# Commission Regulation (EU) No 352/2010 of 23 April 2010 approving minor amendments to the specification for a name entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications [Pomme de terre de l’île de Ré (PDO)], Division 5.1: Specificity of the geographical area

Extent: E+W+S+N.I.

Ile de Ré, situated on the Atlantic coast, is a good location from a climatological point of view and is characterised by:
significant amounts of sun and light,
low rainfall between February and May,
exposure to warm and violent winds.
These climatic factors typical of a Mediterranean-type climate are favourable for the growth of an early potato as they allow early development (thanks to light, heat and water).
The effects of less rainfall than the average for the mainland together with the evapotranspiration are compensated for by the existence of sufficient hydrogeological reserves which allow the crops to be irrigated when the tubers are forming and developing.
On Ile de Ré the land reserved for the production of potatoes is located on coastal soil which is calcolsol with a sandy texture on a limestone base. This is light, dry, filtering soil which heats up quickly and this is beneficial for the early production of potatoes. The producers of ‘pommes de terre de l’île de Ré’ were able to take advantage of these favourable climatological and soil conditions to successfully grow the tuber in accordance with established local practices. The originality of the cultural practices is characterised by:
fertilisation methods: adding organic material in autumn, in particular in the form of kelp (organic compost made of marine algae harvested on the beaches of the island). This organic compost, which is one of the island's veritable treasures, has for a long time been the sole organic compost used. The kelp decomposes more quickly than bovine manure and is said to lead to less disease,
planting in close rows, not very deep, under very shallow layers of soil. The two objectives are to both protect against the wind and to promote growth.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2010/352/annex/II/division/SINGLE/division/5/division/5.1 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/eu-regulation-2010-352/annex-II/division-SINGLE/division-5/division-5.1
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.