The NFU has succeeded in its lobbying of Defra to make pre-notification on all potatoes imported from the Netherlands compulsory.

The measures, which take effect on March 7, have been adopted to strengthen English borders - measures are being introduced separately by regional executives in Wales and Scotland shortly - against the accidental importation of potato ring rot. They mean businesses importing Dutch potatoes into the UK will have to provide the Plant Health & Seeds Inspectorate with the shipment details two days prior to the consignment's arrival. These measures follow a number of ring rot outbreaks in the Netherlands and are similar to arrangements already in place for imports of German and Polish potatoes.

Vice chairman potatoes, NFU board for horticulture, Graham Nicholls, said: "The NFU worked hard to ensure the adoption of these traceability measures which will provide an important defence against a potentially devastating disease. It is in the interests of the entire industry to ensure these measures are adhered to."

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