Proposal for a regulation
Title IV a (new)
TITLE IVa Small farming quality product scheme Article 31a Objective The objective of the small farming quality product scheme is to assist small producers to market their products locally and communicate the value adding attributes of the product to consumers and thereby foster the development of the local economy. Article 31b Indication and symbol 1. A Union symbol and the indication ‘small farm product’, designed to advertise and promote these products marketed locally and directly from producers that meet the criteria defined by Member States for small farm quality production. 2. The indication 'small farm product' may be used throughout the Union and in any language of the Union for the labelling and advertising of products which satisfy the requirements set out or pursuant to the provisions of this Title. 3. In order to ensure appropriate consumer information, the Commission shall, by means of delegated acts, define the characteristics as to shape, colour, size and design of the related Union symbol as well as the rules for its reproduction and use. Article 31c Use of indication and symbol 1. Member States shall determine the conditions for use of the indication and the symbol referred to in Article 31 b, taking into account the objectives of the scheme, existing farming practices and farm structures, and one or more of the following ways of marketing the product: (a) sales to consumers by direct sale on the farm or in its vicinity, including in a farmers' market or other producers common selling points; (b) sales by direct delivery to consumers of product of the farm or farms participating in the arrangement. 2. Member States may add other criteria, in particular regarding the size of the exploitation, the volume of production, or the traditional character of the product. Article 31d Operation of the scheme 1. Member States shall: – lay down and manage the procedures for the identification of producers which are covered by the small farming quality product scheme; – forward to the Commission a declaration that the national system meets the conditions laid down in this Title and in the provisions adopted for its implementation; – make available on a public and accessible website the relevant national list of producers using the symbol or indication, in accordance with a template provided by the Commission; – undertake checks, based on a risk analysis, to ensure products conform to the requirements of this Title and, in case of breaches, apply appropriate administrative sanctions. 2. The Commission shall set up a website providing links to the national websites referred to in the third indent of paragraph 1. 3. In order to ensure the accessibility and the harmonisation of the information on the internet, the Commission may, by means of implementing acts, without the assistance of the Committee referred to in Article 54, adopt further detailed rules.