Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
(b) Definition
Article 31(1) provides that the term 'mountain product' is established as an
optional quality term. This term shall only be used to describe products
intended for human consumption listed in Annex I to the Treaty in respect of
which:
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(a) both the raw materials and the feedstuffs for farm animals come essentially from
mountain areas;
(b) in the case of processed products, the processing also takes place in mountain areas.
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Article 31(2) provides that for the purposes of this Article, mountain areas
within the Union are those delimited pursuant to Art 18(1) of Regulation (EC)
No 1257/1999.
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For third country products, mountain areas include areas
officially designated as mountain areas by the third country or that meet criteria
equivalent to those set out in Art 18(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999.
(c) Derogations
Article 31(2) provides that in duly justified cases and in order to take into
account natural constraints affecting agricultural production in mountain areas,
the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts, in accordance
with Art 56, laying down derogations from the conditions of use referred to in
para 1 of this Article. In particular, the Commission shall be empowered 'to
adopt a delegated act laying down the conditions under which raw materials or
feedstuffs are permitted to come from outside the mountain areas, the condi-
tions under which the processing of products is permitted to take place outside
of the mountain areas in a geographical area to be defined, and the definition of
that geographical area.'
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(d) Protection of indications and symbols
Article 44(1) provides that indications, abbreviations and symbols referring to
the quality schemes may only be used in connection with products produced in
conformity with the rules of the quality scheme to which they apply. This
applies in particular to the following indications, abbreviations and symbols: '(c)
“mountain product”, as provided for in Title IV'.
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(e) Delegated acts concerning methods of production
Article 31(2) provides that in order to take into account natural constraints
affecting agricultural production in mountain areas, the Commission shall be
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Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999 of 17 May 1999 on support for rural development from the
European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and amending and repealing certain
Regulations (OJ L 160 of 26.6.1999).
