Alyn Smith, the SNP MEP, has warned that new European proposals on plant reproductive material may see thousands of plant varieties disappear from the market, and at the same time place a massive administrative burden on Scottish seed producers and horticulturalists.

The new proposed rules would mean tortuous form filling in order to provide hugely detailed botanical descriptions of perhaps as many as 50,000 plant varieties.

This is an expensive and time-consuming job but, if not completed, could result in thousands of plant varieties being taken off the market altogether.

Speaking after a meeting with the British Society of Plant Breeders in Milnathort this week, Mr Smith said: "With a seed potato industry worth around £100 million to the Scottish economy, and with 75% of the UK's seed potatoes coming from Scotland, the industry is an important one to us and these new rules could cause great damage.

"While it is absolutely worthwhile trying to merge the twelve 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."

According to Mr Smith, the only degree of sense from the Commission is that private gardeners are outside the scope of the regulation.

"It is crucial we gat 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," pledged Mr Smith.

Market round-up

Wallets Marts sold 1427 prime lambs in Castle Douglas on Tuesday to a top of £90 per head and 198.8p per kg to average 176.2p.

There were also 499 cast sheep forward that were topped by Texel ewes at £98 and averaged £43.33 overall.

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 23 prime heifers at Ayr on Tuesday to a top of 244p per kg and an average of 227.9p, while 3 prime B&W heifers peaked at 180p and levelled at 162.2p.

Eight prime, beef-bred bullocks sold to 243p and averaged 228p, while 2 prime, B&W bullocks levelled at 191.4p. Six prime young bulls sold to 237p and averaged 212.9p. In the rough ring, 180 beef cows averaged 110.8p and 192 dairy cows levelled at 90.1p. Thirteen bulls averaged 116.2p.

A smaller show of 10 dairy cattle sold to £2180 for a Holstein Friesian heifer and averaged £1740.

The firm went on to sell 1350 prime lambs in Newton Stewart yesterday to a top of £88 and 210p to average 172.4p.

The 495 cast sheep forward saw ewes sell to £90 for Suffolks and £41 for Blackfaces.