Carla Lockhart said:

“Wilson’s Country is the leading brand for potato supply in Northern Ireland, and indeed right across this entire island. Over the years they have built up a strong and loyal customer base right across retail, foodservice and food processors who know that when they purchase from Wilson’s, they purchase quality.

Behind this success is the quality of potato grown, the varieties grown and the work of farmers whose knowledge of growing potatoes is second to none. This successful supply chain starts with seed potato, and yet it is in this area that the Protocol is really hitting the industry hard. Over many years the Scottish seed potato market was key to Northern Ireland production, importantly offering supply for varieties that are not available within Northern Ireland but are sought after by the customer. Now, due to the Protocol, it is not possible to bring this seed into Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland industry concern is that the ware crop quality will decline at pace and imports of better-quality ware from GB with its access to Scottish Seed will replace the local potato industry. That would be a disaster and an outcome that can be averted if the Government resolve the Protocol issue. Free flow of goods east-west, and north-south, can be achieved once more if the political will is there.

This meeting offered Angus and the team here at Wilson’s the opportunity to outline the difficulties faced, the consequences of those difficulties, and the need for solutions. The Minister did listen to the concerns raised, and I trust will relay the issues to his colleagues across Government. We need this issue fixed and fixed properly. Half measures will not do.”