13.11.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 270/1

---

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 270/01)

Date of adoption of the decision	6.8.2007
Reference number of the aid	N 257/06
Member State	Poland
Region	Dolnośląskie
Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)	Pomoc dla LG Electronics Wrocław Sp. z o.o. — Odbiorniki telewizyjne
Legal basis	1) Umowa Inwestycyjna zawarta dnia 23 stycznia 2006 r. pomiędzy (i) Ministrem Gospodarki Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej; (ii) Ministrem Transportu i Budownictwa Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej; (iii) Agencją Rozwoju Przemysłu SA; (iv) Miastem Wrocław; (v) gminą Kobierzyce; (vi) powiatem wrocławskim; (vii) samorządem województwa dolnośląskiego; (viii) Polską Agencją Informacji i Inwestycji Zagranicznych S.A. — z jednej strony a (ix) LG Electronics Inc. i (x) LG Electronics Wrocław Sp. z o.o. — z drugiej strony; 2) Art. 80 Ustawy z dnia 26 listopada 1998 r. o finansach publicznych (tekst jednolity: Dz.U. z 2003 r., nr 15, poz. 148, z późn. zm.); 3) Uchwała Rady Ministrów nr 331/2005 z dnia 27 grudnia 2005 r.; 4) Umowa o Grant pomiędzy Ministrem Gospodarki a LG Electronics Wrocław Sp. z o.o. z dnia 23 stycznia 2006 r.; 5) § 1, § 2.1 pkt 5, § 3, § 4, § 6 i § 7 Uchwały Sejmiku Województwa Dolnośląskiego z dnia 31 marca 2005 r. w sprawie określenia szczegółowych zasad i trybu umarzania wierzytelności Terenowego Funduszu Ochrony Gruntów Rolnych Województwa Dolnośląskiego z tytułu należności pieniężnych, do których nie stosuje się przepisów ustawy — Ordynacja podatkowa, udzielania innych ulg w spłacaniu tych należności oraz wskazania organów do tego uprawnionych (Dziennik Urzędowy Województwa Dolnośląskiego nr 79, poz. 1724)
Type of measure	Individual aid
Objective	Regional development, Employment
Form of aid	Direct grant, Tax allowance, Transactions not on market terms
Budget	Overall budget: PLN 22,179 million
Intensity	13,85 %
Duration	Until 31.12.2017
Economic sectors	Manufacturing industry
Name and address of the granting authority	—
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/

Date of adoption of the decision	3.10.2007
Reference number of the aid	N 99/07
Member State	Germany
Region	Hamburg
Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)	Hamburger FuE-Richtlinie
Legal basis	§§ 23, 44 Hamburger Landeshaushaltsordnung Hamburger FuE-Förderrichtlinie zur Förderung von Forschungs- und Entwicklungsvorhaben Hamburger Unternehmen
Type of measure	Aid scheme
Objective	Research and development
Form of aid	Reimbursable grant, Soft loan, Direct grant
Budget	Annual budget: EUR 5,3 million; overall budget: EUR 32 million
Intensity	Up to 80 %
Duration	6 years
Economic sectors	All sectors
Name and address of the granting authority	Land Hamburg
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/

Date of adoption of the decision	16.7.2007
Reference number of the aid	N 268/07
Member State	Germany
Region	Sachsen-Anhalt
Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)	Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Zuwendungen zur Förderung von Projekten des Wissens- und Technologietransfers
Legal basis	Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Zuwendungen zur Förderung von Projekten des Wissens- und Technologietransfers; Verwaltungsvorschriften zu § 44 der Landeshaushaltsordnung (VV-LHO); Verwaltungsverfahrensgesetz Sachsen-Anhalt (VwVfG LSA) in Verbindung mit dem Verwaltungsverfahrensgesetz (VwVfG); Mittelstandsförderungsgesetz (MFG)
Type of measure	Aid scheme
Objective	Innovation, Small and medium-sized enterprises
Form of aid	Direct grant
Budget	Annual budget: EUR 2 million; overall budget: EUR 14,7 million
Intensity	75 %
Duration	Until 31.12.2013
Economic sectors	All sectors
Name and address of the granting authority	Investitionsbank Sachsen-Anhalt, Domplatz 12, D-39104 Magdeburg
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/

Date of adoption of the decision	17.9.2007
Reference number of the aid	N 269/07
Member State	France
Region	—
Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)	Fonds de Compétitivité des Entreprises
Legal basis	Loi de finance annuelle, Programme 192, Recherche industrielle + Décret no 99-1060 du 16/12/1999
Type of measure	Aid scheme
Objective	Research and development
Form of aid	Direct grant
Budget	Annual budget: EUR 350-400 million
Intensity	80 %
Duration	Until 31.12.2013
Economic sectors	All sectors
Name and address of the granting authority	Direction Générale des Entreprises 12, rue Villiot F-75012 Paris
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/

