New European proposals on plant reproductive material could cause “great damage” to the Scottish seed industry, according to Alyn Smith, MEP for the Scottish National Party.
Smith said the new rules would place a massive administrative burden on seed producers who would have to provide detailed botanical descriptions of up to 50,000 plant varieties.
He warned that the job would mean “tortuous form-filling”, but if not completed, could result in thousands of plant varieties being taken off the market altogether.
Smith said: “While it is absolutely worthwhile trying to merge the 12 different laws that currently govern seed and plant reproductive materials, the European Commission's proposals are too heavy-handed and prescriptive.
'Our exporters and growers put in a shift of work and do a huge amount to maintain our country’s high health reputation. We should be working to support this sector, not get in its way.”
He added: 'It is crucial we get this right. I will be fighting hard to see this bureaucratic and unnecessary proposal overturned as the Agriculture Committee sets to work on its amendments.'
The seed potato industry is worth around £100 million to the Scottish economy, and 75 per cent of the UK's seed potatoes come from Scotland.
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