EU ban on Scottish seed potato exports

That this House notes with dismay the damaging effect that the UK leaving the EU is set to have on Scotland’s vital seed potato sector by virtue of the UK’s trade deal with the EU; understands that conventionally around 22,000 tonnes of Scottish seed potatoes, which are highly regarded internationally for their high plant health status, are exported to the EU and Northern Ireland each year; regrets that from 1 January 2021 Scottish seed potatoes will be banned from being exported to the EU and Northern Ireland; further notes that Scotland accounts for 75 per cent of UK seed potato production and 80 per cent of exports; and calls on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to urgently provide support for that vital sector.