Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Scottish Seed Potato Industry

Wednesday 3 November 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government works collaboratively with devolved Administrations on issues for seed potato growers
  • Application submitted to lift EU restrictions on seed potato imports
  • Government highlights export potential in China and Asia for Scottish seed potatoes

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Duncan Baker
Brexit Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The Scottish seed potato industry faces issues with EU export restrictions, affecting both Scottish growers and Solana Seeds in North Norfolk.

Question

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?

Answer from Iain Stewart

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitments or timelines for resolving the export issue were not provided, only that a solution will be sought.

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Q2 Duncan Baker
Scotland Brexit Business & Trade
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Iain Stewart

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.

Not addressed: The specific request regarding an equivalence deal was not addressed; instead, focus shifted to alternative markets.

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Q3 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Scotland Brexit Business & Trade
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Iain Stewart

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.

Not addressed: The specific request about an equivalence deal was not addressed; instead, focus shifted to alternative markets.

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