NFU Scotland facilitated a round table forum of all the major stakeholders in the Scottish potato industry to focus on maintaining and enhancing the nation’s reputation for high health standards in our seed and ware crops.

Further meetings are planned.

Scottish potatoes are renowned for their unrivalled quality. In particular, the cool climate in Scotland has ensured its seed potatoes have a reputation for having the highest crop health status in the World.

The main focus of the meeting was on how the Scottish potato sector maintains and improves on its already high health standards to benefit future growth opportunities, whilst working within the parameters of legislation.

The unique integrated nature of the Scottish potato industry was evidenced by the excellent communication and collaboration that runs across the industry taking in growing, plant breeding, research and development, commercial marketing, government assistance and agronomy, all of which were represented at the inaugural meeting.

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NFU Scotland vice president Andrew Connon, who chaired the roundtable, said: “Scotland’s potato industry has a reputation which is second to none and Scottish growers must continue to work hard to maintain that.

“Potato virus is clearly a complex issue and how to manage it is a concern of our potato-growing members.

“It’s heartening to see the industry come together in a professional and positive way and I am pleased NFU Scotland were able to facilitate this. It is testament to the progressive nature of the sector that all were prepared to get round the table to act in the best interests of the Scottish potato sector.

“We will keep the conversation going with more meetings as managing potato plant health and the threat of virus should be proactive and fluid rather than reactive.”