Due to unsolved issues around the import and export of seed potatoes between the United Kingdom and the European Union, growers in Ireland have been advised to contact their seed producers already about seed for the 2023 season.
With seed of traditional varieties such as Kerr’s Pink, Golden Wonder and British Queen unavailable to growers from traditional sources in Scotland and England, growers need to source from elsewhere. However, such high dry matter potatoes are unpopular in Europe, meaning seed producers may be reluctant to produce them due to their limited market.
Shay Phelan, of Ireland’s Agriculture and Food Development Authority, commented, “It’s a bit of a conundrum, to be honest we’ve limited seed crops growing here and UK potato seed imports are not approved.
“A derogation was sought to import seed, but it wasn’t successful and that will have a big impact on some farmers. If we got access to a derogation for seed growers we could fill the gaps, but even that would take a year or two.”
County Louth-based potato grower John Carroll added, “It will be a big issue unless something is done with the seed industry. We don’t save seed because it’s completely different, that’s why there are so few seed growers in Ireland because it’s hard to get right.”