According to the growers and grower’s organisations, seed availability for 2025 is an issue for potato growers, following similar issues last year.
In a statement, Gerard Croft from the British Potato Trade Association (BPTA) blamed several factors, including lower seed yields in England (which supplies around one third of the seed used for ware production in England and Wales) in both 2023 and 2024, increasing demand from overseas, non-EU markets, particularly for varieties which are less popular in the UK market, and a reduction in the number of growers willing to invest in riskier seed potato production compared with growing ware crops.
Brexit also continues to have an impact on the seed potato market. The fact that EU seed potatoes can no longer be traded or marketed within the UK limits the potential for imports to cover shortfalls in production, and as seed potatoes can no longer be exported from GB to the EU, many growers have reduced their production area as surpluses can no longer be exported to Europe. “Brexit has also meant that any imported seed potatoes cannot be entered into the UK Seed Potato Classification Scheme (SPCS) thereby leaving the industry almost totally reliant upon seed produced within the UK,” added Gerard.
After concerted lobbying on both sides of the English Channel, last October the EU conducted an audit of the UK’s seed potato production with a view to engaging in discussions about re-opening the trade with the EU, although the results have not yet been published.
“Even after publication, further steps will be required before bilateral trade in seed potatoes is able to resume as it was pre-Brexit,” Gerard warned. “The industry remains in active dialogue with authorities in Scotland and England to adapt regulations as necessary, as demonstrated by recent and upcoming virus summits.” In particular the sector wants to see increased flexibility under the Seed Potato Marketing Regulations (Seed Potato Regulations (E&W) 2015 and Seed Potato Regulation (Scotland) 2015), which make it currently illegal to market potatoes intended for seed use unless certified under these regulations, including Farm Saved Seed Potatoes (whether or not they have undergone tuber virus indexing).
“Additionally, under the ‘Official Controls; legislation, for quarantine pest reasons’, it is illegal to plant any potatoes that do not comply with these regulations,” he added. “These challenges highlight the importance of ongoing collaboration between industry stakeholders and government authorities to address seed availability and regulatory requirements effectively.”
