US Government lifts P.E.I. fresh potato import restrictions
A ban on P.E.I. tablestock potatoes to america got here to an finish on April 1.
America Division of Agriculture (USDA) introduced a brand new federal import order late within the day on Friday that may permit the Island spuds to come back in instantly.
The ban continues to be in impact on P.E.I. seed potatoes.
“It’s excellent news,’’ John Visser, president of the P.E.I. Potato Board, instructed SaltWire Community. “It will have been good if it had been earlier as a result of, as we’ve mentioned all alongside, it’s within the science.
There was no motive in any respect wash sprout potatoes couldn’t have gone down there earlier. By the identical token, we’re grateful to the powers that be that helped get this to the place it’s.’’
The Canadian Meals Inspection Company (CFIA) slapped the ban in place Nov. 21, 2021 after potato wart was discovered on two fields in P.E.I.
Visser mentioned the USDA promised federal Agriculture Minister Mari-Claude Bibeau and Cardigan MP Lawrence MacAulay in late January a critical have a look at the ban would happen and that potatoes might begin transferring in about two months.
Happy to see that our world-class PEI potatoes can once more be exported to the US, successfully instantly. pic.twitter.com/O4u6lfzetD
— Lawrence MacAulay (@L_MacAulay) April 1, 2022
“There’s an info assembly (April 2) with CFIA as a result of I’m positive there’s something we don’t learn about but, however I belief there ought to be masses going (to the U.S.) by the primary of subsequent week,’’ Visser mentioned.
Island farmers destroyed greater than 240 million kilos of potatoes because of the ban.
Visser mentioned the choice to finish the ban gained’t save the season. Farmers nonetheless aren’t positive how a lot federal-provincial support packages will assist.
“However, the outdated saying, higher late than by no means.’’
Visser added it goes with out saying the primary few a great deal of potatoes shall be scrutinized in P.E.I. and on the U.S.-Canada border.
“I used to be speaking to a few consumers already, and they’re individuals who cope with New England. They’re very proud of the information. They’re wanting ahead to getting some product from P.E.I.’’
