Minister Says Potato Board To Consider Vote Results

Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Jim Bagall said it is now up to the Prince Edward Island Potato Board to determine what course of action to take following the vote on a permanent acreage cap and buydown program.

“Prince Edward Island potato producers have expressed their views on these matters, and it is now up to the Potato Board to consider the results of the vote,” said Mr. Bagnall. “As minister, I do not wish to comment on the results of the vote until the Potato Board has had the opportunity to discuss them in more detail.”

Mr. Bagnall said he was pleased that more than 86 percent of eligible producers voted in the plebiscite. “The fact that the vast majority of producers voted should provide the board with a clear indication of the wishes of the majority of producers in the province,” he said.

The Prince Edward Island Potato Board has the authority under the Natural Products Marketing Act to seek the views of its members and to implement policies affecting the production and marketing of potatoes.