Ottawa steps up potato response
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The Trudeau government has stepped up its response to a United States ban on Prince Edward Island potatoes by forming a five-member committee of cabinet ministers to address the issue.
Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Ginette Petitpas Taylor, minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, will be co-chairs of the committee which includes Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc, International Trade Minister Mary Ng and Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay who represents a riding on the island.
A news release said 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 government earlier set up an industry-government working group and announced up to $28 million in funding to manage surplus potatoes.
There is no risk to human health from the fungus, but it can remain dormant in the soil for up to 40 years and lead to reduced yield. It has been identified in two fields and a new survey is underway.
The U.S. is a major market for P.E.I. potatoes. Trade of processed potatoes is not affected by the ban.
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