The quality of seed potatoes directly influences crop yield, plant health, and farm productivity. High-quality seed potatoes not only allow for greater production using less land but also contribute to global food security and environmental sustainability by minimizing the need for chemical inputs and land expansion.
Recognizing these critical factors, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) recently finalized important updates to its Standard for Seed Potatoes (S-1) during the 52nd session of its Specialized Section on Standardization of Seed Potatoes held from 18–20 March 2025 in Geneva. This marked the culmination of a three-year review process led by Finland, with the active participation of France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Euroseeds, and South Africa.
Originally adopted in 1961, the UNECE Standard S-1 is the only international framework that comprehensively addresses seed potato certification, covering key areas such as:
- Varietal identity and purity
- Traceability and disease control
- Pest prevention and quality checks
- Labelling and record-keeping
The newly revised standard will be officially presented for adoption during the 80th session of the UNECE Working Party on Agricultural Quality Standards from 17–19 November 2025.
Why These Updates Matter
Today’s farming operations face increased pressure from climate variability, evolving pest threats, and the need for sustainable production methods. According to a 2024 report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), around 50% of potato yield losses globally are linked to the use of low-quality or disease-infected seed. By adopting clearer and stricter international rules, the updated UNECE Standard aims to reduce these risks significantly.
As Hanna Kortemaa, Chair of the Specialized Section and Director of the Plant Production Department at the Finnish Food Authority, emphasized:
“This revised standard is a crucial tool for the global seed potato industry. In today’s trade environment, having a reliable framework like this is more valuable than ever.”
Key Updates in the 2025 Revision
- Enhanced Certification Processes: The certification system is now more transparent and rigorous, ensuring seed lots meet strict quality standards.
- Stronger Disease and Pest Control: Updated inspection rules aim to minimize the risk of spreading diseases like potato cyst nematode and late blight, which together cause billions in crop losses annually.
- Improved Traceability and Labelling: Clearer labelling and detailed record-keeping will help trace seed potatoes across the supply chain, benefiting both regulators and buyers.
- Global Alignment: The standard now better aligns with major European and North American trade regulations, simplifying cross-border seed potato trade.
According to recent data from the World Potato Congress, seed potato production and quality certification are becoming more critical each year as global demand for potatoes rises. In 2023, potatoes ranked as the third most important food crop globally after rice and wheat, feeding more than a billion people every day.
The 2025 revisions to the UNECE Seed Potato Standard represent a significant advancement for farmers, agronomists, and agricultural industries worldwide. With a stronger focus on disease prevention, quality assurance, and transparency, these updates provide essential tools to secure healthier crops, higher yields, and more reliable international trade. By adopting and implementing these improved practices, the agricultural community moves one step closer to achieving sustainable and resilient food systems for the future.
