Seed Potatoes Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001

Basic seed potatoes

4.—(1) This paragraph applies to basic seed potatoes.

(2) Subject to sub-paragraphs (3) and (4), in the case of seed potatoes to which this paragraph applies—

(a) there shall be no deviation from variety;

(b) the minimum size is 25 millimetres; and

(c) the maximum variation in size between tubers in a lot is 25 millimetres.

(3) For the purposes of determining whether any lot of seed potatoes to which this paragraph applies meets the requirements specified in sub-paragraph (2)(a), the variety of any seed potatoes shall be deemed to be as stated on the official label in respect of the lot, if, on a sample taken in accordance with regulation 18(3) and Schedule 8, the proportion of the weight of potatoes which deviate from variety does not exceed 0.1% of the total weight of the sample.

(4) For the purposes of determining whether any lot of seed potatoes to which this paragraph applies meets the requirements specified in sub-paragraph (2)(b) or (c)—

(a) in the case of seed potatoes produced in the United Kingdom, the size of any seed potatoes shall be deemed to be as stated on the official label in respect of the lot, if, on a sample taken in accordance with regulation 18(3) and Schedule 8, the proportion of the weight of potatoes which are—

(i) smaller than the minimum size stated on the official label; and

(ii) larger than the maximum size stated on the official label

does not exceed 2% of the total weight of the sample; and

(b) in the case of potatoes produced outside the United Kingdom, the size of any seed potatoes shall be deemed to be as stated on the official label in respect of the lot, if, on a sample taken in accordance with regulation 18(3) and Schedule 8, the proportion of the weight of potatoes which are—

(i) smaller than the minimum size stated on the official label, does not exceed 3%; and

(ii) larger than the maximum size stated on the official label does not exceed 3%—

of the total weight of the sample.