UK: Seed potato exports to increase this year

The UK farming industry has promised work closely with the seed potato sector and the government to ensure that the industry maintains a low level of the fungal disease blackleg. Speaking at the Seed Industry event in St Andrew’s, Scotland, AHDB Potatoes Strategy Director, Rob Clayton, said that while there are no easy answers when it comes to blackleg, the key to maintaining the high health status of the industry is collective responsibility. The event saw a national stocktake of current management practices regarding blackleg, which will be used to drive future research and best practice recommendations. Mr Clayton also stressed that British seed is still very attractive to foreign markets. He said: “Freedom from key notifiable diseases such as ring rot and brown rot along with excellent low-virus status, continue to make GB-produced seed attractive under the Safe Haven scheme. More