizio

Epicarp: smooth, light greenish yellow, often with a pinkish tinge, sparse russeting;

Shape: turbiniform;

Size: minimum diameter 70 mm;

Minimum sugar content: (° Bx) 11;

Maximum firmness: 4,5/0,5 kg/cm2.

Kaiser

Epicarp: rough, completely russeted;

Shape: calebasse form/piriform;

Size: minimum diameter 60 mm;

Minimum sugar content: (° Bx) 11;

Maximum firmness: 6,0/0,5 kg/cm2.

Williams and Max Red Bartlett

Epicarp: smooth, basic yellow colour more or less covered with

pink or bright red, sometimes striped;

Shape: short cydoniform or piriform;

Size: minimum diameter 60 mm;

Minimum sugar content: (° Bx) 11;

Maximum firmness: 7,0/0,5 kg/cm2.

Santa Maria

Epicarp: smooth with basic greenish yellow colour;

Shape: piriform or truncated piriform;

Size: minimum diameter 60 mm;

Minimum sugar content: (° Bx) 11;

Maximum firmness: 6,0/0,5 kg/cm2.

Carmen

Epicarp: green with pink areas;

Shape: calebasse form, slightly elongated;

Size: minimum diameter 60 mm;

Minimum sugar content: (° Bx) 11;

Maximum firmness: 6,0/0,5 kg/cm2.

3.3.   Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

—

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

All stages of growing and harvesting must take place in the identified geographical area.

3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product the registered name refers to

When marketed, ‘Pera Mantovana’ must be packaged in such a way as to allow a specific mark with the wording ‘Pera Mantovana’ and ‘Indicazione Geografica Protetta’ [‘Protected Geographical Indication’] or its acronym ‘IGP’ [‘PGI’] to be affixed, either onto 50% of the individual pieces of fruit in a pack or directly onto the packaging, if sealed.

3.6.   Specific rules concerning labelling of the product the registered name refers to

The marks ‘Pera Mantovana’ and ‘Protected Geographical Indication’ or its abbreviation ‘PGI’ must appear on the front of or inside the packs or containers in clear and legible printed characters of equal size.

The name, trademark or business name and address of the packager and the name of the cultivar may also appear in the same field of vision.

In case the loose product is sold to the final consumer from packaging or crates that are sealed or that contain fruit with stickers, it must be placed in specific compartments or containers prominently displaying the same information required for packaging or the information shown on the packaging containing the individual pieces of fruit that are to be sold loose.

The mark is as follows:

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The production area, also known as the Oltrepò Mantovano, includes the part of the territory of the province of Mantua that is suitable for pear growing, including the following municipalities: Sabbioneta, Commessaggio, Viadana, Pomponesco, Dosolo, Gazzuolo, Suzzara, Borgo Virgilio, Motteggiana, Bagnolo San Vito, Sustinente, Gonzaga, Pegognaga, Moglia, San Benedetto Po, Quistello, Quingentole, San Giacomo delle Segnate, San Giovanni del Dosso, Schivenoglia, Borgo Mantovano, Ostiglia, Serravalle a Po, Poggio Rusco, Magnacavallo, Borgocarbonara and Sermide e Felonica.

5.   Link with the geographical area

The registration request is based on the quality of ‘Pera Mantovana’, which is due to natural factors.

There is a close link between the Oltrepò Mantovano area and the characteristics of the historical local production of pears.

The area traditionally known as the Oltrepò Mantovano has some of the oldest and most interesting evidence of quality pear growing.

The territory is dominated by a large alluvial plain where, over time, deposits from various catchment basins have merged. This significantly enriched the land with minerals and led to soil fertility that makes it possible to produce pears with excellent results in terms of quality.

Pears can be grown in this area without applying any of the ‘forcing’ techniques made available to agriculture in recent years through technological innovation, with appropriate use being made of the natural conditions in the area concerned, which are significantly different from those of neighbouring areas.

Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the particular suitability of this area for producing pears and confirmed the remarkable fertility of the land on which ‘Pera Mantovana’ is grown.

Farmers in the area have been growing pear trees for hundreds of years.

For many centuries, pears remained a precious fruit that was however confined mostly to the ‘broli’ [kitchen gardens] of the noble courts.

During the twentieth century, improvements to market structures, transport and storage facilities meant pear growing really took off, leading to improvements in terms of both quantity and quality.

Reference to publication of the specification

(the second subparagraph of Article 6(1) of this Regulation)

The Ministry launched the national objection procedure with the publication of the proposal for recognising ‘Pera Mantovana’ as a protected geographical indication in Official Gazette of the Italian Republic No 114 of 18 May 2018.

The full text of the product specification is available on the following website: http://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/3335

or alternatively:

by going directly to the home page of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy (www.politicheagricole.it) and clicking on ‘Qualità’ (at the top right of the screen), then on ‘Prodotti DOP IGP STG’ (on the left-hand side of the screen) and finally on ‘Disciplinari di Produzione all’esame dell’UE’.

---

(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.