ROG WOOD
In 2014-2015 UK seed potato exports beyond the EU were up 15.5 per cent on the previous year, to a highest-ever total of 90,000 tonnes. In Scotland, which accounts for around 80 per cent of UK seed potato exports, the sector is estimated to be worth £80-100m, and growing.
"There is a distinct buzz in the seed export market, which is doing really well, trading on our positive position on plant health, with freedom from Dickeya, brown rot and ring rot," says Robert Burns, Head of Seed & Export at AHDB Potatoes' Edinburgh office. "So it is really all about staying on top of that, through diligence and attention to detail," he added.
Most of the growth came from a market share jump in Egypt, which now accounts for 58 per cent of all GB seed exports. "We spend a lot of time there talking to plant health officials about the quality, vigour and very positive plant health status of our seed," said Mr Burns.
Indeed, GB seed's freedom from bacterial diseases Dickeya, brown rot and ring rot has now pushed Dutch seed off the top spot. "It is something our EU competitors can't claim, but we can, thanks to our island status, cooler climate and continuing efforts to remain diseases free," he added.
But Mr Burns points out that the sales surge in Egypt is a two-edged sword saying: "It's a lot of eggs in one basket, and one variety Hermes. It is a huge risk if there was ever a problem." So, efforts are being made to develop new markets and spread risk.
Market round-up
United Auctions sold 483 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 249.3p per kg and an average of 208.5p (+5.1p on the week), while 466 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 264.6p and levelled at 214.9p (+6.7p). Thirty-eight store, B&W bullocks sold to 141p and averaged 130.9p (-3.2p).
In the rough ring 162 cows averaged 108.6p.
C&D Auction Marts Ltd had 18 prime cattle forward in Dumfries on Wednesday when heifers sold to 222.5p and averaged 191.3p, while bullocks peaked at 204.5p and levelled at 188.1p.
There were 87 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 104.2p and dairy cows levelled at 80.1p.
The firm also sold 937 prime lambs to a top of £72.50 per head and 174p per kg to average 146.3p (+8.8p).
The 658 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £98.50 for Texels and average £58.57 (+£1.13), while light ewes peaked at £58.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £45.08 (+£4.63).
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 904 prime lambs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £70 and 157.6p to average 142.5p (+11.1p).
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