Scotland is looking to boost its seed potato exports, with a particular focus on emerging markets such as Jordan and Brazil, while simultaneously negotiating for a return to the European Union market. The country’s seed potato industry is currently thriving in markets like Egypt and Morocco, but it aims to expand its presence and overcome recent challenges caused by the EU ban.
Expanding Exports to Emerging Markets
In the 2023/24 season, Scotland exported over 92,000 tonnes of seed potatoes, with Egypt being the largest market, accounting for 60% of the exports. Morocco followed with 10%, and the remainder was distributed across 26 other countries, ranging from large volumes in some to smaller exports in others.
Looking ahead, Scotland is keen on growing its exports to countries such as Jordan and Brazil. Patrick Hughes, from the Scottish Agri Export Hub, explained that in the 2023/24 season, approximately 700 tonnes were shipped to Jordan, and the country is working to expand that figure to 10,000 tonnes within the next five years. Efforts to reach new markets include hosting delegations, like the recent visit from the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture, to showcase Scotland’s potato-growing procedures and ensure smoother trade relationships.
Similarly, Brazil is on the radar as another growing export market. Hughes mentioned plans for hosting missions from Brazilian officials to demonstrate Scotland’s potato growing methods and establish long-term trade agreements.
Navigating Challenges with the EU Ban
The Scottish seed potato industry faced significant setbacks due to a ban on exports to the EU, which previously absorbed around 25,000 tonnes of seed potatoes annually. This ban, combined with high input costs and challenging market conditions, led to a decline in profitability for the sector. However, the outlook has improved, with lower potato availability and higher prices leading to a more optimistic environment for Scottish producers.
The country is now focused on negotiating for a return to the EU market, which is a crucial step in revitalizing the seed potato industry and rebuilding trade relationships that were lost due to the ban. These efforts are seen as part of broader initiatives to enhance Scotland’s agricultural exports and diversify markets.
Optimism in the Sector
Despite the recent challenges, there is growing optimism within the seed potato sector. The reduced availability of potatoes in the market combined with higher prices has provided a much-needed boost. Stakeholders in the industry, from farmers to exporters, are hopeful that these positive market shifts will help stabilize the sector and lead to more consistent growth in the coming years.
