We continue to be engaged strongly with our provincial government along with our national member agencies — CPMA, FVGC, United Potato Growers of Canada, and Canadian Potato Council. The U.S. market is crucial for P.E.I. potatoes, and we have spent years, even generations, building good working relationships with our buyers. We’re hopeful we can continue in these markets while also exploring new export possibilities for our quality potatoes.
P.E.I once again had another successful National Soil Survey with no evidence of potato wart detected. This marks over 51,000 samples taken and tested since 2022, and the non-detection status along with the multiple layers of protection offered via potato handling protocols, sprout inhibitor application, and strong biosecurity and traceability procedures continue to make P.E.I. potatoes the safest around. We are also pleased to see CFIA’s new National Potato Wart Response Plan completed and enacted.
The winter months are what we refer to as “meeting season.” As it is a quieter time for our growers, our committees — seed, fresh, and processing — gather to discuss the important topics impacting our industry. We had island wide biosecurity sessions that saw more 200 people come out to hear from our presenters. This speaks to the importance of the topic and that growers are prioritizing good and safe biosecurity practices in their operations. Our AIM meetings are going well with excellent numbers of growers turning out to hear the speakers as well as the findings and reports our research and agronomy specialist has completed via field trials over the year. Our growers are committed to enhancing growing practices, especially knowing the importance of building our soils and lowering the number of inputs when able. This is the off year for our big Potato Expo, and we hosted a large turnout at our PEI Potato Conference in Summerside.
Our seed numbers look to be in good shape coming into planting season. Post harvest virus test results are probably the strongest in memory with an overall pass rate of 93 per cent. This marks two back-to-back years of 92 per cent or higher — which is exceptional. A huge shout out to our seed growers who work so hard to grow high quality seed for our industry.
It won’t be long until we’re back on the fields for Plant 2025. We wish all growers a great start to the cropping year.
~ Submitted by Krista Shaw, Director of Stakeholder Relations
