A new program is being introduced to identify and control the spread of potato virus in Prince Edward Island. Beginning this fall, all seed potatoes to be planted in the province in 1999 must be lab tested for virus diseases and meet quality requirements. The Post-harvest Laboratory Virus Testing Program was developed by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry in cooperation with the Prince Edward Island Potato Board.
The new testing program will help reinforce Prince Edward Island's position as a world leader in the seed potato industry and its reputation as a supplier of safe, high quality products.
"Ensuring the quality of Prince Edward Island seed potatoes and reducing the level of diseases is a major priority for all sectors of the potato industry," said Agriculture and Forestry Minister Eric Hammill. "Through this new initiative, the Department will be supporting the industry to further strengthen its reputation in domestic and international markets and increase confidence in the quality of our potato products."
Under the program, all growers will be required to have a post-harvest laboratory virus test completed on each seedlot. Only those seedlots that meet acceptable standards will be eligible for planting on the Island in 1999. The standards will be established by the department in January, in consultation with the potato industry.
The tests must be carried out in a laboratory accredited by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. A virus testing protocol has been developed specifically for the program that will result in lower costs for producers. The Potato Board has received funding from the department and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency through the Primary Resource Development Agreement to provide 50 percent of the costs to a maximum of $125 per sample.
Robert MacDonald, Chairman of the Potato Board, says the new initiative is aimed at raising the standards of Prince Edward Island seed potatoes, which will result in higher quality for all growers. "Virus diseases can result in production and quality losses," said Mr. MacDonald. "Through the cooperation of all producers, we can reduce disease levels and market a better quality crop. Reducing disease levels will also enable us to move toward our goal of reducing the need for pesticides."
Potato viruses have no affect on the food safety of potatoes for consumers, but can have some affect on overall yield and the value of potatoes for some uses.
The department has now placed inspectors in the Canadian Food Inspection Agency district offices to take samples from producers. Inspectors are responsible for the supervision, identification and transportation of all seed samples to the accredited labs. Producers must contact inspectors at the district offices to make arrangements for the collection of samples.
The testing program is being introduced under amendments to the Plant Health Act passed during the spring session of the Legislature.