The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is designated1 for the purposes of section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 19722 in relation to the common agricultural policy of the European Union.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development makes the following Regulations under the powers conferred by section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972.

These Regulations make provision for a purpose mentioned in section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 and it appears to the Department that it is expedient for references to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 in respect of the fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetables sectors3 to be construed as references to that Regulation as amended from time to time.

There has been open and transparent public consultation during the preparation of these Regulations as required by Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 178/20024 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety.