UNITED

NATIONS

Distr.

GENERAL

TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/25

4 July 2000

ORIGINAL : ENGLISH

ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE

COMMITTEE FOR TRADE, INDUSTRY AND

ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

Working Party on Standardization of

Perishable Produce and Quality Development

Specialized Section on Coordination of

Standardization of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

Forty-sixth session, Geneva, 23 to 26 May 2000

REPORT OF THE FORTY-SIXTH SESSION

GE.00-

Opening of the session

1.	The meeting was held in Geneva from 23 to 26 May 2000. It was chaired by Mr. David Priester (United States). The session was opened by the Director of the UN/ECE Trade Division,

Ms. Carol Cosgrove-Sacks.

2.	The Director informed of the outcome of the spring session of the Economic Commission for Europe where the UN/ECE had been asked to:

-	provide more efficient regional input for global initiatives

-	develop and strengthen cross-sectoral activities (e.g. link between trade and transport as well as trade and environment)

-	provide input for subregional activities (e.g. cooperation with the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCWA) and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in the Mediterranean region)

3.	The Director said that in all of these areas the Specialized Section had a role to play, such as in the area of global commerce and the definition of shorter supply chains.

Participation

4.	The session was attended by delegations of the following countries: Austria; Belgium; Cameroon1, Chile1; Côte d'Ivoire1; Denmark; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Hungary; Ireland; Italy; Netherlands; New Zealand1; Poland; Portugal; Romania; Slovakia; South Africa1; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; Ukraine; United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; and United States of America.

5.	The European Community was also represented.

6.	At the invitation of the secretariat, a representative of the OECD Scheme for the Application of International Standards for Fruit and Vegetables participated in the session.

7.	Representatives of the following non-governmental organizations participated in the session: C.L.A.M. (Comité de Liaison de L'Agrumiculture Méditérranéenne), COLEACP (Comité de Liaison - Europe - Africa - Caraïbes - Pacifique - pour la promotion des fruits tropicaux, légumes de contre-saison, fleurs, plantes ornementales et épices).

Adoption of the agenda

Documents: TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/1

8.	The provisional agenda as contained in TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/1 was adopted with the following changes:

-	Deletion of documents TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/3, 4, 17, 21,23 and 25 because they had not been received.

-	Document TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/10 was withdrawn by the delegation of Italy.

The following documents were added to the agenda:

-	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.1 (secretariat) Draft Codex Standard for Apples

-	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.2 (secretariat) Draft Codex Standard for Tomatoes

-	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.3 (Israel) on Citrus Fruit

-	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.4 (European Union) on Miniature Produce

-	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.5 (Sun World) on Trademarks

-	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.6 (Ukraine) on Apples and Pears

-	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.7 (CLAM) on Citrus Fruit

-	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.8 (Spain) on Avocados

-	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.9 (Chile) on Plumcots

-	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.10 (secretariat) Codex Standard for Pineapples

-	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.11 (Ukraine) Corrections

-	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.12 (secretariat) Cultivated Mushrooms

-	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.13 (secretariat) Beans

-	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.14 (secretariat) Botanical names for Citrus Fruit

Matters of interest arising since the forty-second session

9.	The Meeting was informed by the secretariat of the relevant discussions of the Working Party at its 55th session, especially regarding Citrus Fruit and the preparation of explanatory material.

Proposals to revise UN/ECE standards

Apples and Pears (including list of varieties)

Discussion at the last session:	see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/1999/15 paras. 13-21

Documents:

TRADE/WP.7/1999/7/Add.7 (secretariat)	Recommendation adopted by the Working Party

TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.1 (secretariat)	Draft Codex Standard for Apples

TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.6 (Ukraine)	Apples and Pears

10.	At the last session of the Specialized Section a proposal for a revision of the main text of the standard as proposed by the working group (Belgium, Chile, Germany, New Zealand, United Kingdom) was agreed and transmitted to and adopted by the Working Party as a UN/ECE recommendation for a one-year trial period.

11.	The rapporteur (New Zealand) informed the Specialized Section about the discussions held in the working group since the last meeting on the following topics:

-	draft Codex standard for apples

-	list of varieties; use of trademarks

-	proposal to separate the standard into two new standards

-	consumer packages

-	minor editorial amendments

-	proposal from Ukraine (TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.6)

-	decision to be transmitted to the Working Party

Draft Codex standard for apples

12.	The delegation of the United States said that contrary to the mention in the introduction of the draft Codex standard, his delegation had not been involved in its development.

13.	The secretariat informed the Specialized Section that after the last meeting of the Codex Committee for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables (CCFFV) the rapporteur, Uruguay, had been provided with the UN/ECE standard for apples and pears in English, French and Spanish (the last in an unofficial translation provided by Spain).

14.	The Specialized Section welcomed the cooperation of the two bodies but regretted that nevertheless the draft Codex standard was not harmonized with the UN/ECE standards in several aspects. It urged the secretariat to bring this position to the next CCFFV meeting in Mexico to ensure harmonization.

List of varieties

15.	It was decided that the list of varieties should under each variety include all mutants that fulfil the same criteria (colouring, russeting) as the variety. It was recognized that some mutants had achieved the status of a variety and should be mentioned separately.

16.	Until that work was finalized it was decided to attach the existing list of varieties to the standard in the new format decided at a previous session. This list will be drawn up by the secretariat in cooperation with Germany.

Proposal to separate the standard into two new standards

17.	The rapporteur from New Zealand had prepared draft versions of a UN/ECE standard for apples and one for pears. It was realized that the work had been done on the basis of the standard in force and not the recommendation agreed at the last session.

18.	The Specialized Section decided that this work should continue and the rapporteur was asked to prepare new versions of the draft standards within two weeks. These will be posted on the home page for comments until 1 October 2000. If there is no objection to the principle of splitting the standard until that date, the work will proceed further and official documents containing the draft standards will be prepared for the next session.

19.	The secretariat will inform the CCFFV of the ongoing work on splitting the standard.

Consumer packages

20.	The delegation of Sweden asked whether it was necessary to impose a limit of 2 kg for consumer packages and, if so, whether or not limits should be harmonized for other standards (e.g. 5 kg for oranges).

21.	The delegation of Greece said that in his opinion there was no general limit imposed. Pre-packed packages up to 2 kg were not subject to uniformity requirements for variety.

22.	Other delegations said that a limit of 2 kg would be appropriate since this size was often used in trade. It was also said that various limits for various commodities made sense because of the various properties (e.g. apples are more subject to bruising than oranges).

23.	It was decided not to change anything for the present; and that delegations would consult with their trade.

Minor editorial amendments

24.	The delegation of Germany presented minor editorial amendments to the standard, which were adopted. The updated version of the standard will be published as an addendum to this report.

Proposal from Ukraine (TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.6)

25.	The Specialized Section took note of the proposal from Ukraine. It was decided that the working group should look at the proposal and present its recommendations to the next session.

Decision to be transmitted to the Working Party

26.	It was decided to recommend to the Working Party that the recommendation for apples and pears (as amended at this session) be adopted as a revised UN/ECE standard. (See TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/25/Add.1)

Avocados (Maturity requirements)

Document:	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.8 (Spain)

27.	The delegation of Spain informed the group on the background of the proposal. At an earlier session Spain had proposed a value for the dry matter content only for the variety Hass and had been asked by the Specialized Section to extend this proposal to all varieties important in trade. He said that the proposal was only for information at this stage.

28.	He said that the values contained in the proposal had been chosen to ensure that:

-	the avocados had reached a level of maturity at harvest which would allow them to ripen into edible fruit

-	to ensure a good eating quality

29.	Following a question from Sweden it was clarified that after harvest the oil content of the fruit increases through further ripening.

30.	The delegation of Chile offered to provide more information on the relationship between dry matter content and oil content in addition to the technical information used by Spain to develop their proposal.

31.	It was stressed by several delegations that a minimum level of maturity achieved at harvest should be defined in the standard to ensure acceptable ripening, but maturity requirements should not be used to distinguish quality classes.

32.	It was decided that delegations would consult with their trade and send proposals to the delegation of Spain, which would submit a new document at the next session.

Beans

Document:	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/5 (European Union)

TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.13 (secretariat)

33.	The amendments contained in TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/5 supplemented by TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.13, which was drawn up following discussions in the OECD produce working group for beans, were adopted. A consolidated version of the standard will be published in an addendum to this report and transmitted to the Working Party for adoption as a revised UN/ECE standard.

Citrus Fruit

Discussion at the last session:	see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/1999/15, paras. 27-49

Discussion at the Working Party:	see TRADE/WP.7/1999/7, paras. 38-42

Documents for this session:

TRADE/WP.7/1998/9/Add.1	(secretariat)	Text of the standard in force

TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/6	(secretariat)	Text adopted at the last Specialized Section

TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/7	(secretariat)	Proposals remaining in discussion

TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/8	(Spain)	Other proposals concerning Citrus Fruit

TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.3 (Israel)

TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.7 (CLAM)

34.	At the last session a revision of the standard was agreed by the Specialized Section. No consensus was found on the question of maturity requirements and the inclusion of provisions for green skinned oranges. Several reservations concerning the items still under discussion had been entered into the text. The Working Party discussed the text and decided not to adopt it but to return it to the Specialized Section for further discussion. The Working Party stressed that it accepted all amendments contained in TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/6 and the discussion on these items should not be reopened.

35.	The following topics were discussed:

-	botanical names in the definition of produce

-	maturity requirements

-	green skinned oranges

-	recommendation to the Working Party

Botanical names in the definition of produce

36.	A compromise on the botanical names included in the definition of produce was found on the basis of the USDA database GRIN (see www.ars-grin.gov) and is included in the consolidated text of the standard (see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/25/Add.3).

Maturity requirements

37.	The secretariat informed the Specialized Section that Israel had indicated that they would maintain their reservation asking for the inclusion of the maturity indicator of sugar/acid ratio in the standard.

38.	The delegation of Spain said that there were intensive discussions within the citrus industry in Spain concerning this question. The result of these discussions was that the sugar/acid ratio was not considered to be a sufficient maturity indicator by the industry. A research project has been started in two centres to establish the relationship between the parameters min/max acid content and min/max sugar content and a panel test which would be held in France, Germany and Spain. Results are expected in two seasons.

39.	This initiative was welcomed by the Specialized Section. For the moment the project is limited to varieties grown in Spain but other CLAM countries could join the project at a later stage.

Green skinned oranges

40.	The secretariat informed the Specialized Section that Israel had indicated that they would be prepared to lift their reservation concerning 0green skinned oranges if this helped the adoption of the text.

41.	The delegation of Greece considered the reservations concerning green skinned oranges that had been entered by several delegations to be practically a non-acceptance of colour as a maturity requirement and invited them to lift their reservations. He proposed while waiting for the results of the study initiated by Spain to come back to the question later with more data concerning the importance of the trade of green skinned oranges in the world.

42.	The other countries who had put in the same reservation as Israel (Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom) maintained their reservations.

43.	They stated that they did not want to prevent the standard from being adopted by the Working Party but stressed that a solution had to be found even if the trade volume for this produce was comparatively small. In light of the research announced by Spain they would not insist on the maturity requirements mentioned in the reservation as long as it could be demonstrated that other indicators were better suited.

44.	The delegations of Belgium, Germany and Slovakia supported this position and entered the same reservation.

45.	The delegation of Slovakia said that there had been extensive experience with Cuban green skinned oranges in her country and that it was a problem that the present standard (with which Slovakian legislation is aligned) does not allow the trade of this produce as there is demand in her country.

46.	The delegations from the Mediterranean producer countries (Greece, Italy and Spain) recognized that there was a problem to be solved and CLAM reminded the Specialized Section that at the last session a proposal had been made to remove green skinned oranges from the scope of the standard and possibly create a specific standard for this produce.

47.	They warned that the removal of colour as a maturity requirement, thus allowing green oranges not only from tropical regions but also from temperate regions on the market, could lead to confusion in this important market.

48.	They said that currently the colour is the easiest and most reliable maturity indicator because only mature green oranges can be degreened so the consumer can be sure to have acceptable fruit.

49.	The Chairman summed up the discussion as follows:

-	there is no consensus on this question

-	it is recognized that the issue needs to be taken care of

-	a solution will not be found quickly

-	the outcome of the research program initiated by Spain will need to be examined.

Recommendation to the Working Party

50.	The Specialized Section recommends to the Working Party to adopt the revision of the standard contained in Addendum 3 to this report (see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/25/Add.3) as a revised UN/ECE standard for Citrus Fruit. The addendum is based on document TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/6 as amended concerning the botanical names and the addition of reservations concerning green skinned oranges.

51.	The Specialized Section stressed that it would continue to work on a solution for maturity requirements and green skinned oranges but that this work might take some time. The Specialized Section is of the opinion that good progress has been made on the standard and that the compromise reached is a significant amelioration compared to the standard in force. For this reason the Specialized Section recommends adoption of the text even if it contains a number of reservations.

52.	The secretariat was asked to submit the changes made to the standard to the CCFFV.

Cultivated Mushrooms

Discussion at the last session:	see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/1999/15 paras. 50-51

Document:	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/9 (Germany, France, Ireland, Netherlands and the United Kingdom)

TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.12 (Revision of TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/9)

53.	The informal working group composed of France, Ireland, Netherlands, United Kingdom and Germany as rapporteur has met in France to draw up a consolidated proposal based on discussions and documents presented at the last session. The delegation of Netherlands thanked France in the name of the working group for organizing the meeting and for their hospitality.

54.	The working group had met again at the beginning of the week and introduced a number of small changes to the working document which were presented to the Specialized Section.

55.	There was some discussion on the question of whether mixed packing of cultivated and wild mushrooms should be allowed, but it was decided for the time being to restrict this to different strains of cultivated mushrooms only.

56.	The consolidated text of the standard will be published in Addendum 4 to this report (see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/25/Add.4). It was decided to recommend to the Working Party to adopt this text as a revised UN/ECE standard.

Kiwifruit

Discussion at the last session: see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/1999/15 paras. 52-53

Document:	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/11 (European Union)

57.	At the last session the working group reported that further work was necessary on the following topics: definition of maturity indicators, wording for sizing methods and creation of a list of varieties. The group proposed to continue its work in liaison with the International Kiwi Fruit Organization (IKO) and present a new proposal at this session.

58.	The rapporteur (New Zealand) reported that little progress had been made because there had been no session of IKO since the last session of the Specialized Section. The working group had considered the proposal received from the European Community (see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/11) and decided to include it in the consultations with the IKO.

59.	The next session of the IKO will be held in August, when the questions raised in the working group will be discussed. The working group will prepare a proposal for the next session of the Specialized Section.

Melons

Document:	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/12 (European Union)

60.	The delegation of the European Community introduced their document proposing to introduce a different Brix value of 10 % for Cantaloupe melons because for this type 8 % was not considered to be satisfactory.

61.	There was some discussion on the question of which melons the higher Brix value should be demanded and it was decided that it should be for Charentais type melons.

62.	It was decided to transmit the amendments to the Working Party and to recommend to adopt them for inclusion in a revised UN/ECE standard for melons (see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/25/Add.7).

Peaches and Nectarines

Documents:	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/13 (European Union)

TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/14 (Ukraine)

63.	The delegation of the European Community introduced its document proposing to:

-	better align the text with the standard layout

-	delete size "D"

64.	The proposed alignments to the standard layout were agreed to by the Specialized Section.

65.	The delegation of France explained that in France a study had shown a relationship between sugar content and size i.e. the smaller fruit contain less sugar.

66.	The proposal was supported by the delegations of Austria and Belgium who said that as the marketing of small underdeveloped fruit at the beginning of the season was a problem in their countries it would be better to remove such fruit from the standard.

67.	The delegation of Greece supported by Italy and Portugal said that they were growing early varieties of peaches and nectarines with a high percentage of size "D". These fruits have acceptable organoleptic characteristics and are marketed without any problem. He proposed to maintain the authorization to market size "D" until 30 June of each year.

68.	It was agreed that a general discussion on maturity and good quality was needed (also for other products) and that if it could be ensured that the small fruit were of good quality, they should be kept in the standard. Several solutions were proposed:

-	introduction of a minimum sugar content in Brix in the standard;

-	a colour chart

-	elaboration of a list of small fruited varieties for which size "D" could remain.

69.	It was decided to:

-	take note that the alignment with the standard layout had been agreed;

-	form a working group that would look into maturity requirements and size "D" as well as at the proposal submitted by Ukraine;

-	Chile, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, South Africa and Sweden and will participate in the working group

-	the group will develop a proposal for the next session of the Specialized Section.

Peas

Document:	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/15 (European Union)

70.	The proposal by the European Union to reorganize the standard to make it clearer and to better distinguish provisions for the different types of Peas was agreed and will be included in Addendum 5 to this report (see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/25/Add.5). The text will be forwarded to the Working Party for adoption as a revised UN/ECE standard.

Plums

Discussion at the last session:	see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/1999/15 paras. 56-57

Documents:	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/16 (Ukraine)

TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/16/Add.1 (Chile)

TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/17 (European Community)

71.	The delegation of Ukraine introduced document TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/16. The document contains proposals to clarify expressions used in the standard as well as to define different tolerances for different stages of marketing.

72.	The proposals were welcomed by the delegation of Belgium.

73.	Other delegations said that the terms used had been agreed to in trade and further clarified in OECD explanatory brochures. Concerning tolerances for different stages of marketing it was clarified that UN/ECE standards applied at the export control stage.

74.	The Chairperson of the OECD Scheme suggested that OECD should invite Ukraine to participate in the OECD Scheme to clarify tolerances for defects.

75.	The delegation of Chile introduced document TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/16/Add.1 concerning the introduction of new hybrids into the standard which look like plums but taste more like apricots.

76.	The delegation of Germany supported the proposal by Chile but made a number of suggestions to simplify it and not mention the new varieties (which are protected by trademark) in the main text of the standard but only in the list of large fruited varieties.

77.	There was a consensus to adopt the proposal by Chile as amended by Germany.

78.	The changes to the list of varieties proposed by the European Community in TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/17 were adopted.

79.	The consolidated version of the standard will be published in Addendum 8 to this report (see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/25/Add.8). It was decided to forward this text to the Working Party for adoption as a UN/ECE recommendation for a two-year trial period.

Table Grapes

Discussion at the last session:	see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/1999/15 paras. 58-61

Documents:	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/18 (European Union)

TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/19 (Ukraine)

80.	The delegation of the European Community introduced document TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/18 proposing the introduction of a minimum Brix value of 13% as well as a number of other amendments.

81.	The delegation of Greece supported by Chile and South Africa said that a minimum Brix value was only useful if defined by variety. 13% Brix might be high for some and low for others. He said that he was in favour of maturity indicators but they would have to be carefully defined to be meaningful.

82.	The delegation of the European Community said that it should be possible to define a list of table grape varieties which would be acceptable below 13% Brix.

83.	The delegation of the OECD Scheme reported that the scheme decided to update the existing document on quality indicators and to reopen the relevant discussions.

84.	It was decided to discuss the question further in a working group. Chile, Greece and South Africa offered to participate in this group.

85.	It was decided to agree the other amendments proposed by the European Community and additionally to amend Chapter V, A. Uniformity. At present mixed packing of bunches of different colours for decorative purposes is allowed in central European trade only at the request of the importers. It was decided to delete the restriction to central Europe and also to delete the words "at the request of the importers" and to allow mixed packing for different colours of the variety Chasselas.

86.	The consolidated version of the standard will be published in Addendum 6 to this report (see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/25/Add.6). It was decided to forward this text to the Working Party for adoption as a revised UN/ECE Standard.

87.	The delegation of Germany regretted that the draft Codex standard for table grapes which it had received from its Codex contact point was not harmonized with the UN/ECE standard in several aspects. The secretariat informed that the Codex rapporteur had been provided with the UN/ECE standard for table grapes in English, French and Spanish (the last in an unofficial translation provided by Spain). The Specialized Section urged the secretariat to ensure harmonization of the standards at the next CCFFV meeting in Mexico.

Tomatoes

Documents:	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/26	(European Union)

TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.2 (Secretariat) Draft Codex Standard for Tomatoes

88.	The amendments proposed by the European Community in TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/26 were adopted with the following changes:

-	the botanical name remains as in the existing standard

-	the allowance of healed cracks up to 3cm in Class II will be restricted to round, ribbed and oblong tomatoes.

89.	The consolidated text of the standard will be published in Addendum 9 to this report (see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/25/Add.9). It was decided to recommend to the Working Party to adopt this text as a revised UN/ECE standard.

90.	The delegation of the United States said that contrary to the mention in the introduction of the draft Codex standard, the United States delegation had not been involved in its development. The secretariat informed that the Codex rapporteur had been provided with the UN/ECE standard for table grapes in English, French and Spanish (the last in an unofficial translation provided by Spain).

91.	The Specialized Section regretted that the draft Codex standard for tomatoes was not harmonized with the UN/ECE standard in several aspects. It urged the secretariat to bring this position to the next CCFFV meeting in Mexico to ensure harmonization.

Proposal for a draft UN/ECE Standard for Pineapples

Discussion at the last session:	see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/1999/15 paras. 58-61

Discussion at the Working Party:	see TRADE/WP.7/1999/7 para. 48

Documents:	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/20 (COLEACP)

TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.10 (Secretariat) Codex Standard for Pineapples

92.	At the last session it was agreed to elaborate a UN/ECE standard for pineapples. This was subsequently authorized by the Working Party. The delegation of COLEACP suggested to create a working group for the elaboration of a draft standard and agreed to coordinate this group as a rapporteur.

93.	The delegation of COLEACP introduced document TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/20 which had been elaborated by the working group. The former text had been aligned with the standard layout and discussions with the industry had been held. He pointed out that the main differences to the existing Codex standard were as follows:

-	Minimum requirement: the crown has to be present

-	Classification by external colour from totally green to totally orange

-	Sizing by weight or number of fruit in the package.

94.	Several comments were made by other delegations:

Portugal: has a law that the crown cannot be longer than 50% of the fruit and the minimum size is 900g

-	Greece:	-	asked whether the Brix value of 12 degree was a cut-off value or whether fruit at 11.5 degrees could still ripen

-	said that the introduction of a colour scale was a new concept and questioned whether this was necessary;

-	said that the marking of Net weight and tare weight and the keeping temperature was not usually done;

-	Sweden:	said that there should be a specific heading for maturity requirements.

-	Belgium:	supported the COLEACP proposal

-	South Africa:	-	agrees to the COLEACP proposal for the size of the crowns (their comments contained in TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/20/Add.1 had been based on an earlier draft);

-	in the Codex standard porous flesh is allowed in the Queen group, the UN/ECE draft should reflect the same;

-	The marking requirements for colour criteria, tare weight, indication "to be stored at 8 C" and minimum sugar content should be made optional or deleted;

-	the colour criteria should be deleted as this does not have any meaning at the import point.

95.	The delegation of Côte d'Ivoire said that the marking of the keeping temperature was important because only a small variation during transport could lead to unacceptable fruit.

