P.E.I. farmers focus on 2022 crop as potato wart investigation continues 

P.E.I. farmers try to deal with the optimistic climate to date this rising season as they await the outcomes of the continued investigation into potato wart. 

The Canadian Meals Inspection Company (CFIA) banned potato shipments to the U.S. in November 2021, a choice designed to pre-empt an all-out U.S. ban after potato wart fungus was detected in two fields on the Island final fall.

Desk potato shipments resumed in April, however seed potatoes, which make up about 10 per cent of the Island’s annual output, are nonetheless banned within the U.S. and the remainder of Canada, pending the result of a extra thorough investigation.

In an e mail to CBC Information, CFIA reported it collected roughly 16,900 samples between April 13 and June 3, and that mixed with samples taken within the fall, it now has greater than 20,000.

The company acquired $12 million over two years within the April 2022 federal price range to extend its soil assortment and testing capability.

The company stated “sampling efforts will proceed on a smaller scale through the summer time rising season and can absolutely resume as soon as harvest begins and proceed till late fall”.

It added: “The full variety of samples required to finish the investigation is roughly 36,600. Nonetheless, that is simply an estimate and the ultimate quantity relies on the protocol within the area.”

CFIA stated it is going to present an replace in July 2022 on its web site, and each quarter, till the investigation is accomplished, together with the variety of samples collected, examined, and if any potato wart has been detected.

Concern about testing capability

The final supervisor of the P.E.I. Potato Board stated whereas he appreciates the extra efforts, the investigation nonetheless is not occurring shortly sufficient.

“In fact, we would wish to have all of the samples taken as fast as doable, and we predict maybe extra might have been taken final fall,” Donald stated.

“However I do know that native CFIA people have finished every little thing they will to get as many samples as they will, as fast as doable.”

Donald stated the Potato Board can also be involved concerning the pace at which the laboratory evaluation is being finished.

“There’s positively capability points there. Final replace we had, they may do upwards of three,000 per thirty days,” Donald stated. 

“You can begin to do the maths. It may take over a 12 months to get the variety of samples finished that should be finished, in order that’s regarding.” 

Donald stated he is anxious, particularly, for seed growers who stay shut out of america, in addition to the remainder of Canada. 

He stated the Potato Board is presently doing a survey to find out what number of acres have been planted this season. 

He stated he anticipates a minimum of a 5 per cent drop, with the biggest proportion within the seed sector. 

Selling P.E.I. potatoes

Donald stated the Potato Board has additionally been working onerous to advertise P.E.I. potatoes to prospects all over the world. 

A delegation, together with the premier, attended the World Potato Congress in Dublin, Eire, earlier this month.

“There’s over 900 delegates from potato-producing areas all around the world,” Donald stated.

“It confirmed the remainder of the world that we’ve got some points right here on P.E.I., however we’re nonetheless going to be a robust, vital participant on the planet potato business.”

Earlier than Dublin, employees from the Potato Board visited the Netherlands, to study their greatest practices round controlling potato wart. 

“The Netherlands is the world’s chief in seed gross sales globally, and so they have potato wart,” Donald stated.

“It was very attention-grabbing and academic to go there, and expertise first-hand how they’re doing that.”