The Potato Council took a stand at Fruit Logistica for the first time this year to promote UK seed potatoeson the continent.
The UK is one of the biggest seed potato exporters, with 150 varieties on the market and more than 90,000 tonnes shipped to 50 countries last year.
Mark Prentice, head of seed and export at the Potato Council, said: “The seed-growing areas of Scotland and northern England experience the cool climate and higher wind speeds required to reduce the numbers of aphids and so limit virus transmission. These areas have been designated an EU Community Grade region, safeguarding their high health status.
“Additionally, rigorous seed certification and inspection standards are applied. Both the land and crops are tested and expected - twice during the growing season and then again post-harvest by government officials…
“High health seed is a vital starting block for potato growers in the world, helping to improve profits and yields.”
Sophie Lock, seed and export executive at the Potato Council, told freshinfo: “Exports have held their own up until this point, but we don’t know how they will perform going forward - it has been a tough year.”
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