The situation of trade in seed potatoes

4.2.2022

Question for written answer  E-000500/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Jordi Solé (Verts/ALE), Diana Riba i Giner (Verts/ALE)

Prior to Brexit, there was a substantial and reciprocal trade in seed potatoes between the UK and the rest of the EU. This included a large quantity of high quality, disease-free seed potato exports from Scotland.

Since January 2021 this trade has been halted, impacting EU farmers previously dependent on Scottish imports as well as the economy of Scotland, a country which voted to remain in the EU.

• 1.Has the Commission made any progress in resolving the issues currently blocking this reciprocal trade in seed potatoes?
• 2.Given that the EU has already granted equivalence for certain other certified UK seed products, what are the issues preventing the granting of equivalence to Scottish seed potatoes?
• 3.Does the Commission have a future timetable for the further discussion of these issues?