Media Advisory – P.E.I. Potato Farmers to Face Dire Consequences of U.S. Border Closure Decision

WHAT

Prince Edward Island Potato Board is calling for an immediate reversal of government-imposed suspension of exports of all fresh potatoes from P.E.I. to the U.S. by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The board and its allies, including Dennis King, Premier of Prince Edward Island, call on representatives on both sides to work to resolve this unnecessary and harmful trade disruption.

WHO

The P.E.I. Potato Board represents the island’s more than 175 potato growers. Prince Edward Island potato farms grow one-quarter of Canada’s potatoes, collectively injecting more than $1.3 billion into the Island economy and employing approximately eight per cent of the Island’s workforce. The P.E.I. Potato Board estimates the value of P.E.I. potato exports to the U.S. at $120 million. Approximately 40 per cent of Prince Edward Island’s fresh potatoes is exported to the U.S. each year.  In addition, the U.S. is a significant market for seed potatoes from PE.I.

WHEN

Thursday, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00p.m. to 6:00 p.m. AST
Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00p.m. to 6:00 p.m. AST

WHY

For more than 20 years, prevention of the spread of potato wart has been done under the auspices of the Long Term Potato Wart Domestic Management Plan, developed by CFIA, to prevent spread within the province and in market destinations for P.E.I. potatoes. The plan has worked: There has not been a single incidence of potato wart in any market, including the U.S. and the rest of Canada, attributable to Prince Edward Island potatoes in the last two decade This trade disruption will limit trade in a year when potatoes are already in short supply across North America and globally. There will undoubtedly be lay-offs and other economic impacts on PEI potato farms and packing sheds.