Draft National Potato Wart Response Plan (first consultation)

This page is published to receive public feedback during a consultation. The related consultation is now closed.

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Overview

Synchytrium endobioticum is a fungal pathogen and causal agent of potato wart or potato canker disease. It can survive in soil for more than 40 years and no chemical treatments are available to control the fungus. Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is the primary cultivated host. In Canada, it is a regulated and reportable disease and known to be present in Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island.

Potato wart is recognized as a regulated pest by the majority of Canada's trading partners, including the United States (where it has been declared eradicated), and by many European countries (where it is present and under official control). Worldwide, spread has largely been controlled through strict quarantine measures, including the prohibition of susceptible host plant production in infected fields and the development and wide-spread use of resistant potato cultivars.

In 2020, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) initiated a full review of its approach to help contain, control, and prevent the spread of potato wart based on current science, international standards, and new technologies. The review included the development of a pest risk assessment and a pathway risk assessment document, and a review of the investigation procedures and the Potato Wart Domestic Long-Term Management Plan (PWDLTMP). In 2021, the CFIA also implemented a national survey for potato wart based on soil sampling and analysis.

This draft National Potato Wart Response Plan outlines proposed phytosanitary measures to improve the processes used to help contain, control, and prevent the spread of potato wart in Canada (excluding Newfoundland and Labrador). The measures, including the use of resistant varieties, increased soil analysis and the addition of equipment cleanliness requirements, as described in this plan would be applied to fields following the detection and confirmation of potato wart (i.e. via symptomatic tubers or detection of resting spores) and an investigation procedure to delimit the potential spread. All feedback received will be considered in the finalization of this plan. Once finalized, this response plan will replace the PWDLTMP and an accompanying transition plan will be developed. The transition plan will consider all the steps completed under the current PWDLTMP when confirming the path for lifting phytosanitary measures for restricted fields currently in Prince Edward Island (PEI).

Introduction

Synchytrium endobioticum, the causal agent of potato wart disease, is a fungal pathogen that has been reported in Canada, most European countries, and many other countries around the world. The pathogen has been declared eradicated in the United States. Canada applies strict import control measures on soil and only allows the import of field grown potato tubers for seed and consumption from the United States to mitigate the risk of the entry of S. endobioticum and other regulated pestsinto Canada. Dormant potato wart spores can survive extreme environmental conditions in the soil for more than 40 years. To grow, S. endobioticum requires cool, moist conditions during the growing season, particularly in the spring, and generally does not survive in areas with low annual precipitation. Climate suitability modeling suggests that most of Canada's potato-producing regions are a good climatic match for this pathogen and as a result the risk of new introductions establishing in other regions of Canada is high.

In Canada, potato wart is a reportable disease and is present in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), where it was first reported in 1909, and Prince Edward Island (PEI), where it was first reported in 2000. Potato wart has not been detected in other provinces in Canada as supported by official surveys. In NL, potato wart is regulated under Schedule II of the Plant Protection Regulations and is considered widespread geographically, but at low levels of incidence. In PEI, potato wart has been managed under plant protection programs since 2000. In 2005, the PWDLTMP was implemented in PEI, and last updated in 2009, to outline the minimum testing and surveillance and risk mitigation activities (phytosanitary measures) required for any parcel of land linked to a potato wart detection. This includes the steps required to undergo a change in a field's potato wart status and the investigation criteria for fields associated with new detections of potato wart.

The PWDLTMP is a field-based risk management strategy, based on analysis of scientific evidence related to the plant health risk of individual fields. It includes five basic land categories and all lands under restriction, namely, index fields (where the pest has been detected), fields adjacent to the index field (within 15 metres) and primary contact fields (related to an index field through movement of soil or seed potatoes). The final two field categories, other contact fields (e.g. secondary contact) and new or new portions of fields entering potato production for the first time, are considered lower risk for exposure to potato wart. Each field category is required to undergo specific steps to verify its freedom from potato wart.

In November 2021, the Potato Wart Order (PWO) was issued and established restricted and unrestricted areas within the province of PEI. It also included restrictions on the movement of soil, seed, table and processing potatoes and other regulated things (e.g. farm machinery, sod, etc.). Potato wart is present in PEI and with mitigation measures in place, including the Potato Wart Order, is considered to be under official control.

Existing phytosanitary import and domestic requirements to prevent the introduction and spread of the pathogen are outlined in CFIA's automated import reference system (AIRS) and CFIA plant health directives. The primary human-mediated pathways for S. endobioticum are movement of seed potato tubers, movement of soil and soil associated with plant products (including potato tubers for consumption and plants and plant parts for propagation), movement of soil adhering to machinery, implements, and conveyances or movement of contaminated organic solid or liquid waste materials originating from potato processing and packing facilities. Contaminated animal manure is also a risk pathway as the pest can survive the digestive tracts of livestock fed on infested potato culls or other infested organic waste. The pest has a limited ability to spread naturally through the movement of wind-blown soil or waterways. The movement of infected seed potato tubers is the most likely pathway for long distance introduction and establishment of the pest.

