More British seed potatoes rejected this year

The British (seed) potato sector has to deal with an unpleasant surprise this marketing season. The Canary Islands, a regular buyer of table and seed potatoes, has refused shipments several times. The reason for this is the presence of tuber diseases.

Scotland has exported over 10.000 tons of seed potatoes until May this season. Of this, 10,8 percent was rejected. Good for 1.080 tons, a noose for trading houses. In addition, 5 percent of the exported volume of table potatoes was refused by the Spanish island. From England and Wales, 3 percent of the potato volume was rejected. This is announced by the British potato organization AHDB Potato.

Ministries on research
The Spanish government cites the finding of common scabies, silver scurf and black speckle as the reason. The British Ministry of Agriculture Defra is working with AHDB and the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture Magrama to jointly resolve the matter. The Canary Islands are classified as a "third country" and are not part of Spain. There are also other phytosanitary requirements for this, despite the fact that the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture does regulate the import of agricultural products.

Difference between inspections
The Canary Islands have a total of 2,1 million inhabitants. However, it is the 9 million tourists who visit the destination against the West African coast every year, who do like some potatoes. What is special is that the British authorities have approved the cargoes in the port, but that the Spaniards rejected them on arrival. Exporters can challenge a ruling, but that's a long battle. Both ministries will meet this month to find a solution and to compare assessment methods.

Niels van der Boom

Niels van der Boom is a senior market specialist for arable crops at DCA Market Intelligence. He mainly makes analyses and market updates about the potato market. In columns he shares his sharp view on the arable sector and technology.

n.vanderboom@boerenbusiness. Nl

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