During the Europatat congress workshop the unique British integrated potato supply chain has been presented. The role of the scientific world, the seed and ware producers and the packing stations was illustrated by Prof. I. Crute, D. Walker and A. Gibson. C. Mcquaid of Marks &Spencer concluded this overview as representative of the British retailers.
The afternoon session discussed on the question whether the European potato sector benefits most of a protected or a free market, as well in the EU as in relationship to 3rd countries. This internal EU market is one of the few which is not organised by a common market regime which results in a mosaic of 27 nationally ‘organised’ markets. However there is a lot of interaction of seed and consumption potatoes (as well as potato products) in the EU.
On the other hand the plant health legislation (SPS) as well as TBT (technical barriers to trade) influence trade with 3rd countries. Also commercial certification and labelling on food safety of the food chain and sustainability can have an impact on markets. J.Mc Laren of the Scottish national farmers’ union and Y. Yablonka (Israeli exporter of potatoes) presented their positions on this sensitive item following an introduction to trade opportunities and barriers by secretary general R. Cools.
Europatat concluded this session by confirming its previous position on the role of the free potato market, within commonly agreed plant health rules, as well within the EU as in relationship to 3rd countries to guarantee the consumers a modern and healthy food stuff and to offer the sector a market at a scale to provide a balance for the complete potato chain to continue its work, without depending on public money. Europatat also welcomes the work of the SPS market access working group of DG trade, which is currently – together with the industry – working on a solution for the trade discussions on seed potatoes exported to Morocco.
Europatat called upon the European Commission and the European Parliament, as well as upon the national governments of the EU 27 to assure the future of this self organising structure based upon partnership. Europatat also invited the Commission to take this self regulating potato sector into consideration in its studies on the agricultural policy, as up to now the potato sector has never been taken into account in such projects.
Interventions and subsidies should mainly be used for innovation of the product and its production methods, and if in the framework of the post 2013 CAP revision support for producers’ organisations is foreseen, this should only be made available taking into consideration a ‘level playing field’ between these producers’ organisations and private companies.
