The Scottish Government

PROCEDURES FOR RETAIL SALES OF SEED POTATOES IN SCOTLAND

Background

Scotland is a high grade region for seed potato production and only the highest grades of potatoes - Pre-basic or Basic grade ( EC2 or EC3) are permitted to be planted and marketed here. Certified seed potatoes cannot be marketed or planted in Scotland.

Notification of seed potatoes

From 1 October 2008 the Scottish Government must in law be notified of any seed potatoes being brought into Scotland, including those from elsewhere in the UK. In the first instance notification should be provided to your local Scottish Government Area Office, 48 hours prior to arrival, confirming origin of potatoes, delivery details, destination, variety, quantity and a producer's identity number or the reference number of the lot.

Labelling requirements

Seed potatoes less than a quantity of 50 kg do not require an official label as long as the person who is marketing the potatoes has permission from and is registered with the Scottish Government, to produce their own labels in an approved format. SPCS will be able to provide you with further details. If a label is not used then the information must be displayed conspicuously on or in close proximity to the seed potatoes, or on the package or container itself. The information required will include the following (but you should be aware this is not the exhaustive list).

· EC Plant Passport; / UK/ S/ No/; Solanum tuberosum L.;

· Basic Seed Potatoes

· name and address of the seller; /registration number;

· net weight;

· variety of seed potato;

· grade of seed potato;

· class of seed potato;

· class generation and field generation (if shown);

· size;

· crop identification number; and

· particulars of any chemical treatment.

To offer seed potatoes for retail sale without the labelling information specified means you are in breach of the provisions of the seed potatoes regulations and the plant health order.

This flow chart may be useful.