Agriculture and Forestry Minister Mitch Murphy announced today that the department is once again providing support for post-harvest testing of seed potatoes. The program was developed five years ago to help reduce virus levels in seed potatoes. Under the program, seed potatoes must contain less than five percent in total viruses before they can be planted in 2004.
The test is mandatory for all Elite II, III, IV and Foundation seed lots that are to be re-planted in Prince Edward Island.
"Virus testing has been an integral part of a strategy to improve the quality of seed potatoes, and since the inception of the program, significant progress has been made in reducing virus levels," said Mr. Murphy. "The quality of seed potatoes is fundamental to the success of the potato industry as a whole, and that is why the provincial government continues to support post-harvest testing."
Samples are collected by department staff and tested in local labs accredited by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Last year, close to 1000 seed lots were tested. The post-harvest test is in addition to inspections carried out by CFIA.
"Government and industry have made a strong commitment to reduce virus levels," said Mr. Murphy. "The results of the post-harvest test also enable producers to document the quality of their seed to buyers."