Prior to the UK leaving the European Union, Scottish seed potatoes were a crucial import for markets in the continent. More than 75 percent of Britain's seed potato exports comes from Scotland, with the country exporting seed to 18 EU countries in 2020/21. However, since January 2021, Scottish farmers have been unable to export seed potatoes to the bloc, including Northern Ireland, because of changes in trade regulations.
Still, the campaign to restore access to the export markets in the EU and NI for Scottish seed potatoes is continuing, with an MP saying the new government must now engage in a 'meaningful way'. Richard Thomson, who is leading efforts to restore access, said there was a fresh opportunity following the appointment of Ranil Jayawardena as new Defra Secretary.
Thomson, who is MP for Gordon, said the new government must engage with the EU in 'a meaningful way' and restore the export markets for Scottish seed potatoes.
Source: farminguk.com