In Summer 2022, in support of its program review, the CFIA established an independent panel of international experts and requested they review and assess the situation in PEI and provide a report of expert opinions and recommendations. The report was completed in December 2022 and provided recommendations to the CFIA to improve the management of potato wart disease in PEI, and considerations for the establishment of pest free areas.

Also in 2022, the CFIA established an Industry-Government Technical Working Group focussing on revisions to the Potato Wart Domestic Long Term Management Plan (2009). The objective of this working group was to provide a technical forum to exchange information from key industry stakeholders, to collaborate and to coordinate efforts to obtain input and feedback to improve the current PWDLTMP. The working group provided its recommendations to the CFIA in April 2023.

From November 2023 to January 2024, the CFIA led a public consultation to seek comments on several guidance documents and recommendations related to potato wart, including possible revisions to the categorization of potato wart primary contact and other contact fields, options for mitigating the risk of potato wart spread and options for seed potato production in fields associated with potato wart.

The international panel report, the recommendations from the Industry-Government Technical Working Group, and the feedback received during the consultation on the guidance documents have informed the development of this draft response plan. Improvements to risk mitigation, including the use of resistant varieties, increased soil analysis and the additional of equipment cleanliness requirements, are a result of this feedback.

Scope

This draft National Potato Wart Response Plan (response plan) provides detailed information to the CFIA, potato industry stakeholders, provincial and territorial government stakeholders and other national plant protection organizations on proposed phytosanitary measures to improve processes used to help contain, control, and prevent the spread of potato wart from any regulated areas in Canada, except for NL, while supporting the long-term sustainability of the potato sector in Canada. The objective of this document is to seek feedback and input to inform the finalization of the National Potato Wart Response Plan.

When finalized, the response plan will supersede the PWDLTMP, March 9, 2009, and an accompanying transition plan will be developed that will consider all the steps completed under the current PWDLTMP when confirming the path for lifting phytosanitary measures for fields currently in the restricted area in Prince Edward Island.

For PEI, the prohibitions and requirements specified in the Potato Wart Order remain in place and are in addition to the risk mitigation measures outlined in this response plan.

Definitions

Definitions of terms used in this document can be found in the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures 5: Glossary of phytosanitary terms (PDF), and the definitions in the Potato Wart Order, except for the following terms.

Detection

An official CFIA detection of spores of S. endobioticum as determined by morphological identification followed by a molecular method to confirm presence.

Equipment cleanliness

The user must remove all loose adhering soil from all machinery, implements, and conveyances before exiting the field / farm unit as per the requirements of the farm unit's preventive control plan. Washing is not mandatory.

Field

A distinct plot of land distinguished from neighbouring plots of land by physical boundaries including a: tree line, fence line, permanent waterway, ditch, road or permanent lane, berm, permanent irrigation track, or transition to non-agricultural area (fallow, lawn, wetland).

Freedom from soil

All machinery, implements, and conveyances must be free from soil to the standard of PI-016: Procedure for inspection regulated articles for freedom from soil, plants, plant parts and related matter.

Laboratory bioassay

A method used for the purposes of detecting a pest (e.g. potato wart) in field-collected soil, using susceptible potato varieties grown under conducive growing conditions.

Pathotypes

S. endobioticum has over 40 pathotypes, defined as groups of isolates with a similar response to a set of differential potato varieties. Pathotypes 2, 6, and 8 are currently reported from Canada.

Potato culls

Potatoes that are deemed surplus or otherwise unsuitable for the intended use and are considered waste, including whole or parts of tubers, or tubers with defects related to size, disease, physiology or any other defect.

Preventative Control Plan (PCP)

A written document that demonstrates how risks to plant health are identified and controlled. It includes a combination of control measures that, when taken as a whole, provide for a science-based approach to managing risks posed by hazards, such as plant diseases, and contributes to achieving compliance with phytosanitary measures and regulatory requirements. A PCP can be built off existing farm plans including on-farm biosecurity plans and may also be referred to as a 'systems approach' to mitigate pest risk(s).

Regulated things

Means any of the following:

  1. S. endobioticum, in all its life stages;
  2. potato plants (Solanum tuberosum), including tubers or parts thereof;
  3. soil;
  4. plants or parts thereof including root crops, nursery stock, greenhouse plants, bedding plants, vegetable transplants and sod;
  5. machinery, implements, and conveyances; or
  6. manure

Restricted field

Field in which S. endobioticum has been found as well as land that by reason of its agricultural history, or its location, is associated with land in which S. endobioticum has been found. Restricted fields are classified as index, adjacent, primary contact, other / secondary contact or suspect.

