After receiving a GBP2.2m support package from UK Export Finance (UKEF) and Credit Agricole, Central Plains Group (CPG), a Scottish-based farming company, has boosted exports of specialist agricultural equipment and potato seeds.

This is an important step-up for the seed potato industry, which is worth approximately GBP113m to UK farmers every year and employs more than 11,740 people.

As a result of this specific support package, CPG is now lifting 40,000 tons of cultivars through its operations in Ukraine, and can fulfill several multi-million-pound contracts across Eastern Europe, Post Online Media wrote.

Ukraine is a major potential export market for UK suppliers of agri-tech, equipment, and potato seeds. The country produces 20m tons per year and is the second-largest consumer of potatoes in the world.

CPG is currently supplying seed, table, and crisping potatoes to businesses across the country as well as developing a state-of-the-art potato starch plant.

The deal was made possible through UKEF’s Standard Buyer Loan Guarantee, which covers loans to an overseas buyer to finance the purchase of goods from a UK supplier and is the first of its kind in Scotland.

UKEF support for markets in Scotland has dramatically increased over the past six years, from c. GBP36m in 2016-2017 to c. GBP416m in 2021-2022. It remains a high priority and in September, UKEF opened new Trade and Investment offices in the country to help level up export growth and support local jobs.