SCOTTISH seed potatoes can be imported into Kenya after an agreement was signed between the two countries in a boost to the sector.
Potato is the second most important food crop in Kenya after maize. One of the main challenges for the potato sector in Kenya is availability of high quality seed, as the majority of potato growers use farm-saved seed which is generally of poor quality.
The high quality of Scottish seed and our freedom from quarantine pest and diseases is therefore a key factor in opening up this market.
Each year Scotland grows around 11,000 hectares of high grade seed potatoes producing a crop of about 260,000 tonnes with an estimated value, depending on prevailing prices, of at least £80-100m. This production represents about 75 per cent of the total seed potatoes grown in the UK. The largest part of this seed potato production is exported from Scotland each year.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: "This is welcome news for the Scottish seed potato sector and further recognition of its global renown for producing high quality seed potatoes.
"Kenya grows around 160,000 hectares of potatoes annually, but only two per cent of this is grown from certified seed potatoes. The potential market demand is therefore significant."
Market round-up
United Auctions sold 209 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 245p per kg and an average of 201.1p (+4.9p on the week), while 284 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 244.9p and levelled at 207.4p (+2.5p). Eighteen store, B&W bullocks sold to 139.6p and averaged 134.8p (+5.7p).
In the rough ring 278 beef cows sold to £1330 per head and 167.7p per kg to average 107.8p (+2.2p).
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 9 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 223.5p and an average of 200.9p.
There were 88 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows sold to £1067 and 165p to average 100.1p, while dairy cows peaked at £720 and 128p to level at 62.9p.
The firm also sold 612 prime lambs to a top of £83.50 per head and 185p per kg to average 165.6p (-4.5p).
The 483 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £104.50 for Texels and average £53.94 (-£11.48), while light ewes peaked at £73.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £32.28 (-£8.15).
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 689 prime lambs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £82 and 178.3p to average 158.4p (-2.3p).
A small show of 136 cast sheep saw ewes sell to £61.50 for Mules and £55 for Blackfaces.
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