Deal could lead to increase in UK seed exported to Brazil

A game-changing agreement has been reached between Scotland and Brazil on seed potato certification standards.

The deal could pave the way for a significant rise in the tonnage of British seed exported to Brazil which produces around 3.6 million tonnes of potatoes a year but achieves yields only two thirds of those achieved by UK growers.

British seed is likely to help increase yields for Brazilian producers and representatives from both countries will meet early next year to finalise talks on removing the requirement for disease testing on GB seed potatoes entering Brazil.

The news was announced at Potatoes in Practice by AHDB head of crops, Rob Burns. AHDB’s exports team will have engaged with nine countries via inward and outward trade missions and fact-finding visits by next March. They include visits to Israel, Oman, India, Russia, Kuwait and Qatar.

Meanwhile 10 varieties of potatoes have been sent for trialling in Kenya, including four free varieties – Atlantic, Cara, Hermes and Russet Burbank – and six commercial varieties from the James Hutton Institute.

Most farmers in Kenya use poor quality saved seed which yields as little as 10 tonnes / ha while the GB seed being trialled is expected to produce 40-50 tonnes / ha.

AHDB’s head of strategic insight, Daniel Swales, warned against potato producers approaching Brexit with a “wait and see” attitude.

“That’s high risk because it’s going to be some time before the details come out,” he said.

Talks are due early next year.