96.	It was decided that the proposal was not yet ready to become a UN/ECE recommendation and that a working group should look at the proposal and redraft it for the next session. The delegations of Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, South Africa, Spain, France, Portugal and COLEACP offered to participate in this group. Comments should be sent to the secretariat, who would distribute them.

Issues concerning trademarks and names of varieties

Discussion at the last session:	see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/1999/15 paras. 58-61

Documents for this session:	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/22	List of varieties from UPOV
(secretariat)

TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.5 (Sun World) Trademarks

97.	Concerning the use of trademarks it was recognized that for quality control the variety of fruit marketed under a trademark name was important information. Nevertheless there had been problems for standards (table grapes) where the trademark holder had protested against any kind of use of the trademark name in the standard (see also TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.5). Two options were discussed:

-	remove all trademarks from the list of varieties and require the additional marking of the variety each time a trademark name is used;

-	maintain trademark names in the list for the present and clarify the legal situation with the Legal Counsel of the United Nations.

98.	The delegation of Chile said that his country pays to use the trademark "superior seedless". He enquired as to what would happen if the trademark were removed from the standard as demanded by Sun World. Would Chile still be authorized to export these grapes to Europe?

99.	It was replied that the exports could still be done but the variety would have to be marked on the packages as well.

100.	It was decided to draft a letter to the Legal Counsel of the United Nations explaining the position of the Specialized Section with regard to:

-	the difficulties for quality control if only the trademark is marked;

-	varieties exist that only have a trademark name - how should these be treated if trademarks cannot be mentioned anymore?

-	should varieties that are trademarks be marked as such in the standard or not?

101.	This letter would be sent to the Legal Counsel of the United Nations, together with the letter received by Sun World (with a copy to Sun World). A final decision on the use of trademarks in the standards would be taken according to the opinion of the Legal Counsel.

Proposal to include provisions for miniature fruit and vegetables in UN/ECE Standards

Discussion at the last session:	see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/1999/15 paras. 75-78

Document:	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.4 (European Community)

TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.15 (United Kingdom)

102.	The delegation of the European Community introduced document TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.4 which was based on the proposal from the United Kingdom presented at the last session of the Specialized Section. It contains amendments to chapters III, V and VI of the UN/ECE standards for Aubergines, Headed Cabbages, Cauliflower, Fennels, Sweet Peppers and Courgette to allow the marketing of miniature produce.

103.	There was consensus on this proposal and the amendments will be published in Addendum 7 to this report. They will be forwarded to the Working Party for adoption as revisions to UN/ECE standards.

104.	The delegation of the United Kingdom presented document TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/INF.15 in which they propose an additional line to the sizing table for avocados to allow fruit between 80-125g of the variety "Hass" to be marketed. He reported that small "Hass" avocados do attain full maturity. Samples were made available for delegations to assess.

105.	The delegation of Spain said that these products were traded but they were not of good quality especially if the weight was below 100g. He proposed to restrict the range from 100-125g and also to include a uniformity requirement to allow for a maximum variation of 15g within a package.

106.	The delegation of Greece warned that minimum size requirements had been introduced into the standard because it was an indicator for development. If the proposal was accepted this would no longer be the case.

107.	It was decided to amend the avocado standard as follows:

In chapter III add a new line to the sizing table:

"100-125 (Hass variety only") S*"

Add a footnote as follows:

"*The difference between the smallest and largest fruit within a package should not be more than 15g."

Amend the last sentence to read:

"Minimum weight for avocados is 125g except for Hass where it is 100g"

108.	This amendment will be forwarded to the Working Party. It will be recommended to adopt the revised standard as a UN/ECE Recommendation for a two-year trial period.

Establishment of a list of countries using code marks

Discussion at the last session:	see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/1999/15 paras. 79-81

109.	At the forty-second session it had been agreed to discuss the issue of establishing a list of countries using code marks (proposal by the delegation of Canada). Canada's labelling regulations require more information than the packer/ exporter code mark. Canada has proposed that a list of the countries be made whereby the packer/exporter code mark is acceptable. The purpose of this suggestion is to inform packers/exporters where the code mark is not acceptable because of the national legislation requirement.

110.	The delegation of South Africa agreed that such a list would be helpful. In his country, code marks are used and sometimes shipments are rejected in Europe because the address of the packer/exporter is not explicitly marked. He agreed to prepare a document for the Working Party to demand this information from countries.

Exchange of information on non-conformity cases

Discussion at the last session:	see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/1999/15 paras. 82-83

Document:	TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/24 (OECD)

111.	The delegation of the OECD Scheme introduced document TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/24 containing the document drawn up by the scheme for the exchange of non-conformity cases. She said that this document had been adopted by the plenary meeting of the scheme and therefore member countries of the scheme should use it to exchange information.

