The Spanish government has lifted its ban on British potato imports after being satisfied that the infestation of Colorado Beetles detected in July has not spread. The ban will, however, continue to apply to potatoes from the county of Kent.
Canarian Agriculture Minister Narvay Quintero said, “The Canarian Government does not have overall authority in this matter, so we have worked with the Spanish government and potato producers to reach this solution, in order to guarantee the next potato crop and the continued supply of this product.”
As part of the agreement, British potatoes must be cleaned or brushed, and all imports must have their source clearly labelled. This is especially important with regard to seed potatoes.
The recent ban on British imports had a serious effect on Canarian potato supplies because the islands are also unable to import potatoes from the Spanish mainland because of infestations of moths and beetles.
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