Since Brexit, the EU has banned seed potato imports from the UK, disrupting a once-thriving trade. Before 2021, Scotland supplied Ireland with a significant portion of its seed potatoes, particularly for processing varieties used in crisps and chips. Now, Irish growers face difficulties sourcing alternatives, despite new government support schemes aimed at boosting domestic seed production.
The UK is also feeling the strain. English seed yields—which supply about a third of the seed potatoes for ware production in England and Wales—dropped in both 2023 and 2024 due to unfavorable growing conditions. Additionally, rising demand from non-EU markets and a decline in seed potato growers (who are shifting to less risky ware crops) have worsened the shortage.
Failed Negotiations and Trade Barriers
Despite ongoing talks, the EU and UK remain deadlocked on seed potato trade. The UK has pushed for resumed exports, even welcoming an EU audit of its seed production systems. However, the EU insists that any trade resumption would require complex legal amendments, delaying progress.
Meanwhile, the UK’s ban on EU seed potatoes further limits supply. While some EU producers have applied for UK market access, approvals remain stalled, leaving farmers on both sides struggling.
Broader Brexit Trade Challenges
The seed potato issue is just one of many unresolved post-Brexit trade disputes. The UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) has faced EU criticism over inconsistent enforcement and high inspection fees. Disagreements also persist over:
- African swine fever (ASF) restrictions—The UK bans EU pigmeat from ASF-affected wild boar zones, despite no cases in domestic pigs.
- Bird flu vaccination policies—The UK’s hesitation to accept French vaccinated poultry has blocked imports since early 2024.
- Risk categorizations for produce—The EU wants some UK-classified “low-risk” fruits and vegetables moved to “medium-risk,” creating additional trade friction.
Hope for a New SPS Agreement?
The UK’s new Labour government has pledged to negotiate a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU to ease trade barriers. However, aligning too closely with EU food safety rules could limit the UK’s ability to strike independent trade deals.
With the first post-Brexit UK-EU summit set for May 19, stakeholders hope for progress. Yet, as another planting season passes without a solution, farmers face mounting uncertainty.
The seed potato shortage highlights the lingering disruptions of Brexit on agriculture. Without swift policy resolutions, both UK and EU farmers will continue to grapple with supply shortages, higher costs, and reduced competitiveness in global markets. Collaborative solutions are urgently needed to stabilize the sector.
