British potato growers cautioned against using ware imports as seed potatoes

The British Potato Trade Association (BPTA) has written to its membership to warn against the potential use of imported ware potatoes as seed.

Charlie Reeve writes in a news story for Farmers Weekly that complications following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU culminated in there being no access to imported seed potato supplies from the EU since 1 July this year, save for exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

While there are no current shortages of seed potatoes, specific frying varieties such as Sagitta, Ramos and Agria may be harder to obtain than in previous years.

There is still a protocol in place that allows the movement of ware potatoes in between Britain and the EU, however the movement of seed potatoes is banned. Sandy McGowan, president of the BPTA, warns the temptation may therefore exist for small quantities to be imported in GB.