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13.11.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 270/5

---

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 270/02)

Date of adoption of the decision	10.7.2007
Reference number of the aid	N 850/06
Member State	Germany
Region	Sachsen-Anhalt
Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)	Q-Cells
Legal basis	Investitionszulagengesetz 2005 und 2007; 35. GA-Rahmenplan
Type of measure	Individual aid
Objective	Regional development
Form of aid	Direct grant, Tax allowance
Budget	Overall budget: EUR 38,16 million
Intensity	17,64 %
Duration	1.9.2006-31.12.2009
Economic sectors	Electrical and optical equipment
Name and address of the granting authority	IZ: Finanzamt Bitterfeld Röhrenstrasse 33 D-06749 Bitterfeld GA: Investitionsbank Sachsen-Anhalt Domplatz 12 D-39104 Magdeburg
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/

Date of adoption of the decision	8.10.2007
Reference number of the aid	N 274/07
Member State	Germany
Region	Land Sachsen-Anhalt
Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)	Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Zuwendungen zur Beschäftigung von Innovationsassistenten und zur Förderung des Personalaustauschs
Legal basis	Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Zuwendungen zur Beschäftigung von Innovationsassistenten und zur Förderung des Personalaustauschs
Type of measure	Aid scheme
Objective	Research and development, Employment
Form of aid	Direct grant
Budget	Annual budget: EUR 2 million; overall budget: EUR 13 million
Intensity	50 %
Duration	6 years
Economic sectors	All sectors
Name and address of the granting authority	Investitionsbank Sachsen-Anhalt Domplatz 12 D-39104 Magdeburg
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/

---

13.11.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 270/7

---

Authorisation for State aid pursuant to Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty

Cases where the Commission raises no objections

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 270/03)

Date of adoption of the decision	6.8.2007
Reference number of the aid	N 251/06
Member State	Poland
Region	Dolnośląskie
Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)	LG Innotek Poland Sp. z o.o.
Legal basis	— Umowa inwestycyjna zawarta w dniu 30 listopada 2005 r. między (i) Ministerstwem Gospodarki Rzeczpospolitej Polskiej; (ii) Ministerstwem Transportu i Budownictwa Rzeczpospolitej Polskiej; (iii) Agencją Rozwoju Przemysłu S.A.; (iv) Miastem Wrocław; (v) Gminą Kobierzyce; (vi) Powiatem wrocławskim; (vii) Samorządem Województwa Dolnośląskiego; (viii) Polską Agencją Informacji i Inwestycji Zagranicznych S.A. — z jednej strony a (ix) LG Innotek Co. Ltd i (x) LG Innotek Poland Sp. z o.o. — z drugiej strony. — Artykuł 80 ustawy o finansach publicznych z dnia 26 listopada 1998 r. — Uchwała Rady Ministrów nr 269/2005 z dnia 18 października 2005 r. zmieniona dnia 15 listopada 2005 r. uchwałą Rady Ministrów nr 295/2005. — Umowa o dofinansowanie między Ministerstwem Gospodarki a LG Innotek Poland Sp. z o.o. z dnia 30 listopada 2005 r. — § 1, § 2.1 pkt 5, § 3, § 4, § 6 i § 7 Uchwały Sejmiku Województwa Dolnośląskiego z dnia 31 marca 2005 r. w sprawie określenia szczegółowych zasad i trybu umarzania wierzytelności Terenowego Funduszu Ochrony Gruntów Rolnych Województwa Dolnośląskiego z tytułu należności pieniężnych, do których nie stosuje się przepisów ustawy — Ordynacja podatkowa, udzielania innych ulg w spłacaniu tych należności oraz wskazania organów do tego uprawnionych
Type of measure	Individual aid
Objective	Regional development, Employment
Form of aid	Direct grant, Tax allowance, Transactions not on market terms
Budget	Overall budget: PLN 24,55 million
Intensity	12,13 %
Duration	Until 31.12.2017
Economic sectors	Manufacturing industry
Name and address of the granting authority	—
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/

Date of adoption of the decision	11.9.2007
Reference number of the aid	N 267/07
Member State	Germany
Region	Sachsen-Anhalt
Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)	Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Zuwendungen zur einzelbetrieblichen Forschungs-, Entwicklungs- und Innovationsförderung (FuEuI-Förderung) und Förderung von Verbundvorhaben der Wirtschaft in Verbindung mit wissenschaftlichen Forschungseinrichtungen
Legal basis	Richtlinie über die Gewährung von Zuwendungen zur einzelbetrieblichen Forschungs-, Entwicklungs- und Innovationsförderung (FuEuI-Förderung) und Förderung von Verbundvorhaben der Wirtschaft in Verbindung mit wissenschaftlichen Forschungseinrichtungen; Verwaltungsvorschriften zu § 44 der Landeshaushaltsordnung (VV-LHO) Verwaltungsverfahrensgesetz Sachsen-Anhalt (VwVfG LSA) in Verbindung mit dem Verwaltungsverfahrensgesetz (VwVfG) Mittelstandsförderungsgesetz (MFG)
Type of measure	Aid scheme
Objective	Research and development, Small and medium-sized enterprises
Form of aid	Direct grant, Reimbursable grant
Budget	Annual budget: EUR 20,6 million; overall budget: EUR 144 million
Intensity	80 %
Duration	Until 31.12.2013
Economic sectors	All sectors
Name and address of the granting authority	Investitionsbank Sachsen-Anhalt Domplatz 12 D-39104 Magdeburg
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/

