UK: Defra raises seed potato derogation granted to Canada with the EU

The UK government has responded to requests to allow the same derogations for Scottish seed potatoes as for imports into the EU from parts of Canada. The import of seed potatoes into the EU from non-EU countries is banned, except in the case of Switzerland, which complies with EU regulations, and, unusually, parts of Canada some 20 years ago. Before the United Kingdom left the European Union, Scottish seed potatoes were vital to the continent's markets. Over 75% of UK seed potato exports come from Scotland, with the country exporting seed potatoes to 18 EU countries in 2020/21. However, as of January 2021, Scottish farmers will no longer be able to export seed potatoes to the UK, including Northern Ireland, due to changes in trade regulations. Gordon MP Richard Thomson, who has pushed for the government to restore access to EU export markets for Scottish seed potatoes, has cautiously welcomed the new development. He ...