Parliamentary question - E-0226/2009Parliamentary question
E-0226/2009

‘Sechna prunes’ — Application to register a geographical indication for an agricultural product or foodstuff

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0226/09
by Urszula Gacek (PPE‑DE)
to the Commission

‘Sechna prunes’ (Suski sechlońskie) are prunes containing the stone which have undergone a drying and smoking process.

They are produced in a geographical area measuring 239.55 km2 in four municipalities: Laskowa, Iwkowa, Łososina Dolna and Żegocina.

The name ‘Suski sechlońskie’ comes from the local dialect. The word ‘Suska’ comes from ‘suszka’ (denoting dried products), in this case describing dried and smoked prunes. The description ‘sechlorska’ comes from the name of the village of Sechna, located in the municipality of Laskowa. In the past the village was known by two names, ‘Sechna’ and ‘Sechlna’. As the language evolved the names ‘Sechna’ and ‘Sechlna’ took on the meaning of ‘drying’. This underlines the specific nature of the product and the fact that the production methods are traditional in character and deeply rooted in this area. Moreover, the product is the result of applying a specific production method which is characteristic of this region.

According to information from the Polish Agriculture Ministry of 20 April 2007, the application to register ‘Sechna prunes’ as a protected geographical indication was sent to the Commission by decision of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of 19 April 2007 in accordance with the Act of 17 December 2004 on the registration and protection of geographical indications for agricultural products and foodstuffs and on traditional products.

The award of a protected geographical indication will make this product more competitive and will help to protect the traditions and cultural heritage of the Małopolska region.

As an MEP for the Małopolska region, I should like to enquire:

OJ C 189, 13/07/2010