Potato disease report

The seed that carried the disease and which was planted was from properly certified seed stocks brought in from accredited suppliers in England and in full compliance with the English Seed Certification Scheme and UK government regulatory controls. The planting of such seed is entirely legal and no rules were broken by its planting with pre-packer Albert Bartlett of Airdrie complying fully with all regulations and requirements including additional voluntary testing and safeguards prior to the seed stocks being brought into Scotland The statement that the seed was uncertified was incorrect.

The reported comments of Allan Bowie, NFU Scotland vice-president, should have welcomed the positive approach of Albert Bartlett in deciding not to proceed with the variety, Innovator, until such time as there was certified Scottish seed available. This was not properly or correctly reflected in the article.

A spokesperson for Albert Bartlett said: "Albert Bartlett have been working with the HZPC variety, Innovator for the last two years. The variety is a premium variety and has offered growers improved returns over conventional white potatoes. Unfortunately, no Scottish Innovator seed has been available and therefore we have had to use classified basic seed produced in England. We have been working to develop Scottish Innovator seed for the last 2 years and this will be available from 2013 onwards. No further Innovator seed will be planted in Scotland until Scottish seed is available. Existing Innovator crops planted elsewhere have been tested and cleared but will remain the subject of close scrutiny by Albert Bartlett and government officials throughout the season.

"We take our responsibilities to adhere to and help develop safe practices around the import and development of both seed and ware stock very seriously. We have controlled procedures governing the import of seed and use government-accredited laboratories to certify and classify our seed stocks."