Before the anticipated date of September 2023, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) finished its investigation into the two potato wart detections in Prince Edward Island (PEI) in 2021.

In order to help limit, control, and prevent the spread of potato wart and to protect market access for potatoes from PEI, the CFIA has expedited its in-depth study in accordance with the Government of Canada’s pledge to support the potato industry in Budget 2022.

The CFIA gathered and tested over 50,000 soil samples from fields in PEI connected with recent detections during the inquiry. The research discovered potato wart in four additional fields, as is typical with large-scale investigations.

In these situations and whenever potato wart is found, land controls are implemented on specific fields to prevent the movement of potatoes, plants, dirt, and other items that can cause potato wart to spread. The CFIA will keep up its surveillance work in PEI throughout the fall, which will include keeping an eye on a few fields that weren’t previously linked to potato wart.

“The risks associated with the transmission of potato wart from fresh potatoes from PEI remain negligible when appropriate risk mitigation measures are in place and followed. The Ministerial Order remains in effect at this time as the CFIA continues to consult with industry about the next steps including enhanced control measures, such as biosecurity and traceability activities. The data collected during the investigation and the additional surveillance will help inform the development of long-term programming to mitigate risk and support the economic sustainability of the potato sector in PEI and across Canada,” according to a recent CFIA release.

Although large-scale investigations are difficult, this one was necessary to support one of Canada’s most important agricultural sectors and to show both domestic and foreign trading partners that Canada is committed to aiding in the containment, control, and prevention of the spread of potato wart.

“The CFIA will continue to work with stakeholders to advance progress on this important program as quickly as possible,” the Canadian Food Inspection Agency release concluded.