---

13.11.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 270/9

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Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.4843 — RBS/ABN AMRO assets)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 270/04)

On 19 September 2007, 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:

—	from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/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 under document number 32007M4843. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

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13.11.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 270/10

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

12 November 2007

(2007/C 270/05)

1 euro=

	Currency	Exchange rate
USD	US dollar	1,4579
JPY	Japanese yen	159,55
DKK	Danish krone	7,4525
GBP	Pound sterling	0,70445
SEK	Swedish krona	9,3214
CHF	Swiss franc	1,6403
ISK	Iceland króna	88,74
NOK	Norwegian krone	7,8740
BGN	Bulgarian lev	1,9558
CYP	Cyprus pound	0,5842
CZK	Czech koruna	26,645
EEK	Estonian kroon	15,6466
HUF	Hungarian forint	254,50
LTL	Lithuanian litas	3,4528
LVL	Latvian lats	0,7024
MTL	Maltese lira	0,4293
PLN	Polish zloty	3,6437
RON	Romanian leu	3,4451
SKK	Slovak koruna	33,000
TRY	Turkish lira	1,7660
AUD	Australian dollar	1,6516
CAD	Canadian dollar	1,3956
HKD	Hong Kong dollar	11,3519
NZD	New Zealand dollar	1,9524
SGD	Singapore dollar	2,1113
KRW	South Korean won	1 329,02
ZAR	South African rand	9,8305
CNY	Chinese yuan renminbi	10,8064
HRK	Croatian kuna	7,3440
IDR	Indonesian rupiah	13 368,94
MYR	Malaysian ringgit	4,8657
PHP	Philippine peso	62,602
RUB	Russian rouble	35,8010
THB	Thai baht	46,079

---

(1)  

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

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13.11.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 270/11

---

Commission Communication supplementing the drawings in item 3.2.1 of Annex II to Directive 71/316/EEC by the drawing for the sign ‘TR’ for Turkey, as required by Decision No 2/97 of the EC-Turkey Association Council

(2007/C 270/06)

1.

Decision No 2/97 of the EC-Turkey Association Council of 4 June 1997 establishes the list of Community instruments relating to the removal of technical barriers to trade between European Union and Turkey, as required by Article 8(2) of Decision No 1/95 of the EC-Turkey Association Council of 22 December 1995 on implementing the final phase of the Customs Union. This list includes Directive 71/316/EEC of 26 July 1971 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to common provisions for both measuring instruments and methods of metrological control (1).

2.

Directive 71/316/EEC makes provision in item 3.1.1.1a of Annex II, for the distinguishing capital letter of the State where the original check is carried out, to be used for the EEC initial verification mark affixed on a measuring instrument and indicating that the latter conforms to the EEC requirements.

3.	Directive 71/316/EEC makes provision in item 3.2.1 of Annex II, for the drawings showing the shape, dimensions and outline of the letters for the EEC initial verification marks as laid down in item 3.1 of that Annex.

4.

Decision No 2/97 contains the necessary adaptations of Directive 71/316/EEC, so that it can be effectively put into force by Turkey. According to Chapter IX, point 1 of Annex II to the Decision, the provisions of the Directive shall, for the purposes of Decision No 1/95, be read with the following adaptations: (a) to the first indent of point 3.1 of Annex I and to the first indent of point 3.1.1.1a of Annex II, the following shall be added to the text in brackets: ‘TR for Turkey’; (b) the drawings to which Annex II, point 3.2.1 refers shall be supplemented by the letters necessary for the sign ‘TR’.

5.

Therefore, on the basis of Chapter IX, point 1 of Annex II to Decision No 2/97, the drawings referred to in point 3.2.1 of Annex II to Directive 71/316/EEC are supplemented, for the purposes of Decision No 1/95, by the drawing of the distinguishing letters ‘TR’ for Turkey, in accordance with the model below:

---

(1)  OJ L 202, 6.9.1971, p. 1.

