Scottish Seed Potato Industry 2021-11-03
2021-11-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Scottish seed potato industry faces issues with EU export restrictions, affecting both Scottish growers and Solana Seeds in North Norfolk.
What steps the Government are taking to support the Scottish seed potato industry. The EU continues to block seed potato exports into Europe, offering no reciprocal trading arrangements, harming not only the vital industry in Scotland but also my growers in North Norfolk. Will you meet me to explain the situation further and what we are doing to rectify this problem?
The Government continue to work collaboratively with devolved Administrations on issues for seed potato growers, remain in contact with industry bodies, and press the European Commission to allow imports of high-class seed potatoes. An application has been submitted to lift EU restrictions based on GB requirements being equivalent and is pursued at both political and technical levels. The temporary authorisation allowing imports expired on 30 June.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitments or timelines for resolving the export issue were not provided, only that a solution will be sought.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The EU's continued blocking of seed potato exports has led to a collapse in the industry, with 30,000 tonnes of seed not exported and £13.5 million in trade lost.
This is an example of the botched Brexit deal failing to consider the needs of small but important industries. The Scottish seed potato industry has collapsed due to export restrictions; 30,000 tonnes of seed have not been exported and £13.5 million of trade is no longer in place. What are you doing to ensure an equivalence deal with the EU as soon as possible?
In addition to previous points, I note there is significant export potential in China and Asia for Scottish seed potatoes. The industry was discussed with representatives in Glasgow recently, highlighting vast global potential for the sector. We aim to assist realising this potential.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request regarding an equivalence deal was not addressed; instead, focus shifted to alternative markets.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Scottish seed potato industry has collapsed due to export restrictions; 30,000 tonnes of seed have not been exported and £13.5 million of trade is no longer in place.
This botched Brexit deal fails to take into account the needs of small but important industries like the Scottish seed potato sector. The industry has collapsed with 30,000 tonnes of seed unexported and £13.5 million in lost trade. What are you doing to secure an equivalence deal with the EU to resume trade?
In addition to previous points, there is significant export potential in China and Asia for Scottish seed potatoes. I met industry representatives in Glasgow recently, highlighting vast global opportunities for the sector. We aim to assist realising this potential.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request about an equivalence deal was not addressed; instead, focus shifted to alternative markets.
Response accuracy