Farm org: Cooperation with UK 'step forward' for potato seed sector
The Irish Farmers' Association's (IFA) potato chair, Sean Ryan has said that the re-establishment of closer trade relations between the EU and the UK is a "step forward" for the potato seed trade.
The EU and the UK have agreed to start negotiations on a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal on sanitary, phytosanitary, food safety and other products which will allow the trade of seed potato to re-commence.
Ryan said: "A new SPS agreement will now need to be put in place, the timeframe for which has not yet been disclosed.
"The ambition of the trade deal will be to make trade easier. However, the devil will be in the detail."
According to the IFA, prior to Brexit, Ireland was heavily reliant on the UK market for potato seed, and imported approximately 6,000t each year.
The farming organisation said it has "extensively lobbied" for a temporary derogation to allow seed to be imported from Scotland since Brexit.
It also met with Irish MEPs in Brussels last November (2024), and in March (2025), and presented a joint letter to the EU Commission, through Copa Cogeca, requesting a temporary derogation.
"The IFA will continue to advocate for the expansion of the Irish potato seed sector, but this will take time and additional investment. A temporary derogation to allow seed from Scotland is necessary," Ryan explained.
Last week (May 19), the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen called the “historic” EU – UK summit a success.
President von der Leyen met with British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer in London for the first EU – UK summit since the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
The commission president believes that the EU and the UK are “opening a new chapter in a unique relationship” with the summit.
According to President von der Leyen, a decision has been made to facilitate trade flows of agri-food products between the EU and the UK.
She said: “It means more certainty and more stability for our farmers, food producers and fishermen and fisherwomen on both sides of the channel. Safer food, with greater trust from consumers.
“Together with the Windsor Framework, this will bring additional benefits for Northern Ireland. It will further ease the movement of agri-food goods between Britain and Northern Ireland.”
“Northern Ireland will continue to enjoy dual access to both the EU single market and the UK internal market,” von der Leyen added.
