BRITISH POTATO PRODUCERS

That this House notes with concern the severe losses sustained by British potato producers as aresult of 2012's unprecedented cold and wet summer conditions; recognises that a 30 per cent increase in costs and a 25 per cent drop in productivity have led many growers to consider their future in the industry unless contract prices are increased; further notes the fact that around 75 per cent of all potatoes in the UK are grown on fixed price contracts and that this has caused enormous financial difficulties for growers in the last year; and calls on the Government to work to ensure that contract prices rise sufficiently in order to protect Britain's potato producers and prevent them from leaving the industry.