Agriculture
6 December 2025
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Source:https://unece.org/media/press/409645
UNECE’s new standards set to reshape potato and vegetable trade
UNECE’s new standards set to reshape potato and vegetable trade
UNECE’s new standards set to reshape potato and vegetable trade
GENEVA — In a major move aimed at strengthening global agricultural trade, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has adopted eight revised standards covering fruit, vegetables and meat — including a fully updated standard for seed potatoes.
Seed potatoes: a revised global benchmark
A highlight of the session was the adoption of the revised UNECE Standard for Seed Potatoes (S-1).
Seed potatoes are tubers (i.e. potatoes) that are carefully selected and grown under controlled conditions to be disease-free and genetically pure. The quality of seed potatoes directly affects crop yield, health, and productivity. High-quality seed potatoes allow for increased production, contributing to food security and reduced environmental impact. In 2023, global seed potato exports reached USD 1.1 billion, totalling 1.7 million tons.
The adoption of the revised standard was the culmination of a three-year process, led by Finland and supported by experts from Australia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Euroseeds.
Originally adopted in 1961, the UNECE standard S-1 for seed potatoes is the only international framework covering all key aspects of seed potato certification. It sets common terminology and minimum quality requirements for varietal identity, traceability, disease control, pest prevention, and labelling.
The revised standard introduces:
a) Improved certification processes for greater transparency and quality assurance.
b) Stronger disease and pest control measures through updated inspection protocols.
c) Enhanced traceability and labelling to support supply chain integrity.
d) Alignment with global trade rules, including European and North American standards.
“This revised standard is a crucial tool for global trade in seed potatoes. By providing clear and consistent certification rules, we are helping producers, certifying agencies and traders ensure quality seed potatoes” noted Hanna Kortemaa, Chair of the Specialized Section on Standardization of Seed Potatoes and Director of the Plant Production Department at the Finnish Food Authority.
GENEVA — In a major move aimed at strengthening global agricultural trade, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has adopted eight revised standards covering fruit, vegetables and meat — including a fully updated standard for seed potatoes.
Seed potatoes: a revised global benchmark
A highlight of the session was the adoption of the revised UNECE Standard for Seed Potatoes (S-1).
Seed potatoes are tubers (i.e. potatoes) that are carefully selected and grown under controlled conditions to be disease-free and genetically pure. The quality of seed potatoes directly affects crop yield, health, and productivity. High-quality seed potatoes allow for increased production, contributing to food security and reduced environmental impact. In 2023, global seed potato exports reached USD 1.1 billion, totalling 1.7 million tons.
The adoption of the revised standard was the culmination of a three-year process, led by Finland and supported by experts from Australia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Euroseeds.
Originally adopted in 1961, the UNECE standard S-1 for seed potatoes is the only international framework covering all key aspects of seed potato certification. It sets common terminology and minimum quality requirements for varietal identity, traceability, disease control, pest prevention, and labelling.
The revised standard introduces:
a) Improved certification processes for greater transparency and quality assurance.
b) Stronger disease and pest control measures through updated inspection protocols.
c) Enhanced traceability and labelling to support supply chain integrity.
d) Alignment with global trade rules, including European and North American standards.
“This revised standard is a crucial tool for global trade in seed potatoes. By providing clear and consistent certification rules, we are helping producers, certifying agencies and traders ensure quality seed potatoes” noted Hanna Kortemaa, Chair of the Specialized Section on Standardization of Seed Potatoes and Director of the Plant Production Department at the Finnish Food Authority.
Global Potato Seeds