The newly finalized National Potato Wart Response Plan will take effect with the 2025 potato crop, introducing crucial measures aimed at containing and controlling the spread of potato wart.
This plan replaces the previous Potato Wart Domestic Long-term Management Plan (2009) and establishes enhanced protocols for managing this significant agricultural pest.
Key New Requirements for Restricted Fields:
- Farm-Based Preventive Control Plan (PCP): Growers must develop a formal written plan detailing how their operation identifies and mitigates risks associated with the introduction and spread of potato wart.
- Equipment Cleanliness: All loose soil must be removed from machinery and equipment before exiting a restricted field, in accordance with the preventive control plan.
- Seed Potato Certification: Certification for seed potatoes grown in restricted fields will no longer be available, and production in index and adjacent fields will continue to face ongoing restrictions.
- Soil Sampling and Analysis: Additional soil sampling and analysis will be required before any restrictions can be lifted from restricted fields.
- In-Province Movement Regulations: There will be increased requirements governing the movement of potatoes and root crops produced in potato wart restricted fields within the province.
For complete details on the National Potato Wart Response Plan and guidelines, read the full plan here.
