According to supermarket giant Morrisons, plans to close its potato grading and storage depot in Carnoustie will not affect its Scottish growers and its commitment to buying Scottish potatoes. The company sources potatoes from 40 growers in Scotland. On Tuesday, it announced the closure of the grading and storage depot at Clayholes Farm near Carnoustie.
The retailer said “continuing efficiency gains” in its supply chain had resulted in the Clayholes facility only grading 6% of the potatoes it handles. Its role could be absorbed by other parts of the Morrisons supply chain.
Pressandjournal.co.uk quoted a Morrisons spokeswoman as saying: “The closure does not mean that Morrisons will be buying any fewer Scottish potatoes, nor is its commitment to Scottish potato growers in any way reduced. We will now be asking growers to complete their own passports and encouraging due diligence when assessing stock suitability.”
When asked if the changes will result in costs for farmers, she said there would be no change for growers.
