The Seed Potatoes (Scotland) Regulations 2000

PART II CLASSIFICATION AND GRADING

Classification of seed potatoes

4.—(1) Seed potatoes produced in Scotland shall be classified by an authorised officer as –

(a) pre-basic seed potatoes of one of the classes (Pre-basic TC, Pre-basic 1 or Pre-basic 2) specified in column 1 of Table I in Schedule 2; or

(b) basic seed potatoes of one of the classes ( VTSC1, VTSC2, Super Elite 1, Super Elite 2, Super Elite 3, Elite 1, Elite 2, Elite 3 or AA) specified in column 1 of Table II in Schedule 2.

(2) Application for classification (of seed potatoes produced in Scotland) shall be made to the Scottish Ministers with such information in such form and in such manner as they may require.

Community Grading of basic seed potatoes

5.  Basic seed potatoes marketed in Scotland shall be graded by an authorised officer into one of the Community grades.

Production measures in the interests of plant health

6.—(1) The production of seed potatoes shall at all stages be conducted in such manner as to ensure that they do not come into contact with any potatoes other than seed potatoes or with any plant, machinery, equipment, container, store or vehicle previously used in the production of potatoes other than seed potatoes.

(2) The Scottish Ministers may withdraw a certificate of classification where they are not satisfied that the seed potatoes covered by the certificate have been produced in compliance with paragraph (1).

(3) Paragraph (1) shall not apply where–

(a) the potatoes were produced on the same agricultural unit; or

(b) the production is conducted in accordance with arrangements approved in writing by the Scottish Ministers prior to the use of the plant, machinery, equipment, container, store or vehicle.

Separation in the interests of varietal purity

7.—(1) The production of seed potatoes shall at all stages be conducted in such manner as to ensure that they are kept separate from–

(a) seed potatoes of any other class or variety;

(b) any potatoes other than seed potatoes.

(2) The Scottish Ministers may withdraw a certificate of classification where they are not satisfied that the seed potatoes covered by the certificate have been produced in compliance with paragraph (1).