Resistant varieties

Potato varieties which have been accepted by the National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPO) as being considered resistant to infection by specified pathotypes of S. endobioticum, using criteria defined by the NPPO.

Susceptible varieties

Potato varieties which have been accepted by the National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPO) and are considered to be susceptible to infection by specified pathotypes of S. endobioticum, using criteria defined by the NPPO.

Tare soil

Soil that falls from tubers as they move into storage or during the storage and subsequent handling processes. It can accumulate beneath handling equipment at potato storages, processing facilities or other locations where the potatoes are being stored or handled.

Classification of restricted fields or land

Following the detection and confirmation of S. endobioticum (i.e. via symptomatic tuber or detection of resting spores), the CFIA will immediately place phytosanitary measures on the field and initiate an investigation to identify the possible source(s) of the pathogen and assess the risk relationships between associated fields based on past and present human-mediated activities. These relationships are important and determine the risk exposure of associated fields to potential introduction of the pathogen based on the field classification system described below.

During an investigation, the CFIA will delimit the extent of the infestation through soil sampling and analysis of all associated fields, and where possible, determine the pest pathotype present, implement the necessary phytosanitary measures to mitigate risk and facilitate long term control of the index or suspect field and all associated fields identified during the investigation.

Index field

A field where spores of S. endobioticum have been detected and confirmed to be present by the CFIA.

Adjacent field

A field directly bordering an index field and not separated by a physical barrier of more than 15 metres in width, such as a tree line, fence line, permanent waterway, ditch, road or permanent lane, berm or permanent irrigation track. During investigation soil sample analysis, no wart spores were detected.

Primary contact field

A field which may have been exposed to potato wart spores via at least one of the following pathways and during investigation soil sample analysis, no potato wart spores were detected:

  • Direct movement of machinery, implements, and conveyances after use in an index field without a documented freedom from soil activity;
  • Planting of propagative host material originating from an index field;
  • Transfer of tare soil originating from an index field;
  • Application of potato waste materials, including wastewater effluent, sludge and solid organic materials, originating from an index field; or
  • Other / secondary contact fields with connections to multiple potato wart investigations as determined following case-by-case evaluations (note: this is an update to this definition from the PWDLTMP).

Other/secondary contact field

A field exposed to an index field through indirect movement (after initial movement to a primary contact field) of common machinery, implements, and conveyances without a documented freedom from soil activity. During investigation soil sample analysis, no potato wart spores were detected.

Suspect field

Under development. A suspect field classification framework for comment will be shared in June.

Quarantine disposal site

A parcel of land designated for disposal of tare soil or liquid or solid waste material that originated from a potato wart restricted field which may be infested with S. endobioticum. These sites will be under official control and may be used for official disposal of regulated material.

Human-mediated pathways for potato wart introduction and spread

Potato wart resting spores can spread from one field to another through human-mediated pathways, including:

  • movement of infested planting material, such as infected seed potato tubers or soil adhering to non-host plants and plant parts for propagation (e.g., nursery stock or sod);
  • movement of potato wart contaminated tare soil or soil adhering to machinery, implements, and conveyances;
  • improper disposal of potato packing or processing waste products including wastewater effluent, soil sediment or sludge and organic waste (culls, peels, etc.); or
  • application of contaminated manure (from livestock fed infected tubers) to fields.

Regulated pests

Synchytrium endobioticum, in all its life stages.

Farm biosecurity, phytosanitary measures and restricted field use

The purpose of establishing phytosanitary measures on the index/suspect field and all associated fields is to help contain and control the pest and prevent further spread to other fields. These controls and movement restrictions will remain in place until a field has been released from phytosanitary measures, following the land release protocols described in this response plan.

In cases where a field is classified as a suspect field, phytosanitary controls will be put in place until a full assessment can be completed, and a final regulatory decision made on the status of the field.

To further mitigate against the spread of potato wart resting spores from a restricted field, producers who use restricted fields (including suspect fields) must develop and implement a preventive control plan (PCP) for their farm operation to obtain authorization from CFIA inspectors to move their product. The preventative control plan must incorporate biosecurity measures that include movement of product, machinery, implements, and conveyances, and waste disposal elements and be tailored to meet the needs of each farm.

The preventative control plan will be a new phytosanitary measure and the steps and timelines for transition will be documented in the transition plan following the finalization of the response plan.

