The European seed potato industry has a tradition of delivering high-quality products globally. Compliance with phytosanitary standards is a priority, with EU production norms among the world's most stringent. Many European entities export seed potatoes, with Türkiye ranking fourth among destination markets. Turkish import protocols necessitate certification inspections.
Recent trends highlight increased rejection rates by Turkish authorities due to sampling and testing discrepancies. For instance, last year, multiple Europatat members reported varied rejection experiences. This year's data indicates rejection rates reaching up to 35% in some countries, with inconsistent pests identified compared to the previous year.
A case underscored operational inconsistencies where seed potatoes from identical production lots yielded differing acceptance results in Türkiye. Historical instances have noted pest interceptions unfamiliar in originating countries, further complicating matters.
Compounding the issue, variations in nomenclature for seed potato classes create additional export challenges. While both Türkiye and the EU maintain phytosanitary standards, classification divergences seem to initiate certain import restrictions.
Consequently, exporting processes to Türkiye have become more complex, leading several Europatat members to seek alternate markets. Anticipation of continued rejections may drive further market shifts next year.
Europatat encourages cooperative endeavors between Turkish authorities, National Plant Protection Organisations (NPPOs), and exporters. Aligning official controls with international standards is vital to ensuring compliance with Turkish import requirements. Europatat commits to fostering ongoing dialogues, aiming to mitigate rejections in future seasons.
Source: PotatoPro
