Potatoes in Canada

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Potato wart not detected in national seed potato survey

January 3, 2022  By Potatoes in Canada


Potato wart was not detected in the national survey for potato wart, conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), according to a CFIA statement released Dec. 23, 2021.

Conducted this fall with results found ahead of schedule, the national survey completed soil testing across seed potato growing areas in Canada, with the exception of Newfoundland, to confirm that unregulated growing regions remain free of potato wart. The CFIA received co-operation of seed potato growers during the conduction of the survey, and has informed the involved growers of the survey results.

“The expedited completion of the survey marks an important step in the Government of Canada’s action plan to reassure international trading partners of the safety of Canadian seed potatoes. It is also information that the United States (US) is seeking, as part of its ongoing review of the CFIA’s containment and control of potato wart. The latest scientific evidence gathered from the national survey was provided to the US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) earlier today, and should serve to provide reassurances they need that it is safe to resume the trade of fresh potatoes. The US is also looking for outcomes of the CFIA investigation into the recent detections of potato wart on PEI to show that appropriate mitigation measures and an ongoing monitoring plan for a clearly defined quarantined area are key in controlling the spread of potato wart,” the statement reads.

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“Clear scientific data like these survey results are one step in assuring trading partners that the trade in potatoes from non-quarantined fields is safe and does not pose a risk to pest-free areas. It is important news for potato producers in Prince Edward Island and across Canada. The CFIA stands firm that, based on the science, the risks associated with the transmission of potato wart from fresh potatoes remain negligible when appropriate risk mitigation measures are in place.”

Quick facts

  • Potato wart is an extremely persistent fungus in soil that reduces yield on farms. It can spread through the movement of soil, farm equipment, and potatoes from fields that have potato wart. As a pest regulated under the Plant Protection Act, its detection may trigger measures to control the disease and prevent its spread.
  • Potato wart poses no threat to human health.
  • Potato wart has been known to be present in Newfoundland since 1909. Strict quarantine measures are in place to prevent the potential spread of this pest to other areas of Canada.
  • Soil testing has always been the basis for the detection and confirmation of potato wart in Canada. Even when an infected tuber is presented to the CFIA, the next step is to test the field through soil sampling.
  • The number of soil samples for potato wart fluctuates year to year based on market demand, requirements of investigations and the Potato Wart Domestic Long Term Management Plan.
  • On November 21, 2021, the CFIA suspended export certificates for fresh potatoes from Prince Edward Island (PEI) to the US in response to US concerns. This action was taken in order to avoid the implementation of a US Federal Order that would prohibit the import of fresh potatoes from PEI, which would be very challenging to overturn.
  • Also on November 21, 2021, a Ministerial Order was put in place to prevent the spread of potato wart in the rest of Canada and abroad. The actions are necessary to protect Canada’s national potato industry and to support the long-term future for the industry in PEI.
  • On December 20, 2021, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food announced $28 million to support Prince Edward Island potato producers impacted by trade disruptions.


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