UK potato growers face seed shortages amid Brexit trade barriers

Gerard Croft from the British Potato Trade Association (BPTA) attributes this to several factors. Lower seed yields in England, which provides about a third of the seed for ware production in England and Wales, have been noted for 2023 and 2024. There’s also rising demand from non-EU markets for varieties less favored in the UK, alongside a decline in growers willing to invest in seed potato production compared to ware crops.

Brexit’s impact on the seed potato market remains evident. EU seed potatoes can no longer be traded within the UK, limiting import options to cover production shortfalls. With the inability to export seed potatoes from Great Britain to the EU, some growers have reduced their production areas. Gerard stated, "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."

In October, the EU audited the UK’s seed potato production to explore reopening trade with the EU, but results are pending. Gerard noted, "Even after publication, further steps will be required before bilateral trade in seed potatoes is able to resume as it was pre-Brexit." Discussions with Scottish and English authorities aim to adapt regulations, highlighted by virus summits. The sector seeks more flexibility under the Seed Potato Marketing Regulations, which currently prohibit marketing uncertified seed potatoes.

"Additionally, under the ’Official Controls; legislation, for quarantine pest reasons’, it is illegal to plant any potatoes that do not comply with these regulations," Gerard added. Ongoing collaboration between industry stakeholders and government authorities is crucial to address seed availability and regulatory requirements.