Summary:
The Seed Potato Certification Scheme is implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The scheme ensures that only certified basic or pre-basic seed may be imported or marketed in the state. The department has a team of inspectors throughout the country who implement the certification scheme for seed potatoes. The scheme also implements higher disease and pest control standards for seed potatoes compared to most other EU member states.
Eligibility:
The department has set out a series of standards that must be met for seed potatoes to be certified. These include providing the Land Parcel Identification System Number (LPIS No) for each land parcel that is entered for certification, not growing crops in land where potatoes were grown in any of the six previous years for pre-basic crops, or the three previous years for basic crops, and ensuring that all the land in which seed potatoes are grown is found to be free from Potato Cyst Nematodes (Eelworm). Only certified pre-basic or basic seed (except for Union Grade E seed) is eligible for planting for entry into the Certification Scheme.
Funding Amount:
The certification fee is €110 per hectare for all crops that are inspected, whether subsequently classified or not.
How to Apply:
Applications for the supply of plant passports should be made to the local potato inspector. For application forms and further information, contact the Crop Policy, Evaluation and Certification Division.