112.	Several delegations pointed out that they had received information sent according to this document and had found it very helpful.

113.	The delegation of Germany said that it would be useful if UN/ECE countries adopted this document and recommended it for use. To avoid duplication of work, reference should be made to the exact text of the OECD document and amendments should also be made by the OECD Scheme. Reference to the document could also be made on the home page of the UN/ECE Agricultural Unit.

114.	The delegation of Spain said that a similar situation had existed a number of years ago concerning the "guide for implementation of quality control", which had been drawn up by OECD and was then adopted by UN/ECE. He said that the text contained in TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/24 was an extension of this document and it would be logical if UN/ECE would adopt it as well. He was in favour of including the full text in a UN/ECE publication and not just making reference to the OECD text because many member countries of UN/ECE did not participate in the OECD scheme.

115.	The delegation of Germany will prepare a document for the Working Party asking for adoption of the OECD approach by UN/ECE countries.

116.	The secretariat informed the group that within the Trade Facilitation Section of the UN/ECE Trade Division the UN Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport Standard (UN/EDIFACT) had been developed, a worldwide standard for the electronic exchange of trade data through messages. He suggested possible cooperation between the two groups to create a new UN/EDIFACT message for the exchange of information on non-conformity cases.

117.	The Specialized Section asked the secretariat to get in touch with the UN/EDIFACT group to obtain more information and report back at the next session.

Participation in the Specialized Section

Discussion at the last session:	see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/1999/15 paras. 84-88

118.	The Chairman reported that the Specialized Section on Standardization of Meat had prepared a circular letter informing prospective participants about the work done at UN/ECE. He suggested that the group could develop something similar to increase participation.

119.	The delegation of Spain said that actual participation in the meeting might not be possible for many interested parties because of budgetary constraints. He suggested to inform all permanent missions and other interested parties that participation was also possible through written comments.

120.	He said further that there was great concern that UN/ECE standards were being made obsolete by long-
term contracts that large distributors made with suppliers, creating their own stricter rules. He suggested that it might be interesting to find out whether international associations of these distributors existed and they could be invited to the meeting.

121.	It was agreed that a letter would be drafted by the Chairman and the secretariat. Addresses of prospective participants should be sent to the secretariat.

Acceptances

Discussion at the last session:	see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/1999/15 paras. 89-91

122.	At the last session the secretariat had presented a consolidated document TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/1999/INF.6 (still available on the secretariat's home page at: www.unece.org/trade/agr/meetings/ge.01/document/1999_i06.pdf which listed by country which standards had been accepted. Delegations had been asked to review this document and submit updated information.

123.	The delegation of the European Community said that the UN/ECE would shortly receive an information letter concerning products for which EC marketing directives are applied at the export stage. Concerning other produce Member States would continue to inform UN/ECE individually.

124.	Delegations were asked to review the document again and send information of the secretariat if they had not already done so.

Matters of interest arising from the work of Codex Alimentarius Commission

125.	The Codex Alimentarius Commission was not represented at the session.

European Community

126.	The delegation of the EC informed the Specialized Section that the European Commission had adopted, since the last session, six new standards that are mostly harmonized with UN/ECE standards (Asparagus, Peaches and Nectarines, Peas, Table Grapes, Apricots, Tomatoes). He also mentioned that amendments to three other standards were adopted (Plums, Melons, Cauliflower).

127.	He informed that several issues were on the agenda of the European Commission, such as new standards for Beans, Lettuces, Citrus Fruit, Apples and Pears, as well as amendments to the standards for Peas, Sweet Peppers, Melons, Kiwis, Peaches and Nectarines, Table Grapes, Avocados and Miniature Produce.

128.	The European Commission is also considering a modification of EC Regulation 2251/92 laying down quality controls for fresh fruit and vegetables.

OECD Scheme

(see Addendum 9 to this report - TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/2000/25/Add.9)

Operational activities

Discussion at the last session:	see TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/1999/15 paras. 94-103

129.	The delegation of the United Kingdom informed about their forthcoming international training course which will be held from 12 to 14 September. Products to be discussed are: Peas, Walnuts, Citrus Fruit, Kiwifruit, Peaches and Nectarines, Sweet Peppers, Tomatoes, Celery and Mushrooms.

130.	The delegation of Slovakia informed that the fifth international training course will be held from 26-28 June. Products to be discussed are: Apples and Pears, Onions, Tomatoes, Sweet Peppers and Potatoes. Technical visits will be organized to an ecological farm, an apple farm and an onion farm. She said that she expected many participants from central and south-eastern Europe. The delegation of Ukraine had indicated its wish to participate.

