Seeking Solutions for the Reintroduction of Scottish Seed Potatoes in the EU
The halt of Scottish seed potato exports to the EU post-Brexit has led to a significant supply gap, particularly affecting growers in Spain and Portugal. Despite Scotland’s high-quality, virus-free seed potatoes, which have long been valued for their health and quality, the trade was suspended on January 1, 2021, due to new phytosanitary regulations. With a 20% decrease in European seed potato supplies this year, there is renewed hope for resuming Scottish imports. Ongoing discussions and a new Europatat working group aim to address the shortage and explore reintroduction options. The scarcity of Scottish seed has intensified problems for Spanish seed multipliers, exacerbated by increased aphid-related virus issues.
Crop Protection
As rising temperatures exacerbate challenges for potato growers, the Seed Potato Organisation (SPO) is spearheading efforts to combat emerging threats. Increasing aphid populations, driven by climate change, are jeopardizing Scotland’s traditionally virus-free seed potato crops. The SPO, representing a third of Scotland’s seed potato acreage, is actively funding initiatives like the SRUC virus summit and exploring novel solutions such as using food coloring to confuse aphids, inspired by successful trials on carrots. Additionally, the SPO supports blight research, potato roguing training, and global market expansion, exemplified by their impactful presence at Fruit Logistica. Chair Mike Wilson highlights their strategic efforts to boost market access and strengthen collaborations with industry partners.
Unpredictable Weather: The Challenges of Scotland’s Potato Planting Season
Scotland’s potato planting season has been marked by erratic weather, with persistent rain creating a challenging start-stop planting rhythm. Farmers have struggled with soaked soil despite dry surface conditions, leading to delays. While planting is largely complete in areas like Angus and Perthshire, the Black Isle and other regions are still catching up, potentially extending the harvest period. A shortage of seed potatoes has led some to use farm-saved seeds, increasing disease risk. Warm temperatures have accelerated growth but insufficient sunlight may affect yields. Additionally, frequent rains have heightened the risk of blight, peach potato aphids, and blackleg disease, complicating the season further.