Seed growers are ‘at a crossroads’

Further cold water has been poured on any hopes that there might be a speedy resolution to the exclusion of Scottish seed potatoes from the EU.

And the news that the European Commission has decided not to progress the case for seed potato equivalenceunder article 44 of the Plant health regulation has left scottish seed growers“at a crossroads”, according to an industry expert who also warned that the move could threaten the whole European potato industry.

“Unfortunately, the news has come at a time when the sector was seeking a rapid resolution to the EU prohibition to provide growers with the confidence to finalise their planting arrangements for the forthcoming season”, said Patrick Hughes, AHDB head of export trade development for potatoes.

Highlighting that the issue had once again run aground on the Uk’ s lack of dynamic alignment with EU regulations, he said that any speedy resolution was now unlikely – leaving UK seed growers lacking the certainty needed to make their planting decisions. “The decision also poses a risk to the entire European potato sector by shutting off a high-grade production area that they may come to rely on should the european crop suffer disease issues,” warned Hughes.

Adding that while it might seem logical to withdraw the derogation which still allowed European seed into the UK and impose a reciprocal ban, hughes said there were other factors that needed to be taken into consideration such as the difference between the varieties imported and those varieties exported.

“Therefore, a balanced conversation needs to take place before any decisions are made,” he said.