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13.11.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 270/12

---

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1628/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the Treaty to national regional investment aid

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 270/07)

Aid No	XR 163/07
Member State	Poland
Region	Łódzkie
Title of aid scheme or the name of the undertaking receiving ad hoc aid supplement	Program pomocy regionalnej miasta Łodzi na wspieranie nowych inwestycji w działalność wytwórczą i tworzenie związanych z nimi nowych miejsc pracy
Legal basis	Art. 7 ust. 3 ustawy z dnia 12 stycznia 1991 r. o podatkach i opłatach lokalnych (Dz.U. z 2006 r. nr 121, poz. 844, z późn. zm.) Uchwała nr VIII/136/07 Rady Miejskiej w Łodzi z dnia 28 marca 2007 r. w sprawie zwolnień od podatku od nieruchomości w ramach pomocy regionalnej na wspieranie nowych inwestycji w działalność wytwórczą i tworzenie związanych z nimi nowych miejsc pracy
Type of measure	Aid scheme
Annual budget	PLN 2,5 million
Maximum aid intensity	50 %
	In conformity with Article 4 of the Regulation
Date of implementation	9.6.2007
Duration	31.12.2013
Economic sectors	All sectors eligible for regional investment aid
Name and address of the granting authority	Rada Miejska w Łodzi, Prezydent Miasta Łodzi Kontakt: Michał Łyczek — Z-ca Dyrektora Wydziału Finansowego ul. Piotrkowska 104 PL-90-004 Łódź Tel. (48-42) 638 47 10 E-mail: m.lyczek@uml.lodz.pl
Internet address of the publication of the aid scheme	http://bip.uml.lodz.pl/_plik.php?plik=uchwaly/rm/05_0136.DOC
Other information	—

Aid No	XR 164/07
Member State	Poland
Region	Łódzkie
Title of aid scheme or the name of the undertaking receiving ad hoc aid supplement	Program pomocy regionalnej miasta Łodzi na wspieranie nowych, dużych inwestycji i tworzenie związanych z nimi nowych miejsc pracy
Legal basis	Art. 7 ust. 3 ustawy z dnia 12 stycznia 1991 r. o podatkach i opłatach lokalnych (Dz.U. z 2006 r. nr 121, poz. 844, z późn. zm.) Uchwała nr VIII/137/07 Rady Miejskiej w Łodzi z dnia 28 marca 2007 r. w sprawie zwolnień od podatku od nieruchomości w ramach pomocy regionalnej na wspieranie nowych dużych inwestycji i tworzenie związanych z nimi nowych miejsc pracy
Type of measure	Aid scheme
Annual budget	PLN 2,5 million
Maximum aid intensity	50 %
	In conformity with Article 4 of the Regulation
Date of implementation	9.6.2007
Duration	31.12.2013
Economic sectors	All sectors eligible for regional investment aid
Name and address of the granting authority	Rada Miejska w Łodzi, Prezydent Miasta Łodzi Kontakt: Michał Łyczek — Z-ca Dyrektora Wydziału Finansowego ul. Piotrkowska 104 PL-90-004 Łódź Tel. (48-42) 638 47 10 E-mail: m.lyczek@uml.lodz.pl
Internet address of the publication of the aid scheme	http://bip.uml.lodz.pl/_plik.php?plik=uchwaly/rm/05_0137.DOC
Other information	—

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13.11.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 270/14

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4817 — Aviva/Banco Popolare/JV)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2007/C 270/08)

1.

On 30 October 2007, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertakings Aviva Italia Holding S.p.A. (‘Aviva’, Italy), belonging to the group Aviva (‘Aviva Group’, UK) and Banco Popolare Soc. Coop. (‘Banco Popolare’, Italy), belonging to the group Banco Popolare (‘Banco Popolare Group’, Italy) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the undertaking Novara Assicura S.p.A. (‘Novara Assicura’, Italy) by way of purchase of shares.

2.	The business activities of the undertakings concerned are: — for Aviva: ownership and management of insurance companies, — for Banco Popolare: retail banking, — for Novara Assicura: insurance (non-life).

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

4.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission. Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4817 — Aviva/Banco Popolare/JV, to the following address: European Commission Directorate-General for Competition Merger Registry J-70 B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

(2)  OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32.

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13.11.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 270/15

---

Publication of an 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

(2007/C 270/09)

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.

SUMMARY

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘OIGNON DOUX DES CÉVENNES’

EC No: FR/PDO/005/0314/25.09.2003

PDO ( X ) PGI ( )

This summary sets out the main elements of the product specification for information purposes.

