Scotcast Tax rises and tattie troubles
Oct 16, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Darshini David, the BBC's Deputy Economics Editor, breaks down the complexities of the upcoming budget. She discusses possible tax rises and the implications for everyday people, emphasizing that changes often ripple through the economy. The dialogue shifts to Scotland’s potato farmers facing challenges from climate change and market demands, showcasing their resilience amid changing conditions. Listeners gain insight into both economic policies and agricultural struggles in a rapidly transforming landscape.
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Soil Pests Threaten Seed Industry
- Soil pests like PCN (a tiny worm) damage seed potatoes and threaten Scotland's important seed industry.
- Losing PCN-free land would end seed production and critically damage the sector's future.
Breeding Alone Isn’t Enough
- The James Hutton Institute has bred PCN-resistant potato varieties that could protect crops.
- Getting those new cultivars into supermarket supply chains is the crucial remaining barrier.
Retail Demand Shapes Farming Choices
- Supermarket demand dictates which potato cultivars farmers grow and can block adoption of better-adapted varieties.
- Retailers' preferences can therefore slow the shift to climate- and pest-resilient potatoes.