Agriculture and Forestry Minister Eric Hammill said today he looks forward to the resumption of seed potato exports to Mexico. An agreement was reached between the Canadian and Mexican governments on Friday which re-opens the Mexican market to Canadian seed potatoes. It had been closed since 1997.
"This is very positive news for the Prince Edward Island potato industry in that it provides another option for producers in marketing this year's crop," said Mr. Hammill. "Coming this early in the shipping season, I believe it will help inject some life into the market."
Mr. Hammill credited Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Minister Lyle Vanclief for helping bring negotiations to a successful resolution. "Gaining access to the Mexican market was key priority for both Premier Binns and myself during the two Team Canada trade missions to Mexico in the past year, and we are very pleased our efforts have been successful," said Mr. Hammill.
While full details of the new agreement are not yet available, Mr. Hammill said that E3 seed lots will not have to be tested, and that E4 lots will be tested in Canada under Mexican supervision. There could be spot checks of both seed classes in Mexico. The minister said it is not yet clear whether exporters will be required to cover the costs of Mexican inspectors. Mr. Hammill expressed confidence that Canadian seed will receive fair treatment from Mexican authorities.
Prince Edward Island seed potato exports to Mexico were halted following the detection of PVYn in 1991. The market was briefly re-opened in the mid-90s. During the 1996-97 shipping season, Prince Edward Island exported close to 90 thousand hundredweight of seed potatoes to Mexico, about 13 percent of total exports to international markets.