1.   Responsible department in the Member State:

Name:	Institut National de l'Origine et de la Qualité (INAO)
Address:	51, rue d'Anjou F-75008 Paris
Telephone	(33) 153 89 80 00
Fax	(33) 142 25 57 97
E-mail:	info@inao.gouv.fr

2.   Applicant group:

Name:	Association de Défense de l'Oignon Doux des Cévennes (A.D.O.C.)
Address:	15, avenue Emmanuel d'Alzon F-30120 Le Vigan
Telephone	(33) 467 82 69 34
Fax	(33) 467 82 69 16
E-mail:	defenseoignondoux.cevennes@wanadoo.fr
Composition:	Producers/processors ( X ) Other ( )

3.   Type of product:

Class 1.6: Fruit, vegetables and cereals fresh or processed

4.   Specification:

(Summary of the requirements in accordance with Article 4(2) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

4.1.   Name: ‘Oignon doux des Cévennes’

4.2.   Description: Storage onion, pearly white to coppery in colour, with a large roundish to elongated bulb, a brilliant aspect and a fine and translucent skin. The scales are thick with a white, moderately firm and juicy flesh. The dry matter content is less than 10 %. Eaten raw, the flesh is crunchy but is not sharp or bitter and has a fine, balanced flavour. Eaten cooked, it keeps its brilliance and becomes translucent, unctuous, juicy and sugary to the taste, with no bitterness and a roasted, chestnut flavour.

4.3.   Geographical area: The onions are sown, grown and packaged in the geographical area made up of the following municipalities in the department of the Gard: Arphy; Arre; Arrigas; Aulas; Aumessas; Avèze; Bez-et-Esparon; Bréau-et-Salagosse; Colognac; Cros; Lasalle; Mandagout; Mars; Molières-Cavaillac; Monoblet; Notre-Dame-de-la-Rouvière; Pommiers; Roquedur; Saint-André-de-Majencoules; Saint-André-de-Valborgne; Saint-Bonnet-de-Salendrinque; Saint-Bresson; Sainte-Croix-de-Caderle; Saint-Julien-de-la-Nef; Saint-Laurent-le-Minier; Saint-Martial; Saint-Roman-de-Codières; Soudorgues; Sumène; Vabres; Valleraugue and le Vigan.

4.4.   Proof of origin: Each trader submits a declaration of aptitude to INAO, which thus registers all traders using the name.

The onions must be grown on parcels identified by INAO on the basis of criteria relating to the location of the parcels and the production conditions laid down in the specification for the designation. Applications for identification must be submitted by 31 December of the year preceding the year of planting.

Each year producers must draw up a:

planting declaration containing a list of the parcels used for sowing and on which the onions are planted out,

harvest declaration indicating the quantities of onions harvested per parcel.

Throughout the growing cycle, producers must keep a cultivation register indicating the operations carried out on each parcel.

Onions harvested on the same parcel are stored separately and are given a specific identification number.

Producers and packers must keep a record of entries and exits so that the provenance and destination of the onions and the quantities placed on the market can be identified. This record must be made available to the persons responsible for control.

The onions are marketed in packaging bearing details identifying the packer, the date of packing and the identification number of each batch.

Packaged batches undergo an organoleptic test by sampling and, where necessary, an analytical test.

4.5.   Method of production: The onions must be sown, grown and packed within the production area described in point 4.3.

Seeds

The seeds come from bulbs of the Allium cepa L. species representative of the variety of traditional sweet onions in the Cévennes:

flat leaves, greenish-bluish in colour, fairly glaucescent,

large bulbs, roundish to elongated, thick scales with a fine skin, white flesh, moderately firm, with dry scales pearly white to coppery in colour,

average maturing time,

dry matter content less than 10 %.

Seeds meeting the variety requirements described above are the registered varieties Cénol and Toli and seeds produced on the holding.

Cultivation cycle

The farming methods used must ensure that a long-keeping onion, of a regular size and meeting the variety requirements described above is obtained.

The seeds are sown in the nursery between 1 January and 15 March with a maximum density of 1 200 plants per m2.

Planting out is done manually between 15 April and 10 June when the plantlets have reached the three- to four-leaf stage. The planting density may not exceed 80 plants per m2.

Watering, which is done up to the point at which the tops of the plants fall over, must be regular and in small quantities.

Fertilisation should preferably be by organic means and must be rationed. Mineral nitrogen inputs must be staggered and may not be applied later than one month prior to harvest.

The application of anti-germinating agents is prohibited.

The onions are lifted and harvested manually.

Harvesting, which takes place from August to September, commences when at least 50 % of the tops have fallen.

The agronomic yield per parcel may not be more than 100 tonnes per hectare.

Following harvest, the onions must be cured. Curing is done either in the field or in a curing facility, or a combination of the two.

The onions are kept in a dry, well-ventilated place or in a cold room.

Following curing, the roots are cut off and damaged leaves or those which come off easily are removed to give the onions a smooth, brilliant aspect. The stem must be dry to the touch.

Packing must be done in the prescribed geographical area to maintain quality. The onions are packed by the grower or are delivered to a packing plant. Packing within the prescribed area avoids excessive handling, thus preserving the onions' characteristics, in particular their fine, translucent and highly fragile leaves, without causing any impairment. Onions packed after 15 May of the year following the year of harvest may not bear the name ‘Oignon Doux des Cévennes’. Lastly, organoleptic and analytical testing, ensuring that the onions comply with the organoleptic profile, is done by sampling packaged batches.

