Britain takes the lead as number one EU exporter of seed potatoes to Egypt

British seed potatoes are grown in over 50 countries worldwide, with Egypt a long-time major export destination, accounting for around 40% of total seed exported. Even though GB seed export tonnage is still being calculated for the 2012/2013 season, official export statistics confirm that GB is now the EU’s leading source of seed potatoes to Egypt.

Exports of British seed have been increasing steadily for the last ten years, but with the challenging conditions of the 2012 season, it would not have been a surprise if export quantities had dropped.

However, the opposite has proved to be the case with exports exceeding the 2011/12 season. Forty one thousand tonnes have been exported to Egypt so far this season, with figures still rising.

GB seed potatoes are sown and grown in Europe’s designated high-health region in ideal conditions that produce healthy, vigorous crops, perfect for both high-grade seed production and supplies of ware potatoes for processing and retail.

International customers also benefit from GB’s technical expertise as many of the individual varieties are bred specifically for growing in widely varying conditions around the world. Plant health tolerance levels for seed imports around the world differ considerably from country to country, with several key markets demanding very strict disease tolerance levels.

According to Robert Burns, Head of Seed and Export at the Potato Council, it is thanks to regular communications between GB’s Potato Council, plant health officials and industry, seed from Britain is seen as amongst the best in the world and continues to be in demand. So it seems British seed export success is set to ‘weather the changes’ for some time to come.

Source: Potato Council