Latest news with #GBPotatoes
STV News
09-06-2025
- Business
- STV News
Seed potato farmers left in limbo after EU trade deal reached
Seed potato farmers in Scotland say they need to know 'sooner rather than later' when they can resume exporting their products to the EU. In March, a political agreement between Europe and the UK was reached after crops were banned post-Brexit, which farmers say cost the industry tens of millions of pounds. Scotland's seed potatoes are exported worldwide, but until recently, farmers haven't been able to sell them into the EU. The multi-million pound industry says a clear timeline is needed quickly if they're to make the most of the agreement. Farmer Robert Doig told STV News: 'We lost all our European market in Brexit, it went to zero…for those doing business with the EU it was sort of a catastrophe. 'But the EU seed still came in so we lost our market and had another one coming in. 'The seed potato industry has contracted a little bit.' He says the details of the deal need to come sooner rather than later. Farmers now predominantly export seed potatoes into North Africa, with Egypt and Morocco the largest export markets. Scott Walker, chief executive of GB Potatoes, said: 'This has been extremely welcome. 'The timing of those details is important to allow farmers to meet the EU's demand.' NFU Scotland president Andrew Connon said last month: 'This agreement marks a welcome shift towards reducing the red tape and costs that have frustrated Scottish farmers and food exporters for years. 'While details are still emerging, anything that helps restore smoother trade with our largest export market is a positive step.' He added: 'The devil will be in the detail. We need to ensure this works across all sectors – from livestock to seed potatoes and delivers real benefits on the ground. 'The principle of the deal is dynamic alignment with EU policy, but we need to understand what the exceptions might be and how this might work in practice.' The UK Government say the specifics of the deal will be decided on in the coming months. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Telegraph
12-04-2025
- General
- Telegraph
Families paint ‘Easter potatoes' instead of eggs after surge in prices
To combat rising egg prices, families are opting to paint something different this Easter – potatoes. As 'egg-flation' continues in supermarkets across the country, shoppers have found a creative way to enjoy seasonal cheer at a fraction of the cost. Videos instructing viewers how best to make usually rough potato skins glimmer with Easter-themed patterns and colours are trending on social media. Waitrose's most expensive eggs – six of Clarence Court's very large Burford Browns – will set shoppers back £4.50, or 75p an egg. Alternatively, a 2.5kg bag of potatoes costs just £1.80, which works out at 72p per kilo. Painting tips Top tips for creating your very own Picasso potato include washing the skin and covering it in a white primer paint to help the final design stand out. Children can then use paintbrushes to add some colour and pattern to the 'egg'. Other social media users opted to dunk their spuds in coloured dye, while some cut the raw potato open and painted on it to make festive stamps on paper. The enforced move away from eggs comes as prices for the festive staple continue to soar all over the world. In the US, the unprecedented price hike is being driven by the H5N1 bird flu epidemic, which has ravaged America's cattle and poultry farms. More than 166 million commercial birds have had to be culled over the past three years, causing many consumers to become outraged over the increased prices. In the UK, farmers say much of the cost hike is also down to bird flu, which is wiping out the numbers of laying hens and causing a shortage of supply. Currently, the whole of England is classed as an 'avian influenza prevention zone' – meaning farms must take mandatory enhanced biosecurity measures – although the war in Ukraine and inflation are also thought to be playing a part. Last year, Britons consumed 13.6 billion eggs – which is roughly 200 per person – but recent studies show their price has increased by almost 20 per cent since January. It is therefore no surprise the affordable potato is being turned to this Easter. They require no boiling or set-up to begin crafting and, unlike eggs which will smash, can survive a drop or fall from the table. One user said the price of eggs was so high she was going to have to hide eggs from her children in the garden so well that they couldn't find them, and she could bring them back into the kitchen to cook. 'Who said bunnies lay eggs anyway?' she said. 'What kind of maths was that?' Rhiannon Evans, the head of communications at Mumsnet, said: 'Mumsnet users are divided when it comes to Easter decorations. 'For every parent who embraces a springtime flourish, there's another who resents the Insta-pressure to turn their home into a pastel wonderland. 'But the perennial Mumsnet advice applies – do whatever works for you, your family and your budget.' Alex Godfrey, the chair of GB Potatoes, said: 'Potatoes are an incredibly versatile foodstuff and it's great to see the imaginative uses to which they can be put. 'Whether it's painting potatoes, potato printing or eating your favourite potato dish, life is more fun with potatoes in it.'
