During the National Farmers’ Union Conference the International Trade Secretary, and MP for Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, announced a major potato export deal with Ukraine.
This is a significant deal for the seed potato industry which is important for the Scottish Borders. The industry is worth approximately £113m to UK farmers and employs around 11,740 people.
Ukraine is the second largest consumer of potatoes in the world.
Central Plains Group, a Scottish-based farming company, has boosted exports of specialist equipment and potato seeds after receiving a £2.2m package from UK Export Finance, a ministerial department of the UK Government.
Mark Laird, CEO of Central Plains Group called the deal ‘a real game-changer’ and noted that it will do ‘a significant amount to open up Ukraine for the Scottish seed potato industry.’
John Lamont MP said:
“This export deal is great news for farmers here in the Borders and across the UK.
“This deal by the UK Government opens up the second biggest potato market in the world to our seed potato producers.
“To hear industry leaders calling it ‘game changing’ really shows how important this could be for our farming industry.
“Striking trade deals across the world will help to create jobs, boost economic growth and showcase our products on the global marketplace.”
