SCOTLAND'S highly important seed potato business has been highlighted as a post-Brexit industry priority to Andrea Leadsom, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

At an trade event hosted by AHDB at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, last week, Alistair Melrose, production manager at seed and ware merchants Wm Fraser and chair of the AHDB Potatoes' seed and export committee pressed the case for the sector.

He said: “In Scotland we have approximately 10,500ha dedicated to seed production and the sector is worth an estimated £80-£100m. It is a hugely important industry where foreign markets play a key role – 30% of our seed is exported to both EU and non-EU countries.

“During my time with Mrs Leadsom I stressed the importance of export markets to the seed sector, both maintaining our current markets, as well as expanding into new ones. Scottish seed is highly regarded and AHDB is capitalising on that through exploring potential new markets such as Kenya and China.

"Our goal is to ensure that our growers are able to export their high quality seed around the world and it was great to be able to discuss this with Ms Leadsom in person,” he added.

She also addressed industry stakeholders and journalists on the AHDB's customised 32-tonne truck, which acts as the mobile hub. It had been touring the UK this week promoting food and drink exports and pulled in at Stoneleigh to coincide with high level dairy talks, which are also part of AHDB's remit.

Ms Leadsom said: “Last year we sold £18bn of our food and drink across the world and I’m determined to build on this success.

“Through our Great British Food campaign, I want to champion favourites from across the region both at home and abroad to help cement Britain’s reputation as a global food nation.”