A seed-growing tradition, all-island plant health status, and the potential to form producer organisations by potato growers are all positives for Ireland in the light of the ending of high-grade seed imports from Britain due to Brexit.
Agriculture, Food and Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue told the Senate that, “There is an increased interest from major seed potato contractors in placing contracts for seed with Irish growers.”
“This expansion should be assisted in the coming years by the availability of seed of our main variety, Rooster, whose plant breeder’s rights expired at the end of 2021,” he said.
Minister McConalogue stated that he would continue to support the seed sector in building capacity to increase domestic supply, and to maximise Ireland’s natural advantage in this regard.
“The sector has diminished somewhat in recent years, but we have the necessary natural resources, advantages, land and climate to do that. It is important that this is industry-led.”
Senator Victor Boyhan warned that the potato industry is facing a potential crisis unless problems relating to the import of seed varieties are resolved. “The seed potato sector is a significant industry, and one that we should be ambitious about and endeavouring to grow.”
LSL News.