4.
Specifications
(summary of the requirements in accordance with Article 4(2) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)
4.1.
Name
Melon du Quercy
4.2.
Description
Melon with smooth or netted grey/green to yellow peel and orange flesh. Weight: from 450 g to 1 300 g and above.
4.3.
Geographical area
The Melon du Quercy PGI area includes:
The following cantons:
In Tarn et Garonne: Bourg-de-Visa, Caussade, Lafrançaise, Lauzerte, Moissac, Molières, Montaigu-de-Quercy, Monpezat-de-Quercy, Monclar-de-Quercy, Négrepolisse, Villebrumier, Montauban.
In Lot: Castelnau-Montratier, Montcuq, Lalbenque.
In Lot et Garonne: Tournon, Penne, Beauville, Puymirol.
The communes in the following cantons:
In Tarn et Garonne:
Canton de Caylus: Mouillac.
Canton de Valence d’Agen: Castelsagrat, Goudouville, Saint-Clair, Gasque, Montjoi, Perville, Pommevic, Valence d’Agen.
In Lot:
Canton de Cahors Sud: Labastide-Marnhac, Le Montat
Canton de Limogne: Concots.
Canton de Luzech: Cambayrac, Carnac Rouffiac, Villesèque, Sauzet.
Canton de Puy l’Évêque: Floressas, Lacapelle Cabanac, Sérignac, Mauroux.
4.4.
Proof of origin
Melon du Quercy has been produced in Quercy since the XVIth century. In 1930, production received a boost when the area planted was increased and the melon appeared on local markets. Production again increased between 1940 and 1945. Since 1960, exports have permitted further production growth.
Melon du Quercy now has a confirmed reputation and the range of marks used in itself shows the importance of the link between the product and the area.
At the beginning of each marketing year, experts approved by the Certifying Body authorise each grower’s parcels (geographical area and eligible land). Each parcel is entered in the Melon du Quercy cultivation register: commune, section, land register references, area in ares.
A copy of the information is kept in the grower’s cultivation register, a copy sent to the fruit packing station and another to the ‘Syndicat Interprofessionnel du Melon du Quercy’.
For each lot delivered to the packing station, the name of the grower, the variety and the parcels are identified and recorded. The packing station puts together lots from several growers. Certified lots are separated from non-certified lots on entry into the packing station and are packed, labelled and marketed separately.
4.5.
Method of production
The melons are grown from selected varieties. They are harvested when fully ripe and, if possible, before 1 p.m. every day. They are then placed in a single layer on wooden trays or in plastic crates, closely packed but not crushed together.
After harvesting, the melons are placed under cover to protect them from the sun and any bad weather and transported to the packing station the same day. The melons are then checked and approved on the basis of their appearance and sugar content. They are sorted, graded and packed in trays on cellular trays and/or in paper depending on their weight and colour.
4.6.
Link
What makes Quercy suited to melon growing are its soil and its climate. The alternance of ocean (cool and wet) and Mediterranean (hot and dry) influences typical of its climate produces large temperature ranges on a daily basis, providing the plant with ideal growing conditions (temperature and moisture).
Another factor is the limy-clayey soil. The clay is basically of illite and montmorillonite, which retain potassium, thus regulating the plant’s uptake of the mineral. This gives the melon a particular perfume and unique characteristics. The soil retains water well, ensuring that the plant receives a regular supply.
4.7.
Inspection body
Name
Qualisud
Address
15, avenue de Bayonne — F-40500 Saint-Sever
Tel.
(33) (0)558 06 53 30
Fax
(33) (0)562 88 13 91
E-mail
qualisud@wanadoo.fr
4.8.
Labelling:
Product name: Melon du Quercy.
Certified characteristics: Grown in Quercy, harvested fully ripe.