State agency Teagasc, that provides research, advisory and education in agriculture, horticulture, food and rural development in Ireland, has urged potato growers to contact seed producers now to sort out fresh seed for the 2023 season, as the Brexit stalemate shows no sign of easing.
The May bank holiday weekend was the target for most to get potato crops planted; advisers said the supply of seed for many varieties is tight this year, with many growers opting to use a mixture of certified seed and home-saved seed, to cover the requirements for the 2022 season.
"While this is perfectly fine, growers need to be aware that due to the Brexit impasse between the EU and UK on seed imports from Scotland and Great Britain, this avenue for seed doesn't look like it will be available in the near future," advisers warned.
Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has committed to resourcing the seed industry here, and Teagasc advisers said they expect an announcement shortly about some supports for Irish seed growers.
Source: irishexaminer.com