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New export requirements for PEI potatoes

CFIA inspectors continue to monitor for potato wart through surveillance, soil sampling and analysis.
Photo courtesy of Syngenta.

Jan. 28, 2015, Ottawa – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has negotiated an agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) to prevent the spread of potato wart and maintain market access for Canadian potato growers.

January 30, 2015  By Canadian Food Inspection Agency


Due to recent detections of potato wart on Prince Edward Island, the CFIA is continuing to survey for the pest and enforcing restrictions to prevent further spread from infested fields. Potatoes from any field under CFIA restrictions for potato wart are not eligible for shipment to the U.S.

The complete requirements for potatoes from P.E.I are available here.

All other requirements for the export of potatoes produced in Canada, including P.E.I., remain in effect and must be met.

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Potato wart poses no risk to human health or food safety. However, it can impact the economic viability of the potato industry by reducing yield and making potatoes unmarketable.

Since 2000, when potato wart was first detected on P.E.I., the CFIA has confirmed the detection of potato wart in 23 fields on the Island. These detections are expected and are as a result of ongoing CFIA survey activities and industry vigilance.

The potato industry has an important role to play in meeting U.S. import requirements and maintaining access for Canadian potatoes. The CFIA will seek the full collaboration of stakeholders to continue traceability activities and to verify that all applicable treatments have been applied.

CFIA inspectors continue to monitor for potato wart through ongoing surveillance, soil sampling and analysis. The CFIA and USDA-APHIS, along with industry representatives from both countries, continue to work closely together to prevent the spread of potato wart and maintain the trade of potatoes.

Contact your local CFIA office to learn more about the export requirements for potatoes.

 


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