The British Ministry of Agriculture Defra has given the green light for the import of seed potatoes from the European Union in 2019, much to the dismay of the Scots. Export is not possible, which means that the Scottish seed potato sector foresees major problems.
The United Kingdom (UK) is a major importer of seed potatoes. The largest volume comes from the European Union (EU). Scotland produces 70% of all seed potatoes in the UK, with a total yield of 100.000 tonnes; good for a turnover of more than €100 million, according to government figures.
Exemption for 2 year
About 13,5% of all Scottish seed potatoes find their way to the EU. The largest volume is shipped to North Africa. Mairi Gougeon, the Scottish minister for Rural Aiffairs, is concerned that British agriculture minister Michael Gove has already made a decision on the import of seed potatoes. After Brexit, the sector will be allowed to import parental material for another year.
No place for surplus
"Your decision has come to me through-via," the Scottish minister writes in a letter to Minister Gove. "This decision has major consequences for the Scottish seed industry", says gougeon. "It is unlikely that the EU will allow imports of British seed potatoes before the Brexit date of March 30, 2019. This means a surplus for at least 2 growing seasons, which could have been sold in the UK. About 80% of the seed potatoes in the UK is now of Scottish origin."