UFU reminder for imported potatoes
UFU wish to inform members that legislation will require the washing of ware potatoes from Spain prior to their import into Northern Ireland.
This legislation came into force on the 5th July 2016. From this date the importation of unwashed ware potatoes from Spain will be prohibited. This will list Spain as a “Demarcated Area” that is an area where the pest has been reported have additional import conditions.
These include containment and eradication measures, crop inspections, plant passporting and washing or brushing so there is no more than 0.1% of soil.
The proposed legislation will not require potatoes from the Balearic and Canary Islands to be washed prior to importation into Northern Ireland. The UFU would also like to remind members that all potatoes from Spain and Portugal will still need to be notified to DAERA prior to importation.