Plant health

Scotland's agriculture needs to have a sustainable future. This policy includes measures to maintain a high plant health status, excellent quality of certified seed, seed potatoes and plant reproductive material and to promote the interests of the potato and horticultural sectors.

Actions

We:

• ensure Scotland carries out regular surveillance to guard against plant pests and diseases and has appropriate contingency plans to deal with any outbreaks
• act as the competent authority ensuring compliance with regulations on the movement of plants and plant products to and from Scotland
• act as the certifying authority for seed potatoes in Scotland responsible for the management and administration of the Scottish Seed Potato Classification Scheme (SPCS)
• provide advice and guidance to Scottish businesses in the horticulture sectors
• ensure only agricultural and horticultural seeds and plant reproductive material of the highest standards are marketed, complying with Scottish laws

Background

We work closely with a range of stateholders, other UK administrations, regulatory and enforcement authorities to develop evidence based policies which promote Scotland's agriculture and to achieve a sustainable future.  

Bills and legislation

Plant health control is subject to a range of legislation.  Relevant law is detailed in the corresponding section.

Contact

Email: php_mailbox@gov.scot

Telephone: 0300 244 9296

Post:

Scottish Government
Agriculture Delivery Directorate
SASA
Plant Health, Horticulture, Seeds & Potatoes Policy Team
D Spur - Saughton House
Broomhouse Drive
Edinburgh
EH11 3XD