The onions must be marketed in the original packaging used exclusively for the name ‘Oignon Doux des Cévennes’. Marketing may not begin before 1 August of the year of harvest.

4.6.   Link: The southern side of the Cévennes, which is not particularly well-suited to farming and is outside the extensive stock-farming areas, has led people to organise themselves to ensure food self-sufficiency. Despite the natural constraints, Cévennes farmers have harnessed the land by growing food crops. They have used the farmable land to a maximum and created new land by building terraces following the contour of the land, supported by dry-stone walls and gravity-irrigated by a canal bringing water from upstream rivers. These terraces are traditionally called ‘cébières’.

Also, the climate constraints have led to crops being grown which can be harvested before the equinox rains.

Sweet onions are a traditional vegetable and are part of the heritage of the region and its inhabitants.

The resultant production system is based on:

rugged terrain with steep slopes. Terracing the silted-up land a little lower down has enabled this terrain to be managed and the soil to be protected against erosion. The rugged terrain is one of the main reasons for maintaining the terraces. Even today, old terraces around the villages and hamlets are still the main areas in which the onions are grown,

light, well-draining soils not susceptible to parasites or plant-health problems. These types of soil and the very healthy microclimates mean that crop rotation is not necessary, and some terraces have been bearing onions continuously for more than 50 years,

a Mediterranean climate, with very dry summers and sometimes heavy rainfall. The temperatures and sunlight on the well-exposed slopes provide a relatively short growing season, beginning in early spring, producing a harvest early enough to be able to leave the onions to cure in the field before the autumn rains,

a growing system closely linked to local conditions: patchwork parcels on which mechanisation is impossible. Technical operations have thus been adapted to these natural constraints, particularly by means of high-density, manual planting out, harvesting by hand, etc.

The choice of varieties also mirrors the close ties between the environment and cultivation: over the years the growers have selected plant material geared to local conditions in terms of its growing-cycle, preservation, as well as taste and pleasure characteristics.

The characteristics of the natural environment have been particularly favourable for the development of the onion, and the know-how of Cévennes farmers has manifested itself in many different ways, by changing the natural environment to make it suitable for growing this product and improving the plant by selection in order to benefit from the local conditions.

4.7.   Inspection body:

Name:	Institut National de l'Origine et de la Qualité (INAO)
Address:	51, rue d'Anjou F-75008 Paris
Telephone	(33) 153 89 80 00
Fax	(33) 142 25 57 97
E-mail:	info@inao.gouv.fr

Name:	D.G.C.C.R.F.
Address:	59, bd Vincent Auriol F-75703 Paris Cedex 13
Telephone	(33) 144 87 17 17
Fax	(33) 144 97 30 37
E-mail:	C3@dgccrf.finances.gouv.fr

4.8.   Labelling: Each pack of onions bears a label indicating the following at least:

the designation of origin,

‘appellation d'origine contrôlée’ or ‘AOC’, which must appear immediately before or after the designation with no text in-between,

the name of the packer,

the date of packing,

the identification number of the batch.

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(1)  OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12.

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13.11.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 270/19

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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

(2007/C 270/10)

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 pursuant to Article 9 and Article 17(2)

‘RADICCHIO VARIEGATO DI CASTELFRANCO’

EC No: IT/PGI/117/1515/26.04.2004

PDO ( ) PGI ( X )

Amendment(s) requested

Heading(s) in the specification

	Name of product
	Description of product
X	Geographical area
	Proof of origin
X	Method of production
	Link
X	Labelling
X	National requirements

Amendment(s)

Geographical area

The amendment provides for the insertion of the municipality of Mira, which was included in the map submitted with the application but erroneously omitted from the description.

Method of production

The methods and periods of producing radicchio are set out in greater detail, whilst the description of blanching and forcing are deleted as they do not affect product quality.

More specifically, the decision to defer the harvest was made to protect quality standards for consumers. The climate has changed appreciably, with the summer period getting progressively longer and temperatures remaining mild until late September. This is clearly not suitable for the production of quality Radicchio variegato di Castelfranco. For these reasons, and to protect product quality and consistency under the protected geographical indication, it was felt that the harvest date should be deferred by ten days.

The pre-forcing stage has been deleted as it is not a ‘constant’ stage in the production of Radicchio variegato di Castelfranco. This is clear, even in the previous version of the product specification, which allows the use of various methods of blanching, some of which, far from benefiting from a pre-forcing stage, might actually be adversely affected by it.

The requirements for containers have changed to allow for the use of different materials, without this undermining the link with the geographical area or with traditional production methods. Certain major international distribution channels now follow protocols demanding, as do the rules laid down in certain countries, for health reasons, the use of materials other than cement for the production of food for human consumption.

