Egipto: Egyptian import authorities tighten seed potato import window

This step has put more pressure on Scottish seed potato growers supplying their most important market, as they will now have little time to spare before sending their goods to Africa by ship.

Next year, Egyptian authorities have stated they want all the seed potatoes across by the first of December. The tightening deadlines are being set out to give Egyptian growers more time to get seed into the ground for harvesting before the heat of the Egyptian summer arrives. Last year there was an extension for exports from January 1 to Jan 15, but there is no extension being offered at the moment for this year.

Seed crops needs 21 days after burn down to be ready for harvest, then after being lifted they need stored to get the field heat out of the tubers. The crop might even get refrigerated to ensure the potatoes are dormant before transporting to Egypt.