The UK potato industry could be dealt a devastating blow if a species of beetle found on the Continent is allowed to thrive here, the NFU has said.
Experts predict that the Epitrix flea beetle could wipe £40million from our potato market if it were to spread from affected regions in Spain and Portugal. They also believe that if it does reach the UK it would be impossible to eradicate and costly to control.
Growers, processors and packers have been urged to notify the Food and Environment Research Agency if they buy products from either country.
The NFU has backed that call - but we are also pushing for the notification to become a statutory measure as soon as possible.