A new UK seed potato deal with China is expected to bring major benefits to Scotland, with around 70% of the 100,000t of seed potatoes exported annually from the UK coming from Scottish farms.

The seed potato export market is already worth an annual £90m (€99m) to the UK, with some varieties fetching up to £900/t (€999/t).

China is the largest global consumer of potatoes in the world. As the country’s demand for potato-based foods increases, the humble spud is now China’s fourth staple crop after rice, corn and wheat – with demand increasing at a rapid rate.

The agreement was signed by the international trade secretary during his visit to China, who said: “The rapidly-growing Chinese market offers huge potential for UK farmers. According to research by Barclays, around 60% of people in China would actually pay more for a product, just because they knew it was British.

“With China expected to have 220 cities with a population of more than a million by 2030, that is a huge market that UK potato farmers will now be able to make the most of.

“My international economic department is in 108 markets across the world, helping UK businesses to export whileb liberalising international trade by removing barriers to commerce. I’m delighted that this latest deal is set to boost our £67.5bn (€74.9) trading relationship with China even further.

UK Government Minister Lord Duncan said: “Scotland is known for high-quality food and drink exports, and our seed potatoes are renowned for their excellence and breeding through scientific institutions, such as the James Hutton Institute in Dundee.

“Leaving the European Union means we can pursue an independent trade policy, and the quality of our exports will drive new trading opportunities like this one.

“Linking the world’s largest consumer of potatoes, China, with Scotland’s exceptional potato seed is a welcome next step for the UK on a global stage,” he said.

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