Potato growers are being “strongly encouraged” to have imports of seed and ware potatoes from Britain landed in Ireland before 1 January 2021.

In a recent trader notice, the Department of Agriculture has warned that from January next year, the UK will become a "third country" (non-EU member state).

As a result, EU plant health rules in the area of intra-union trade in plants, plant products, seed potatoes and ware potatoes will no longer apply to the UK.

Therefore, when the withdrawal agreement between the UK and the EU ends, the import of certified seed and ware potatoes from Britain will be prohibited.

Imports

Since 1997, potato seed production in the Republic of Ireland has reduced by an estimated 87%, while imports have increased.

When the withdrawal agreement between the UK and the EU ends, the import of certified seed and ware potatoes from Britain will be prohibited

Scotland is now by far our largest source of imported seed from Britain. Each year, on average, we import around 3,100t of certified seed from the country.

The UK has applied to the EU for "third country" equivalence for the export of certified seed and ware potatoes to the EU. This application must go through the EU law-making process and is not immediate.

The EU has indicated this process will only begin upon the completion of trade negotiations with the UK, which may not leave enough time for growers to complete the various import notification requirements.

However, under the terms of the Northern Ireland protocol, trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will be unaffected.

Around 900t of seed is imported from NI each year.

The notice was issued to all registered food business operators, professional operators and all importers of seed and ware potatoes.