Fig. 3.

Seed potato production system in other countries. (a) Minitubers. (b) Microtubers. (c) The Netherlands General Inspection Service for Agricultural Seeds and Seed Potatoes (NAK) inspects agricultural seeds and seed potatoes by order of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality division. These inspections are required by law. NAK is an independent organization, and is managed by representatives of growers, breeders, and traders. (d) The Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) Division of the Scottish Government’s Agriculture, Food and Rural Communities Directorate has a primary role of providing scientific services and advice to support agriculture in Scotland and the wider environment. (e) Specified producers are appointed by SASA. (f) In the United States, the grade of the potatoes decreases as they move through the production and distribution chain. After they have reached the G1 grade, they are the equivalent of stock seed potatoes. The G grade is generally divided into five subgrades, but may include eight subgrades in some states. (g) In the Republic of Korea, the foundation seed potatoes pass through the same three stages of propagation as in Japan. Private companies may participate in the propagation system during any of these stages.