EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend The Seed Potatoes (Crop Fees) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 by increasing the fees payable to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in respect of the certification of seed potato crops arising under the Seed Potatoes Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 (regulation 3 and Schedule) and by renaming Part A and Part B of the Schedule as Parts 1 and 2.

In the case of an application for the certification and classification of seed potato crops, except for pre-basic tissue culture, received by the Department on or before the 30th May in any calendar year:

(a)

where the total area of the crop does not exceed 1 hectare the fee is increased from £40.50 to £42.00;

(b)

where the total area of the crop exceeds 1 hectare the fee is increased from 20.25 to £21.00 per half hectare or part of a half hectare.

In the case of an application for the certification and classification of seed potato crops, except for pre-basic tissue culture received by the Department after 30th May in any calendar year:

(a)

where the total area of the crop does not exceed 1 hectare the fee is reduced from £61.00 to £53.00;

(b)

where the total area of the crop exceeds 1 hectare the fee is reduced from £30.50 to £26.50 per half hectare or part of a half hectare.

Where the charge is for the certification of pre-basic tissue culture, the fee will remain at £38.00 per hour or part of an hour.