OTTAWA,
ON, June 20, 2024 /CNW/ - The Canadian Food
Inspection Agency (CFIA) recently launched a public consultation on
a draft National Potato Wart Response Plan. This draft plan
proposes new measures to improve the processes the Agency uses to
help contain, control, and prevent the spread of potato wart.
This is the next step in the CFIA's commitment to a full review
of its approach for potato wart based on current science,
international standards, and new technologies.
Proposed new measures included in this draft plan would be
applied to fields following the detection of potato wart and an
investigation to restrict its potential spread. These measures
include:
- the use of resistant potato varieties;
- increased soil analysis; and
- additional equipment cleanliness requirements.
The CFIA has continued to engage the Canadian Potato Council,
the Prince Edward Island (PEI)
Potato Board and the Province of PEI, and other industry
stakeholders as the response plan was prepared for consultation.
The draft plan also incorporates recommendations from the
International Advisory Panel on Potato Wart in PEI and input
received during a consultation on three potato wart risk management
documents earlier this year.
All feedback received during this consultation will be
considered as the plan is finalized. Once it is, a transition
process for PEI growers impacted by potato wart will be developed
to assist growers in moving from the current Potato Wart Domestic
Long Term Management Plan to the new response plan. The final plan
will apply to new detections of potato wart anywhere in
Canada, other than Newfoundland and Labrador.
The CFIA welcomes input and questions on the draft plan until
the close of the consultation period on July
26, 2024.
Quick Facts
- Potato wart is an extremely persistent soil-borne fungus that
may reduce yield and potato tuber quality on farms. It can spread
through the movement of soil, farm equipment, and potatoes from
fields that have potato wart.
- Potato wart is regulated under the Plant Protection Act
and Regulations. In Canada, potato
wart is only known to occur in Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince
Edward Island. There are regulatory control measures in
place in both provinces to help prevent the potential spread of
this pest.
- Potato wart has been known to be present in Newfoundland since 1909. As a result, the
movement of potatoes, including seed potatoes, outside of the
province has been restricted since 1912.
Related Products or
Associated Links
- Share your thoughts: Draft National Potato Wart Response
Plan
- Potato Wart Domestic Long Term Management Plan
- Potato wart facts and figures
- Potato Wart in Prince Edward
Island
- International Advisory Panel on Potato Wart in PEI
- International science perspectives on potato wart
- Potato wart Ministerial Order
Stay connected
Twitter: @InspectionCan
Facebook: CFIACanada
LinkedIn: canadian-food-inspection-agency
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) touches the lives of
all Canadians in so many positive ways. Every day, hard-working
CFIA employees—including inspectors, veterinarians and
scientists—inspect food for safety risks, work to protect plants
from pests and invasive species, and respond to animal diseases
that could threaten Canada's
animal resource base and human health. Guided by science-based
decision-making and modern regulations, the Agency works tirelessly
to promote access to and verify safe food in Canada and to support access to international
markets for our high-quality agricultural products. To learn more,
visit inspection.canada.ca.
SOURCE Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)