Hansard

The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S4M-10025, in the name of Claire Baker, celebrating the Scottish spud. The debate will be concluded without any question being put.

Motion debated,

That the Parliament acknowledges the success of Scottish potatoes at home and abroad, recognising what it understands is their sector value of around £100 million; believes that around 80% of British seed potatoes are grown in Scotland, including in Mid Scotland and Fife, and welcomes that Scotland is classified as a high grade region for seed potato production and that only pre-basic or basic potatoes can be marketed and planted in Scotland; understands that 30% of seed potatoes grown in Scotland are exported to EU and non-EU countries, resulting in Scotland being Europe’s second biggest seed exporter; further understands, however, that the consumption of fresh potatoes in Scotland has declined by 13% since February 2012 compared to a 9% and 10% fall in England and Wales; believes that the work undertaken by organisations such as the Potato Council to develop and promote the potato industry is vital for the sector in Scotland; celebrates the Grow Your Own Potatoes project, which is in its 10th year, noting that nearly 800 schools across Scotland are getting ready to harvest their latest crops; highlights what it sees as the important research being conducted by the council, which currently involves around 30 projects, and considers that potatoes are a sustainable, affordable and healthy product that are part of a balanced diet.