Publication of an application for registration pursuant to Article 6(2) of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin

(2005/C 47/02)

This publication confers the right to object to the application pursuant to Articles 7 and 12d of the abovementioned Regulation. Any objection to this application must be submitted via the competent authority in a Member State, in a WTO member country or in a third country recognized in accordance with Article 12(3) within a time limit of six months from the date of this publication. The arguments for publication are set out below, in particular under 4.6, and are considered to justify the application within the meaning of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92.

SUMMARY

COUNCIL REGULATION (EEC) No 2081/92

‘ASPERGE DES SABLES DES LANDES’

EC No: FR/00272/07.11.2002

AOP ( ) IGP(X)

This summary has been drawn up for information purposes only. For full details, in particular the producers of the PDO or PGI concerned, please consult the complete version of the product specification obtainable at national level or from the European Commission (1).

1.   Responsible department in the Member State:

2.   Group:

3.   Type of product:

4.   Specification:

(Summary of requirements under Article 4(2))

4.1.   Name: ‘Asperge des Sables des Landes’

4.2.   Description: Fresh asparagus, either white or purple (the latter being white asparagus with a pale purple tint on only a part of the spear. This colouring is the result of exposure to light for a few hours and in no way impairs the quality of taste of the asparagus). It is classified under EC standards EXTRA and I.

The asparagus is packaged in the geographical area of production and sold in bundles, individual packages or loose, after having been graded according to EC standards (12-16 mm and 16 mm+ for category ‘EXTRA’, 10-16 mm and 16 mm+ for category I). Non-fresh Asperge des Sables des Landes (frozen or tinned) may not be sold using the ‘Sables des Landes’ or ‘Landes’ Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).

4.3.   Geographical area: The asparagus must be harvested and packaged in the geographical area comprising the Landes department, extended to cover the area defined as ‘Landes de Gascogne’ under the Ministry of Agriculture order of 5 November 1945, which comprises the following administrative districts:

All of the Landes district;

Parts of the Gironde district (Bordeaux, Arcachon, Audenge, Belin, Blanquefort, Castelnau-de-Medoc, La-Brede, Pessac, Podensac, La Teste; part of the Langon area: Langon, Bommes, Fargue-de-Langon, Léognan, Mazière, Roaillan, Sauterne, Toulenne; part of the Auros area: Auros, Berthez, Brannens, Brouqueyran, Coimère, Lados, Sigalens; Bazas, Captieux, Grignols, Saint Symphorien, Villandraut, Lesparre-Medoc, Pauillac, Saint-Laurent et Benon and Saint-Vivien-de-Medoc;

Parts of the Lot-et-Garonne district (part of the area of Bouglon: Antagnac, Labastide-Castel-Amouroux, Poussignac; Casteljaloux; part of Damazan; Damazan, Ambrus, Caubeyres, Fargues-sur-Ourbise, Saint-Léon, Saint-Pierre de Buzet; Houeillès; part of Lavardac: Lavardac, Barbaste, Montgaillard, Pompiey, Xaintrailles; part of Mézin; Mézin, Gueyze, Lisse, Meylan, Poudenas, Réaup, Saint-Maure-de-Peyriac, Saint-Pé-Saint-Simon and Sos.

4.4.   Proof of origin:

Background

Asparagus has been grown in the Landes area since the beginning of the twentieth century. Production has increased significantly since the 1960s, when it was an innovative product. In this vast expanse of woodland farmed for pine resin since the eighteenth century by the French State, asparagus growing — in conjunction with other crops — almost took over from resin tapping. In addition to adaptation to the climate and soil conditions, asparagus growing is well-suited to small and medium-sized farming structures and is labour intensive. This means it has sustained a fairly active and dense rural population in this specific area (‘life in the heart of the forest’).

Traceability

The product origin is guaranteed by ensuring traceability from field to distribution. Production areas are given a reference number. Batches of asparagus can be tracked from production to the packaging plant. Cases or individual packages of asparagus are marked with a specific label and a reference to locate the origin (producer code, date of the batch was harvested). Operators keep all records needed to prove traceability.

4.5.   Method of production: Asparagus is a perennial crop that is grown for about ten years. Production begins in the third year and lasts for about seven years. The part of the crop that is consumed is the spear, which is the underground stem produced from a ‘crown’. Only varieties producing white or purple asparagus and contained in the applicant's list are authorised. Any new variety must undergo varietal tests.

Production begins by planting the crown between March and May in a plot of land chosen for its sand content (over 75 %), drainage properties, fertility and previous cropping. Sowing density ranges from 12 000 to 25 000 crowns per hectare, depending upon soil fertility and method of irrigation. Fertilisation, irrigation and plant health protection are provided as needed.

The ground is tilled to form a mound of very fine, light, uncompacted soil approximately 30 cm high. The final mound is dug in February before being mulched, or covered with a layer to improve the distribution of ground heat. Harvesting can begin as soon as the ground temperature reaches 9-12 oC at the depth of the crown, which typically occurs between March and May. On the third year after sowing, half the crop is harvested. The spears are immediately protected from exposure to light and heat and are chilled at 7 oC within four hours of harvesting. All selection, packaging and storage procedures prior to distribution must preserve the refrigeration chain and protect the crop from dehydration. These processes are carried out in the area defined above due to the fragility of the Asperge des Sables des Landes and in order to maintain freshness and tenderness. The date of delivery to the packaging plant is given on the label.

4.6.   Link: Sables des Landes asparagus are characteristically early, well and fully-formed, non-fibrous and not bitter. Typically, they are tender, sweet and very fragile. These characteristics are mainly the result of the way the spear grows in a certain type of soil and in specific climate conditions. It is grown in podzolic loam, relatively rich in organic matter and poor in clay content since this ensures the asparagus is not bitter-tasting. Due to the specific particle size, the soil is light, filtering and heats up quickly. In addition, this type of loam directly affects the asparagus spear as it provides limited mechanical resistance, encouraging rapid, straight growth.

The producers' skill in preparing the mound ensures the spear grows quickly and straight, helped by limited mechanical resistance from the soil – free of clods and stones -, the accumulated heat and sustained humidity.

The regional climate can be described as oceanic, typical of the Aquitaine region, i.e. temperate-humid. Spring is early, with fairly heavy rainfall and mild temperatures. The climate is further tempered by the large expanse of woodland. Dry and hot summers then provide the crop with all it needs for a successful harvest.

Its characteristics have made the Asperge des Sables des Landes highly sought after by European markets. A public awareness survey conducted in 1997 revealed that 90 % of professional buyers recognised Landes asparagus and placed it first or second for quality. Asparagus from Landes are also selected for export, which represents around 10 % of annual sales (about 7 % to Germany; about 2 % to Luxemburg; Belgium, Spain, and England). Asperge des Sables des Landes have been eaten in some countries since the 1960s.

The producers' skill in harvesting and selecting produce, the packaging plants and the sales agents all play an important part in ensuring these fresh and fragile products reach distribution.

4.7.   Inspection body:

In accordance with standard EN 45011

4.8.   Labelling: The product is sold under the name ‘Asperge des Sables des Landes’.

4.9.   National requirements: —

(1)  European Commission — Directorate-General for Agriculture — Agricultural product quality policy — B-1049 Bruxelles