Potatoes

Arrangements for collecting farm-saved payments on eligible potato varieties were first introduced in 2001.

Unlike the farm-saved seed payment rates for combinable crops which are set each year on a crop by crop basis following negotiation between BSPB and the farming unions, farm-saved seed payment rates are set for each eligible potato variety by the variety owners. BSPB has been appointed to collect farm-saved seed payments on the variety owners' behalf.

FSS rules - key points in law:

•••••••Under plant health regulations, potatoes can only be sown as farm-saved seed for one
•••••••generation after certified seed.

•••••••Farmers are legally obliged to declare their use of farm-saved seed, and to pay for
•••••••the use of eligible varieties.   

•••••••All growers who have purchased certified seed of potato varieties eligible for farm-saved
•••••••seed payments will automatically receive a farm-saved seed declaration form.

•••••••Farmers cannot sell, buy, barter or otherwise transfer FSS outside their own holding. 

 
Click here to download our fact sheet

Varieties currently eligible for FSS payment.

POTATO FARM SAVED SEED AGREEMENT (PFA)

 What is the PFA Scheme

The PFA Scheme (Potato Farm Saved Seed Agreement Scheme) has been introduced by a number of Potato Breeders for selected potato varieties. The PFA Scheme provides an alternative option for breeders and growers, operating alongside the existing farm-saved seed collection system. BSPB administers the PFA Scheme on the Breeders’ behalf, acting as an agent.

 What’s the Purpose of the Scheme

The objective of the scheme is to improve transparency and compliance in the collection of farm-saved seed (FSS) remuneration in the potato sector, to protect investment for the future development of improved potato varieties.

Continued investment and innovation by potato breeders is essential, not only to help growers meet the requirements of a dynamic and changing market place, but also to address new climatic, agronomic and environmental challenges.

Royalties and Farm Saved Seed Remuneration are a potato breeders’ main source of income to invest in the development of tomorrow’s varieties.

 How does PFA work

Growers wishing to purchase seed of PFA scheme varieties are invited to sign a three year PFA Agreement when they place an order for seed potatoes through their Merchant/Breeder.  To do this you should contact BSPB who will prepare a PFA Agreement for you to sign. On receipt of the signed Agreement, BSPB will issue you with a unique PFA code, that you can provide to your Merchant. BSPB will provide you with the FSS payment rate that will be due for any Farm Saved Seed plantings made in the next planting year and will notify growers annually of the payment rates for all varieties purchased under the scheme.

 PFA Agreement

The PFA Agreement is a simple 2 page document under which the grower accepts that he will:

•      Declare promptly the area planted with PFA scheme varieties to BSPB and make the
        FSS payment due each year.

•      Maintain full records of all PFA scheme varieties, available for inspection by BSPB

•      Not sell, barter, exchange or otherwise transfer seed of PFA scheme varieties.

 How do I apply

You can download an application form here, or contact emma.human@bspb.co.uk, 01353 653208.

 Declarations

All growers in the scheme will receive a single, standard, FSS declaration form from BSPB on which to declare their FSS use of ALL potato varieties (including any PFA scheme varieties).

The form is issued annually on 1^st July for return by 1^st August.  Declarations can be completed on-line, by telephone, or by returning the paper form and BSPB will calculate any FSS payments due, for all the varieties declared, and issue an invoice accordingly.  Payment must be made within 28 days.

 What if I’m also growing non-PFA varieties

For all other potato varieties eligible for FSS payment, the usual arrangements for FSS declaration and payment remain in place. You should declare all FSS plantings (of PFA or Non-PFA varieties) to BSPB as one declaration.

 What if I haven’t used FSS

It is important that you file a nil return with BSPB.

 Is there a charge for joining the PFA Scheme

There’s no charge for joining the PFA Scheme. Payment is only due on any FSS plantings declared.

 Application Form

Sample Agreement