Major Seed Potato Supply deal signed between Scotland and Kenya

Fergus Ewing (right) announces that the Scottish Government has signed a bilateral agreement to allow the import of seed potatoes to Kenya.
Also pictured (from left to right), George Lyon, Rob Burns, Gwynn Jones and Alistair Melrose of AHDB Potatoes.
(Courtesy: Matt Cartney/Crown)

November 18, 2016

Source

Scottish Government

Scottish seed potatoes can be imported to Kenya after an agreement was signed between the two countries in a boost to the sector, Scotland's Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has announced.

The bilateral agreement represents further recognition of Scotland’s high-health status and world-wide reputation for producing high quality seed potatoes.

Mr Ewing confirmed the agreement while visiting AHDB’s stand at Farm Business Event AgriScot.

Fergus Ewing, Rural Economy Secretary for Scotland:

“I am delighted to confirm that the Scottish Government has signed a bilateral agreement to allow the import of Scottish seed potatoes to Kenya. This is welcome news for the Scottish seed potato sector and further recognition of its global renown for producing high quality seed potatoes.”

“Kenya grows around 160,000 hectares of potatoes annually but only 2% of this is grown from certified seed potatoes. The potential market demand is therefore significant.”

“This agreement with the Kenyan Government will enable farmers to access high-quality Scottish seed potatoes that are free from disease, potentially improving Kenya’s potato crop health and yield.”

“I am utterly determined to maximise market opportunities at home and abroad for producers of Scotland’s food and drink sector. Scotland’s exporters have had great success in recent years, but for that to continue in places like Africa, it is absolutely essential that we remain in the European Single Market, to avoid existing trade deals unravelling completely.”

Rob Burns, Head of Crops Export Market Development:

“We are proud to have worked in partnership with the Scottish Government to secure this exciting new opportunity. Developing new trade and export relationships is a key part of AHDB’s role as they help boost economic growth and provide support to farmgate prices.”

“The seed potato sector is already particularly successful at exploiting overseas markets with roughly 30% of the crop exported abroad and this agreement will only enhance our reputation for quality and high health.”

The announcement follows a visit from the Scottish Government and AHDB Potatoes to Kenya earlier this month to finalise the bilateral agreement to allow the importation of Scottish seed potatoes into Kenya.