NFU Scotland has responded to the Scottish Government consultation on Scottish seed potato exports to the EU and Northern Ireland (NI).
She calls on the UK governments to focus on and explore all possible avenues to reopen the EU and NI markets so that, as soon as possible, reciprocal arrangements in accordance with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) ) are affected and there is equivalence in all imports and exports.
The Union has also stated that it fully supports the Scottish Government’s proposal to work across Great Britain to develop a thriving and independent seed potato market. This will help address the ongoing disadvantage Scottish seed potato companies are experiencing from the loss of established markets in NI and the EU after Brexit.
Regarding the consultation proposal to examine a “Scotland-specific” agreement with the EU, the Union was categorical in its response that this is neither a valuable use of resources by all governments nor of benefit to the industry, against the UK Internal Market Act 2020 and that the priority activity should be aimed at resolving the current inequality and building a prosperous, sustainable market.
Martin Kennedy, Chairman of NFU Scotland, commented on the Union’s response to the consultation: “We welcome the opportunity to respond to the Scottish Government’s consultation on seed potato exports. Our main response is that it is essential to conclude an agreement under the TCA as soon as possible as time is of the essence. Seed potato growers across the UK are seriously disadvantaged by the continued blocking of the UK’s request for equivalence, which is incompatible is with the TCA. “
“There must be equality for the industry. The current derogation allowing EU seed potatoes to be brought into the UK until the end of June 2021 has not been conducive to reaching an equivalence agreement and we insist that it should not be extended. “
“We are also pleading for government support to identify and develop a thriving, sustainable market within the UK. Scottish seed potato growers are looking for such opportunities and certainty so that they can grow with confidence knowing that there is an identified market for their high-quality products. “
“The NFU Scotland will continue to urgently lobby both governments to secure Scotland’s high-quality potato sector. We need to focus on what is clearly achievable through the TCA and work towards the right outcome for our important seed potato sector and its economic importance to Scotland.”
