SEED potato exporters have been told “very clearly” they should disinvest from Russia, a minister has said, following reports that 2000 tonnes of Scottish produce will be sent there.
Rural Affairs Secretary, Mairi Gougeon, said the Scottish Government did not approve export deals but was required to carry out checks on goods being sent abroad.
At the weekend, The Times reported that the food and drinks giant Pepsi was exporting 2000 tonnes of Scottish seed potatoes to Russia in a deal with the Aberdeen-based Saltire Seed.
The deal is thought to be worth £600,000 and the goods are expected to be transported by lorry.
READ MORE: Solidarity events across Scotland take place to mark one month since Ukraine invasion
Scottish Conservative MSP, Sue Webber, asked about the exports in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday.
She said: “The war in Ukraine has highlighted the need to support our farmers and growers to help deal with crises like this – inflationary pressure and the market volatility that they’re facing.
“Will the Cabinet Secretary also promise that her Government will not approve any more deals to send thousands of seed potatoes to Russia?”
Gougeon said: “The Scottish Government does not approve export deals.
“We’ve led calls for businesses to disinvest from Russia as a result of the invasion of Ukraine.
“We’ve communicated that very clearly to the seed potato suppliers concerned.
“The Scottish Government and its economic agencies will use all of its economic powers not to support trade and investment activity within Russia.”
She said Scottish Government officials were required to carry out inspections where companies decided to export goods.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel