The CFIA would like to draw your attention to the following information related to detections of potato wart on Prince Edward Island in October.
1. On November 21, 2021, a Ministerial Order was made under the authority of the Plant Protection Act. The Order is designed to restrict the movement of regulated things from PEI. This Order will enable the development of certification programs to support affected industries in PEI and ensure that related commodities are certified to mitigate concerns related to potato wart.
2. To address additional phytosanitary concerns raised by the U.S., the suspension has been expanded to include fresh potatoes (table stock and potatoes for processing) that originate from PEI to the U.S. as of November 21, 2021 (11 pm Eastern Standard Time). The suspension of certification of all potatoes originating from PEI to the U.S. will remain in effect until further notice.
In addition, all used farm machinery originating from PEI and shipped to the U.S. must be cleaned free of soil and disinfected prior to entering the U.S. This new U.S. import requirement should be considered permanent until further notice.
The U.S. has committed to ongoing technical discussions with the CFIA and details from the ongoing 2021 potato wart investigations will be shared. The CFIA will continue to work closely with the U.S. to address their concerns and minimize the impact to trade.
The Potato Wart Domestic Long Term Management Plan remains in place.
For more information, please see the following: