This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Chinese market for Scots potatoes
02/11/2006
Agreement has been reached between the UK and Chinese governments to open up China to Scottish seed potato exports.
The agreement sets out a framework for the export of seed potato mini tubers to China as a result of work by the Executive and the British Potato Council.
Rural Development Minister Ross Finnie said:
"This agreement presents new opportunities for the Scottish seed potato industry. Scotland needs to develop and expand its export markets for seed potatoes after a recent fall in production. China, as the largest potato growing nation in the world, represents a major and much needed potential market for Scottish exporters."
Iain Dykes of the British Potato Council said:
"I am delighted that the protocol for the export of Scottish mini-tubers to China has been signed. This is a sign of real progress following years of work by the Scottish Executive and the British Potato Council.
"This agreement will hopefully be followed in the near future by the signing of a similar protocol for field grown seed potatoes as this is where the real benefit lies for both the Chinese and British potato industries."
Discussions continue with the Chinese General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) on reaching agreement for the export of Scottish field-grown seed potatoes to China.
China has been identified by the British Potato Council as a potentially lucrative export opportunity. Scotland already exports seed potatoes to Western Pacific Rim countries - for example to Thailand and to Indonesia.
China - the world's largest potato producer - has operated a universal ban on the importation of seed potatoes into the country for many years. The Netherlands (the world's largest producer of seed potatoes) Canada and the USA have all attempted to negotiate entry for their seed potatoes but so far none of them has yet shipped commercial quantities to China.
In July 2000, the Executive was approached by a Scottish company seeking assistance with the export of seed potato mini-tubers to China. The ensuing discussions with Chinese officials both in Edinburgh and Beijing have resulted in the signing of the mini tuber protocol agreement and in substantially narrowing Chinese concerns about the phytosanitary health of Scottish field-grown seed potatoes. Discussions with AQSIQ about the export of Scottish field grown seed potatoes are continuing.
The protocol of phytosanitary requirements for the export of seed potato mini tubers was signed at a ceremony in Beijing on October 26 by Ian Pearson MP, Defra Minister of State (Climate Change and the Environment) on behalf of the UK and by AQSIQ Minister Li Changjiang on behalf of China.'