The technique of drying the plants after blanching and before dressing was valid whilst dressing was carried out in unheated or open environments. Now new requirements in terms of health and working conditions have resulted in all processing rooms being heated, which means that the drying period is no longer necessary, and may even be harmful as it can cause the onset of plant degeneration. Clearly, therefore, where it is necessary to shake the water off the plants, (blanching in water is not compulsory) this should be carried out in the ‘dressing’ room. To clarify matters, a ‘constant’ temperature of 18 degrees was always to be regarded as an indicative parameter, since opening the doors in order to bring the products into to the ‘dressing’ room is bound to lower the temperature there, without this undermining tradition or product quality standards.

Labelling

The amendment provides for the introduction of a product identification logo to provide clearer information for consumers. New packaging or new sizes of existing packaging are also introduced in order better to meet market needs.

National requirements

Articles 3 and 8 of the current specification are deleted and an inspection body is specified, in line with Community rules.

In Article 7, the requirement whereby holdings must have a ‘minimum surface area of 1 500 m2’ in order to qualify for entry in the list of producers is no longer applicable, since it limits access in a manner that is not in line with EU rules.

SUMMARY

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘RADICCHIO VARIEGATO DI CASTELFRANCO’

EC No: IT/PGI/117/1515/26.04.2004

PDO ( ) PGI ( X )

This summary sets out the main elements of the product specification for information purposes.

1.   Responsible department in the Member State:

Name:	Ministero delle Politiche agricole e forestali — Dipartimento della Qualità dei prodotti agroalimentari e dei servizi — Direzione generale della Qualità dei prodotti agroalimentari e la tutela del consumatore
Address:	Via XX Settembre, 20 I-00187 Roma
Tel.	(39) 06 481 99 68
Fax	(39) 06 42 01 31 26
E-mail:	qualita@politicheagricole.it

2.   Group:

Name:	Consorzio Radicchio di Treviso
Address:	Via Scandolara, 80 I-31059 Zero Branco (TV)
Tel.	(39) 0422 48 80 87
Fax	(39) 0422 48 80 87
E-mail:	—
Composition:	Producers/processors ( X ) Other ( )

3.   Product type:

Class 1.6 — Fruit, vegetables, cereals, whether or not processed

4.   Specification:

(Summary of requirements under Article 4(2) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

4.1.   Name: ‘Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco’

4.2.   Description: Crops grown to produce the PGI Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco must consist of plants of the genus cichorium, species intybus, variety silvestre, which includes the variegated type.

When released for consumption, radicchio bearing the PGI Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco must have the following characteristics:

Physical characteristics: well-shaped and brightly coloured head of a minimum diameter of 15 cm with, at its base, a layer of flat leaves and, as one moves towards the centre, which is without a heart, successive layers of leaves that are gradually more upright; maximum length of the stem 4 cm, with a diameter proportionate to the size of the head; leaves as thick as possible with crumpled edges and waved, rounded fronds.

Colour: white to cream leaves, evenly variegated all over with tinges varying from pale violet to purple-red and bright red.

Taste: the leaves have a delicate taste, sweet to pleasantly bitter.

Size: heads of radicchio weigh at least 100 g with a minimum diameter of 15 cm.

The product profile of Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco is as follows:

perfectly ripe,

white to cream in colour, evenly variegated with pale violet to bright red tinges,

leaves with crumpled edges and slightly wavy fronds,

good consistency of the head,

medium to large in size,

evenly sized heads,

dressing: meticulous, elegant and without flaws,

stem proportionate to the head and no longer than 4 cm.

4.3.   Geographical area: The production and packaging area of Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco comprises the entire territory of the following municipalities in the Provinces of Treviso, Padua and Venice.

Province of Treviso: Breda di Piave, Carbonera, Casale sul Sile, Casier, Castelfranco Veneto, Castello di Godego, Istrana, Loria, Maserada sul Piave, Mogliano Veneto, Morgano, Paese, Ponzano Veneto, Preganziol, Quinto di Treviso, Resana, Riese Pio X, San Biagio di Callalta, Silea, Spresiano, Trevignano, Treviso, Vedelago, Villorba and Zero Branco.

Province of Padua: Albignasego, Battaglia Terme, Borgoricco, Camposanpiero, Cartura, Casalserugo, Conselve, Due Carrare, Loreggia, Maserà di Padova, Massanzago, Monselice, Montagnana, Montegrotto Terme, Pernumia, Piombino Dese, Ponte San Nicolò, San Pietro Viminario and Trebaseleghe.

Province of Venice: Martellago, Mira, Mirano, Noale, Salzano, Santa Maria di Sala, Scorzè and Spinea.

4.4.   Proof of origin: Lists of producers and packagers that intend to use the PGI for each production campaign are compiled by the inspection body authorised under Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 for the purpose of monitoring production and packaging stages.

Producers of radicchio and managers of all holdings located within the production area that grow Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco PGI may be included on the list referred to above.

Producers must be included in this list in respect of each production year and must declare annually the area cultivated and the quantities produced and delivered to packagers.