131.	The delegation of Germany informed that the next Geisenheim meeting will be held from 12 to 15 February 2001.

Preparation of the next session

Future work

132.	Future Work will include:

-	Apples and Pears (Belgium, Chile, Germany, New Zealand, United Kingdom)

-	Annonas (Spain)

-	Lettuce (European Community)

-	Peppers (European Community)

-	Pineapples (Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, South Africa, Spain, France, Portugal, COLEACP)

-	Avocados, maturity requirements (Spain)

-	Peaches and Nectarines, maturity requirements (Chile, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden)

-	Trademark issues (secretariat)

-	Kiwifruit (Chile, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, United States)

-	Citrus Fruit, maturity requirements (Spain)

-	Table Grapes, maturity requirements (Chile, Greece, South Africa)

-	Comparison UN/ECE and draft Codex standards for tomatoes, apples and table grapes (secretariat)

-	Code Marks (South Africa)

-	non-conformity cases, EDIFACT (Germany, secretariat)

-	circular letter (Chairman, secretariat)

-	operational activities

-	acceptances

Date and place of the next session

133.	The next session of the Specialized Section has been tentatively scheduled from 15-18 May 2001 with the possibility of a working group meeting on 14 May.

Preparation of the 56th session of the Working Party on Standardization of Perishable Produce and Quality Development

134.	The secretariat will transmit the following documents to the Working Party for adoption:

Addendum 1:	Apples and Pears (as a revised UN/ECE standard)

Addendum 2:	Beans (as a revised UN/ECE standard)

Addendum 3:	Citrus Fruit (as a revised UN/ECE standard)

Addendum 4:	Cultivated Mushrooms (as a revised UN/ECE standard)

Addendum 5:	Peas (as a revised UN/ECE standard)

Addendum 6:	Table Grapes (as a revised UN/ECE standard)

Addendum 7:	Amendments to the UN/ECE standard for Melons (as a revised UN/ECE standard)

Amendments to UN/ECE standards for Aubergines, Headed Cabbages, Cauliflower, Fennels, Sweet Peppers and Courgette (as revised UN/ECE standards)

Amendments to the UN/ECE standard for Avocados (as UN/ECE recommendation for a two-year trial period)

Addendum 8:	Plums (as a UN/ECE recommendation for a two-year trial period)

Addendum 9:	Tomatoes (as a revised UN/ECE standard)

Election of officers

135.	The Group re-elected Mr. David Priester (United States) as its Chairperson and Ms. Ulrike Bickelmann (Germany) as Vice-Chairperson.

Adoption of the report

136.	The Specialized Section adopted the report of its forty-sixth session on the basis of a draft

prepared by the secretariat.

Annex

LIST OF FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS

Action	Responsible	Date
Contact UN Legal Counsel concerning use of trademarks	secretariat	asap
Draft a circular letter to increase participation (send this to addresses provided by countries including international trade ogranisations for large distributors e.g. Trade: EUROCOMMERCE, EUREP, EUCOFEL-CIMO; Producers: COPA-COGELA, CEA, FIPA)	Chairman, secretariat	asap
Provide information about acceptances	all countries	asap
Consult trade and send information on maturity requirements for Avocados to Spain	all delegations	asap
Prepare drafts for splitting the UN/ECE standard for Apples and Pears into separate standards for apples and pears	WGAP (Belgium, Chile, Germany, New Zealand, United Kingdom)	asap

Compare UN/ECE and Codex Standards for Apples, Tomatoes and Table Grapes	secretariat	31.07.2000
Reformat existing list of varieties for apples and pears to the new format	secretariat, Germany	28.08.2000
Prepare a document for the Working Party on exchange of information on non-conformity cases proposing to adopt the existing OECD document	Germany	28.08.2000
Prepare a document for the Working Party requesting information about countries accepting/not accepting code marks	South Africa	28.08.2000
Comments on the draft texts for separate standards for Apples and Pears	all	01.10.2000
Proposal to revise the standard for Kiwifruit	WGKF (Chile, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, United States)	2001
Report on a study concerning maturity requirements for oranges	Spain	2001
Send information on acceptances (based on TRADE/WP.7/GE.1/1999/INF.6	all delegations	2001
Prepare a new document on maturity requirements for Avocados	Spain	2001
Operational activities	secretariat
Prepare a document on maturity requirements for peaches and nectarines	WGPN (Chile, South Africa, Greece, France, Portugal, Sweden, Italy)	2001
Prepare a proposal concerning maturity indicators for table grapes	WGTG (Chile, South Africa, Greece)	2001
Prepare a proposal for a draft UN/ECE standard for Pineapples	WGPA (Cameroon, Côte D'Ivoire, South Africa, Spain, France, Portugal, COLEACP)	2001
Provide information about UN/EDIFACT	secretariat	2001