Potato demand is shifting in the UK

Published 2024년 5월 1일

Tridge summary

Scotland's potato industry, which accounts for nearly a quarter of the UK's potato production and 6% of Scotland's agricultural output, is facing challenges due to lost market access post-Brexit. Despite the UK being a net exporter of seed potatoes, with Scotland contributing 75% of the area grown in Britain, the industry's complexity and significance extend beyond farm gate values. The industry has an economic impact of £507 million and supports 2,880 full-time jobs in Scotland, with potato production valued at around £245 million from 2018-2020. The sector faces threats such as potato cyst nematodes and climate change, highlighting the need for government support for research and development to maintain high production standards.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Post-Brexit, the UK, and particularly Scotland, faced challenges in seed potato exports due to lost market access, impacting demand. Scotland, known for its disease-free conditions conducive to ’high health’ seed production, plays a crucial role in the UK’s potato sector, contributing nearly a quarter of the UK’s output. Between 2018-2020, Scottish potato production, encompassing seed and ware potatoes, was valued at approximately £245 million, indicating 6% of Scottish agricultural output and 22% of the UK’s potato production. Despite the UK importing more potato products, it remains a net exporter of seed potatoes, with Scotland accounting for 75% of the area grown in Britain. The potato industry’s broader economic impact includes processed products and the supply chain, with an on-farm and upstream economic contribution of £507 million and supporting 2,880 full-time jobs in Scotland. The ...

Source: Argenpapa