Seed potato export from Scotland to Northern Ireland to resume starting September 30

Gordon MP Richard Thomson has welcomed confirmation from DEFRA that exports of seed potatoes from Scotland to Northern Ireland can restart from 30 September but has reacted with disbelief that the UK Government hasn’t raised the issue of exports to the EU since March.

Richard Thomson, Member of the Scottish National Party and Parliament for Gordon at House of Commons:
 

"Having a date for the resumption of seed potato exports to Northern Ireland is undoubtedly welcome and provides certainty where previously there was none."

"However, the admission from Defra that the issue of lifting the ban on exports to the EU has not been discussed for nearly six months is absolutely astounding."

"I worry that it provides an indication of the importance – or lack of – that the UK government attaches to restoring Scottish seed potatoes – renowned the world over for their high quality – to their rightful export markets."

He said it was 'simply unacceptable' that producers across Scotland have had to endure the disruption of being able to get seed potatoes into another part of the UK.

Richard Thomson:
 

"We find Defra has effectively been asleep at the wheel for months when it should have been driving the negotiations to get our markets back."