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

Published Nov 29, 2022

Tridge summary

The UK government is considering a request to extend the same derogations for Scottish seed potatoes as for imports from certain parts of Canada. This comes after the UK's departure from the EU led to a ban on seed potato exports from non-EU countries, including Scotland. Despite making up over 75% of the UK's seed potato exports, Scotland can no longer export to the UK, including Northern Ireland, due to new trade regulations. Gordon MP Richard Thomson has expressed cautious optimism about the government's response to his request to reinstate access to EU export markets for Scottish seed potatoes.

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

Original content

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 ...

Source: AGF