Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry minister Walter Bradley says the reopening of the Mexican market to Canadian seed potatoes is great news for Prince Edward Island.
Announcement of the terms of agreement to allow for the immediate resumption of seed potato exports was made today by Agriculture and Agri-food minister Ralph Goodale and Trade minister Art Eggleton.
Mexico had introduced restrictions on the import of Canadian seed potatoes in April of 1992.
"The Mexican market offers an important opportunity for Prince Edward Island seed producers and shippers," said Mr. Bradley. "I am pleased that ongoing negotiations between Mexican and Canadian officials have finally resolved all the outstanding issues and that this important market has been reopened."
Mr. Bradley said the Mexican Ambassador to Canada, Sandra Fuentes, deserves special credit for her efforts in helping to bring about the agreement. He discussed the issue with the ambassador during her visit to Prince Edward Island last year. He also said it was important his department was represented by MLA Stavert Huestis and a departmental official at a meeting of the North American State Departments of Agriculture in Mexico last year where the issue was discussed.
Mexico had been Prince Edward Island’s fourth largest seed customer before the restrictions were put in place. In 1990-91, Prince Edward Island exported more than 7700 tonnes of seed potatoes to Mexico. The potential market for Canada is estimated at approximately 10,000 tonnes with a value of $4 million annually.
"Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Minister, Ralph Goodale and his staff worked hard with us to regain this important market and we thank them for their efforts. I look forward to working closely with the industry to ensure that we are able to regain a solid market share," said Mr. Bradley.