Seed spuds at risk
Seed spuds at risk
INPUT taxes are likely to wipe out the Scottish seed potato industry, claims a northern crop specialist.
All growers are likely to suffer under the DETRs proposed tax which would take an estimated £120m out of UK agriculture, says Keith Dawson of Perth-based CSC PotatoCare. "A 300 acre all cereal farm could face an extra bill of up to £4000/yr."
But potato growers, especially seed producers, will be hit hardest if the tax is implemented, explains Dr Dawson. That is because the pesticide tax is likely to be based on a series of bands according to hazard and adjusted for weight of active ingredient/area.
"It will devastate the seed potato industry in Scotland."
Potato herbicides, insecticides, nematicides, blight fungicides and desiccants like sulphuric acid would all attract the highest taxes because of their potential banding and weight of ingredient, he believes. "It could double crop protection costs – an increase of £120-150/acre or about £10/t."
Countering the need for a tax, Dr Dawson points to the governments first definitive report on Integrated Farming (Arable Oct 2). It states: "Encouragingly there appear to be few long-term direct effects when pesticides are used in accordance with current commercial practice – even at full manufacturers recommended rates."
Dr Dawson says: "So little environmental benefit will be gained. I do not believe minister Dr Meacher and the DETR understand the serious impact it could have as a tax on food. It will also result in significant rural job losses and affect the balance of payments. British agriculture cannot stand another nail in its coffin."