Support for EU farmers in accessing seed potatoes

Question for written answer E-001404/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Maria Walsh (PPE), Nina Carberry (PPE), Seán Kelly (PPE), Regina Doherty (PPE) Subject: Support for EU farmers in accessing seed potatoes The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union created many challenges for sectors involved in bilateral trade. Since Brexit, the Commission has made significant efforts to negotiate various bilateral agreements, including the EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, to address these challenges and facilitate trade. However, one sector for which a solution has not been found is the trade in seed potatoes. Since 1 January 2021, the import of seed potatoes from the UK to Ireland and the rest of the EU has been prohibited, which has had a negative impact on European, and particularly Irish, potato production. In view of the above: 1. Assuming that the UK is unlikely to commit to dynamic alignment, how does the Commission intend to proceed in addressing this critical issue? 2. Is there a possibility of finding a solution under the current Plant Health Regulation to reopen bilateral trade in seed potatoes? 3. Given that the Commission conducted an audit in the UK at the end of 2024, what are the next steps envisaged in discussions with the UK authorities to find a compromise and reinstate bilateral trade in seed potatoes? Submitted: 7.4.2025 PE772.786v01-00