If we cannot export seed potatoes, EU countries are also not allowed to export seed potatoes to the United Kingdom. This is how a club of Scottish seed potato growers thinks about it. They ask British agriculture minister George Eustice to introduce an import ban for next season, if the European borders are not opened.
The Pre Basic Growers Association (PBGA) is a growers' association for pre-basic seed potato growers. This concerns around 40 companies that are mainly located in Scotland and export much of their seed potatoes to European destinations. Mainly Ireland and Northern Ireland, which has also become impossible after Brexit. With about 6 weeks to go until the planting season, they demand clarity as to whether it is advisable to plant seed potatoes for the European market.
Request is rejected
In a letter to the British Agriculture Minister, they ask for an import stop on EU seed potatoes that should come into effect on July 1, when European borders do not open. The United Kingdom has already asked for an opening. This would be discussed during the Scopaff meeting in Brussels. This request was rejected at the last minute because the UK does not comply with the demands set by the European Union.
The Ministry of Agriculture Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) tried to achieve a phytosanitary derogation with the EU in order to be able to export seed potatoes to mainland Europe. Because the plant health rules in the UK are not 'dynamically aligned' with those of the EU, the proposal failed. This has to do with the fact that the UK is obliged to follow all European requirements. For example, if the EU chooses to change the scab scale, the UK cannot refuse this. The British want to retain that option. Because there are no longer representatives in Brussels, they can no longer influence the rules in this way.
Do not outsource trade
The UK exports around 22.000 tonnes of seed potatoes to EU countries annually. Mainly to Ireland, but also to France and Spain. That trade is worth €11,5 million per year. The discussion currently being had is primarily a political one. The British obviously do not want to let the men and women in Brussels rule over their seed potato trade.
The country imports approximately 30.000 tons of seed potatoes annually. The Netherlands is an important supplier, although significantly less seed potatoes were delivered in 2020. This amounted to 6.700 tons, compared to 15.400 to 20.000 tons in previous years. In 2012, even 39.000 tons of seed potatoes were shipped to the UK.
Own cultivation
Because the UK cannot do without European seed potatoes, the government has allowed imports for the current season. Special varieties for specific market segments come from Europe and the British market cannot do without them. This exemption expires on July 1, which is why organizations such as the PBGA are now calling not to extend it. They reason that the 22.000 tons of missed exports can be used to largely cover the 30.000 tons of European imports. This way, growers can be sure that when they plant this spring, there will actually be a market for the potatoes.
People from the seed potato sector do not expect a significant reduction in area this season due to a possible export ban. They do think that certain varieties - which previously went to European destinations - will be reduced in area. This shifts the focus to varieties that can be exported to countries in North Africa. Because these countries set high standards, this is difficult for some growers. Parties of a second quality were more likely to go to Europe. That may soon no longer be possible.
Other growing locations
Another option now is to bring mini tubers from Europe from varieties that are propagated here. That option also expires on July 1, but genetics may still be imported after that date, albeit with a lot of extra paperwork. That is not a solution for Scottish growers. Important varieties for French fries and potato chip production, as well as table varieties, do not always grow well in the cool and wet climate. Seed potato cultivation must then take place further south in England. European seed potatoes are also sometimes of better quality than the British batches. Especially when it concerns black leg. For the time being, the British potato sector remains in great uncertainty regarding the seed potato situation.