High Grade Seed

Orkney is the ideal place to grow High Grade or Pre Basic seed in the isolation of the Isles away from other crops.  We plant out mini tubers which have only ever been grown in glass houses or poly tunnels and multiply them for two or three generations before they are moved further South.  

These crops are grown as part of the Seed Potato Classification Scheme (SPCS) which ensures the continuing high quality of Scottish Seed Potatoes, by setting strict tolerances for freedom from disease and trueness to type. SASA is the Certifying Authority for the SPCS and also carries out a range of scientific activities in support of seed potato classification in Scotland. 

As part of the scheme the crops are inspected by Government inspectors from SASA both throughout the growing season (green crop) and also before they leave the farm in spring time ahead of planting.  Throughout the summer it's common to see inspectors walking through the crops ensuring they meet the high health requirements of the scheme.

We currently grow 10 different varieties from Scottish, English, Dutch & German controllers.

We are 1 of only 22 High Grade or Pre Basic Growers in the country. We are also members of the Pre Basic Growers Association (PBGA) one of the longest standing grower groups in the UK and I was fortunate enough to be a past president of the Association.