Strict standards covering the seed potato sector have been upgraded to safeguard exports.
A number of changes to the industry’s Safe Haven assurance scheme come into force this week.
The scheme, which was established by industry in 2005, covers 60% of all seed potato production in Great Britain with 170 members, of which 162 are based in Scotland.
Originally established to provide additional protection for the industry and its customers from bacterial Ring Rot, the scheme requires all growers to follow strict protocols to ensure best practice for seed growing and handling.
Its members are audited by Red Tractor and eight new elements have been added to the scheme – water use, tools and equipment, transport, contracted or shared machinery, grading and packing, storage, and traceability.
The scheme will also now cover the disease Brown Rot and pest Epitrix, in addition to the existing coverage of Ring Rot and Dickeya.
“The Safe Haven certification scheme offers growers and their customers valuable backstop insurance,” said Robert Doig, director of Perth-based Caledonia Potatoes and a member of the scheme.
“It provides the reassurance that the seed they purchase will be healthy and disease-free and is globally recognised as being a guarantee of quality assurance.”
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) welcomed the changes to the scheme and said it was a valuable marketing tool during export trade negotiations.
AHDB’s head of export trade development Patrick Hughes said: “We welcome these changes as they reinforce the value of the scheme in supporting individual businesses, the long-term health of the British potato industry and protecting the global reputation of British seed potatoes.
“It is important to regularly review standards to ensure they are fit for purpose and keep pace with the changing environment we operate in.”
He said exports of seed and fresh potatoes from the UK were worth just under £113 million between July 2019 and June this year, with seed potatoes making up the bulk of this trade.
Mr Hughes added: “We work closely with important export destinations for British seed and know customers in countries such as Egypt, Israel, and Thailand recognise the standards and security Safe Haven offers.
“Safe Haven has always been an extremely important export tool and it will play an increased role after the transition period for exiting the EU ends, safeguarding markets and helping us to develop future opportunities.”
AHDB figures show the bulk of the UK’s seed potato producers are in Scotland – 210 of the 280 farmers – and approximately 100,000 tonnes of seed tatties are exported every year.
