DRAFT AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE DEVELOPMENT BOARD (AMENDMENT) ORDER 2022

Steven Bonnar Excerpts

Wednesday 18th May 2022 General Committees

[Steven Bonnar (Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) (SNP)]

It is a pleasure to see you in the Chair, Sir Gary. I thank the Minister for laying out the Government’s reasoning for the instrument. Save for a few quick points, I would like to echo most of what the Opposition spokesperson has stated, and I look forward to the Minister’s response.

As horticulture and potato sector levy payers democratically voted by a majority to discontinue the levy, it is only right that their wishes are respected. Furthermore, when devolution is respected and consent sought prior to legislating in this place, devolved Governments are often content and balance is retained, as opposed to UK Ministers encroaching on devolved areas.

The Scottish Parliament has approved this draft amendment. Its main reason for doing so is that, following the Brexit transition period, the UK was classed as a third country, and under EU Commission rules, sensitive products—which seed potatoes and ware are classified as—require separate technical listings for trade to be allowed from third countries.

Of course, under the Northern Ireland protocol, and as is the case with exports to the EU, the movement of Scottish seed potatoes to Northern Ireland is banned. Scotland is the world leader in seed potato production and Europe is the largest and most lucrative market for Scottish seed potato, agriculture and horticulture exports. For that reason, we support the measure.