Declining Fresh Potato Demand and Brexit Impact Pose Challenges for Scotland’s Potato Industry
A recent study conducted by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) reveals significant shifts and challenges facing Scotland’s potato sector, highlighting a 71% decline in UK fresh potato demand since the 1970s. This decline is attributed to changing consumer preferences favoring foods like pasta and rice over traditional potatoes.
Moreover, Brexit-related issues have exacerbated concerns, particularly in seed potato exports, crucial for Scotland due to its disease-free growing conditions and esteemed ‘high health’ status. Loss of access to these export markets has further strained the sector, impacting both production and economic outlook.
Despite these challenges, Scotland maintains a pivotal role in the UK’s potato production landscape, contributing approximately a quarter of the nation’s total potato output. Between 2018 and 2020, the farm gate value of Scotland’s potato production, encompassing both seed and ware potatoes, amounted to GBP 245 million, underscoring its significance within Scottish agriculture.
Scotland’s role as a net exporter of seed potatoes remains crucial, with 75% of the UK’s potato crop originating from Scottish farms. This export-oriented focus not only supports the domestic economy but also underscores Scotland’s international reputation for producing high-health seed potatoes.
Beyond the farm gate value, the potato sector in Scotland generates substantial economic activity through processing, including chilled, frozen, dried, and cooked potato products. This sector supports a robust supply chain comprising specialized equipment, storage facilities, and processing capabilities, contributing GBP 507 million in output and sustaining 2,880 full-time jobs.
Steven Thomson, Senior Agricultural Economist at SRUC, emphasized the report’s findings on the economic importance of Scotland’s seed potato sector. He stressed the need for continued support from the Scottish Government in research, development, and policy measures to safeguard against threats like potato cyst nematodes (PCN) and other diseases.
Gerry Saddler, Chief Plant Health Officer for Scotland, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the critical role of Scotland’s seed potato production in maintaining production standards amidst global challenges posed by pests and climate change.
