Agriculture and Forestry Minister Eric Hammill announced today that the $10 disinfection fee for interprovincial potato trucks will become effective on Monday, September 22. Introduction of the fee was delayed a week while the department considered options proposed by the trucking industry at a meeting on Monday attended by representatives of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association, the Potato Board and dealers.
The minister said he has assured truckers the department is committed to making the collection of fees as easy as possible. Some payment options include the use of credit cards and the setting up of accounts for payment by invoice. Twenty companies have already established accounts with the department.
"My objectives are that the disinfection program be implemented properly and with reduced costs to the taxpayer," said Mr. Hammill. "The department will continue to review all aspects of the disinfection program to make it more efficient and effective, and least disruptive to trucking operations, while achieving our goal of preventing the spread of potato diseases."
Mr. Hammill rejected the proposal raised by truckers that the costs be recovered by the imposition of industry-wide levies through the Potato Board. "Interprovincial truck transportation accounts for less than 50 percent of potato movement," he said. "Because interprovincial potato trucks are a major potential source of infection, I believe it is fair and reasonable that they share responsibility for the costs of the disinfection program."
Mr. Hammill said if truckers wish to haul potatoes from Prince Edward Island as part of their business, they have the responsibility to have their trucks disinfected. "I remain convinced that the cost of truck disinfection is a cost of doing business for those transporting potatoes," he said.
The minister said he also had concerns about the trucking industry's proposal to establish "on site" disinfection stations at major shipping points, with the costs to be borne by shippers and truckers. He pointed out the department has a major investment in disinfection facilities and staff, and the establishment of private services would result in duplication and underutilization of the present service. The minister said he was also concerned about issues of control and accountability if the service was carried out at private facilities.
"As well, there are concerns related to the disinfection of trucks on site; the intent of the disinfection program is to prevent the introduction and/or spread of potato diseases," said Mr. Hammill. "This is more effectively achieved at entry points to the province or at off-farm locations."
He said Prince Edward Island now has the lowest diesel fuel costs in the region as result of the province's decision not to harmonize provincial sales taxes and the GST, and the opening of the Confederation Bridge has also reduced transportation costs. The savings realized as a result of these measures far exceed the new fee of $10 per load, he added.
"I am certain the trucking industry will take all these factors into account when incorporating the disinfection fee or any other cost of doing business into its rates for its
clients," said Mr. Hammill. "I understand that at least some trucking companies have already passed on the considerable cost-savings because of lower tolls and travel times as a result of the opening of the Confederation Bridge to its customers in the potato industry."
Mr. Hammill said he appreciated the proposals made by the trucking industry regarding the disinfection fee, and that the department will continue to consult with the industry to ensure its efficient implementation.