Requests for inclusion in the list must be submitted to the inspection body by 31 May each year.

Packagers must send the inspection body a statement of annual production packaged.

Producers and packagers are entered on the list for a renewable period of one year.

The farm manager must enter in a specific farm register the date on which harvesting operations commence.

Farm managers must, in respect of each production year, notify the monitoring body of the quantity of end product obtained that is fit to be placed on the market.

At the same time, farm managers must enter this quantity in the farm register, noting the date of delivery to the packager, except where they package the product themselves.

4.5.   Method of production: The conditions of premises and cultivation techniques for the production of the PGI Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco must be in line with local traditions and in any event be designed to give the product its specific characteristics.

Production of Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco is suitable in fresh, deep and well drained land that is not excessively rich in nutrients, particularly nitrogen, and is non alkaline. Particularly well suited for cultivation are areas with clay and sand-rich soils on old flood land in the process of decalcification. Suitable climates have enough rainfall in summer with limited maximum temperatures, dry autumn weather and early winters with temperatures reaching as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius.

Planting density for the sowing, transplanting and thinning stages must not exceed 7 plants per square metre.

Maximum production per hectare of crop may not exceed 6 000 kg (not including any tolerance).

The maximum unit weight of heads of radicchio, which make up the end product, may not exceed 0,4 kg (not including any tolerance).

Production of Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco invariably commences by sowing or transplanting seedlings.

Sowing must take place between 1 June and 15 August.

The transplanting of radicchio seedlings must take place between 15 June and 31 August.

Growing, blanching, forcing and the development of the characteristics as laid down for the PGI Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco to be released for consumption and the packaging stage must be carried out within the area defined in section 4.3.

Radicchio marketed before it displays the characteristics laid down for PGI Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco, as described above, outside the production area irretrievably forfeits the right to use the PGI and any other geographical indication.

The traditional procedure of processing the product is described below.

Forcing and blanching

Forcing and blanching are essential and irreplaceable stages which bring out the organoleptic, commercial and aesthetic qualities of Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco. It is achieved by allowing the heads to form new leaves under light-free conditions, i.e. leaves containing little to no chlorophyll pigment. This serves to highlight the variegation in the leaf fronds, reduce the fibrous consistency and develop a crunchy and pleasantly bitter taste.

Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco is forced:

by vertically immersing the heads up to the stem in spring water at a temperature of about 11 °C for a period that is sufficient to allow them to reach the right level of ripeness and the characteristics as set out above,

or

in heated spaces created in the field, ensuring the right level of humidity of the root structure, reducing the intensity of light and promoting the growth of new shoots from each head.

Dressing stage

Afterwards comes the dressing stage, which involves discarding any leaves that have deteriorated or display irregular characteristics, and then cutting and paring the stem to a size proportionate to the head.

Dressing must be carried out immediately before the product is sent for distribution. After dressing, the radicchio is placed in large receptacles with running water to be washed and packaged.

Radicchio released for consumption using the PGI Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco must be packaged:

in suitable containers with a base of 30 × 50 cm or 30 × 40 cm and a maximum capacity of 5 kg of product,

in suitable containers with a base of 40 × 60 cm and a maximum capacity of 7,5 kg of product,

in suitable containers of other sizes, provided they do not hold more than 2 kg of product.

Each container must have a sealed cover to prevent the content from being removed without breaking the seal.

4.6.   Link: The environmental conditions and natural and human factors in the production area combine to meet the requirements of Radicchio variegato di Castelfranco. History, progress, centuries-old traditions of local farms and growers, the characteristics of the land, the climate, the temperature of the ground water and the ability to produce springs simply by drilling, i.e. at low cost, all underpin the link between Radicchio variegato di Castelfranco and the environment in which it is grown.

4.7.   Inspection body:

Name:	CSQA — Certificazioni S.r.l.
Address:	Via S. Gaetano, 74 I-36016 Thiene (VI)
Tel.	(39) 0445 36 60 94
Fax	(39) 0445 38 26 72
E-mail:	csqa@csqa.it

4.8.   Labelling: The containers must bear the following wording, in block letters of equal size: Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco PGI. The containers must also bear the following:

the name or company and address or registered office of the individual producer or association of producers and the packager, and

the net weight as sold,

they may bear additional information, provided this is not of a laudatory nature and does not mislead the consumer as to the nature and characteristics of the product.

Every container and/or cover seal must also feature the logo identifying the PGI, using the shapes, colours, sizes and proportions as indicated.

The logo, which is red in colour on a white background, is made up of an image depicting a stylised radicchio composition with, above it, the words Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco PGI, the whole image being framed by a red border.

Font: Rockwell condensed

Colour of logo: Red = Magenta 100 % — Yellow 80 % — Cyan 30 %

In addition, the logo may also be affixed to the seal by the person concerned.

Any other indication used alongside Radicchio Variegato di Castelfranco PGI must be significantly smaller in size.

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(1)  OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12.

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