Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced the creation of the new Federal Ministerial Coordinating Committee on PEI Potatoes with the objective of enhancing coordination and collaboration across the federal government to respond to concerns and find solutions.
The Committee will be an important forum to exchange information and further develop strategies to address the issue, while minimizing impacts of potato wart on the PEI potato sector. It will build on and complement the important work that has been done to date.
The Committee will examine a range of issues, such as updates on the technical discussions to provide scientific assurance to the United States, the delivery of programs to support farmers, the progress of the Industry-Government Potato Working Group, and advocacy efforts to access international markets. The first meeting will take place next week.
On November 22, the United States Department of Agriculture instructed their border services to reject any shipment of seed, table and processing potatoes from PEI. The United States has requested clear scientific data on CFIA’s investigation of the recent potato wart detections, clear risk mitigation measures, and an ongoing monitoring plan for clearly-defined quarantined areas.
While the CFIA is currently redoubling their efforts to gather the requested information in order to reassure the United States, they cannot certify PEI potatoes as they do not meet US requirements in accordance with the plant protection regulations.
Since then, the Government has: created an Industry-Government Potato Working Group; announced up to $28 million in funding to help manage surplus potatoes; made important adjustments to the AgriStability program; completed the national survey for potato wart ahead of schedule; and conducted extensive engagement with the U.S. government at all levels to resolve this issue.
“It is a top priority for our Government to reopen the American border for PEI fresh potatoes and support the farmers affected by this difficult situation. For many weeks already, my cabinet colleagues and I have joined efforts to ensure all options are explored. The formal creation of this committee helps build upon the work we are doing together across Government,†said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
“Potatoes are one of the defining features of Prince Edward Island. This past year saw high yields, making the current situation even more devastating for PEI farmers and their communities. Through this Committee, we will coordinate our approach across the federal government to restore trade with the United States and support the PEI potato industry,†said the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
On December 23, 2021, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced the results of its national survey for potato wart, and potato wart was not detected in unregulated areas. The national survey involved soil testing across areas of Canada that grow seed potatoes (except Newfoundland) to confirm that unregulated areas remain free from this pest.
Producers have access to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s suite of Business Risk Management (BRM) programs to help them manage risks that threaten the viability of their farm. These programs are 60:40 cost-shared between the federal government and the province.
The United States is a major destination for PEI potatoes, with approximately $103.4 million of total PEI table stock and processing potato exports in 2020.
Trade of processed potatoes is not affected by the suspension of export certification. In 2020, PEI’s processed potato exports (such as frozen fries or chips) to the United States were valued at $370.8 million. ■