Phytosanitary measures and restricted field use: Fields with host crop production included in the rotation

Index field

All users of index fields require a preventative control plan as described in the section Farm-level preventive control plan requirement, which incorporates biosecurity, product and equipment movement, and waste disposal elements for their farm operation.

A written authorization is required to move all regulated things from the index field.

Production requirements and end use

The production of potatoes, plants and plant parts for propagation other than seed (e.g. grains and cereals) or other non-host root crops is prohibited for a minimum of 20 calendar years from the year of potato wart detection.

Details on the transition from the PWDLTMP to the approach included in the final version of the response plan will need to be developed.

The production of other above-ground crops (e.g. corn, wheat, and hay) is permitted, but the commodity and all machinery, implements, and conveyances must be free from soil when leaving the index field.

Equipment cleaning requirements

A cleaning area separated from the field soil (gravel or similar purpose) is required at the entrance/ exit of an index field to facilitate equipment cleaning. Run-off from the cleaning area must not contaminate other fields.

All machinery, implements, and conveyances must be cleaned free from soil and plant debris and authorized to move by the CFIA prior to leaving the field. See PI-016: Procedure for inspecting regulated articles for freedom from soil, plants, plant parts and related matter for details on freedom from soil requirements for more information.

Soil and waste disposal requirements

All plant material that is contaminated with soil can only be moved from the field if a written authorization is obtained from the CFIA. Waste material including soil and potato waste must be returned to the field or disposed of in an approved manner as documented in the farm preventative control plan.

Disposal of soil and waste material back onto an Index field may re-introduce potato wart spores to the field.

Tuber movement

If there are potato tubers associated with the index field in the year that potato wart is detected, including harvested tubers already in storage or mixed with tubers from other fields, they must be handled and processed or disposed of in a manner approved by the CFIA.

Release of index fields from the response plan's phytosanitary measures

Following a period of 20 calendar years from the year of potato wart detection and with continuous prohibition of host plant production, the index field will be assessed using the following procedure.

20 calendar years after the initial detection of potato wart in the field

Soil will be collected and undergo:

  • laboratory analysis for resting spores
  • laboratory bioassay for tuber symptom development

If potato wart is detected, all phytosanitary measures will remain in place. The field will be assessed again following five additional calendar years.

If potato wart is not detected, the phytosanitary measures on the field will be amended to permit production of potato varieties designated as resistant to the pathotype of S. endobioticum that was detected / confirmed in the index field (or to all known Canadian pathotypes).

Freedom from soil requirements will remain in place.

All potato crops produced in the index field must be processed and handled in a facility with a valid compliance agreement to control waste streams. Consult QSM-09: Quality Management System Requirements for Facilities Receiving and Handling Regulated Non-Propagative Potatoes and Related Potato Articles, Including Associated Soil for guidance on establishing a compliance agreement.

Soil will be collected following each crop of potatoes and laboratory analysis for resting spores conducted. If potato wart is detected, potato production will be prohibited for an additional five years before the field is eligible for re-assessment.

27 calendar years (minimum) after the initial detection of potato wart

An index field may be considered for additional assessment on a case-by-case basis. This assessment consists of:

  • laboratory analysis for resting spores
  • laboratory bioassay for tuber symptom development

If potato wart is detected, potato production will be prohibited for an additional five years before the field is eligible for re-assessment.

If potato wart is not detected the phytosanitary measures on the field will be amended to:

  • remove the requirement for freedom from soil (preventative control plan still required)
  • permit production of resistant potatoes for consumption
  • permit production of non-host plants and plant parts for propagation
  • permit production of non-host root crops
  • associated adjacent fields will have phytosanitary measures amended to permit seed potato production at this time

The following phytosanitary measures will remain on the Index field indefinitely:

  • Potato production is limited to potato varieties designated as resistant to the pathotype of S. endobioticum that was detected / confirmed in the index field (or to all known Canadian pathotypes).
  • Seed potato production is prohibited.

Adjacent field

All users of adjacent fields require a preventative control plan as described in the section Farm-level preventive control plan requirement, which incorporates biosecurity, product and equipment movement, and waste disposal elements.

Initial production requirements and end-use
  • The production of seed potatoes is prohibited.
  • If potatoes are planted on an adjacent field, potato varieties designated as resistant to the S. endobioticum pathotype in the associated index field must be planted.
    • If the potato wart pathotype in the associated index field is not known or if the field has associations to index fields with more than one pathotype, a potato variety resistant to all known Canadian pathotypes must be produced.
  • Potatoes or root crops produced in adjacent fields may be used for processing or table stock purposes only.
  • All potato crops or root crops produced in the adjacent field must be processed and handled in a facility with a valid compliance agreement to control waste streams. Consult QSM-09: Quality Management System Requirements for Facilities Receiving and Handling Regulated Non-Propagative Potatoes and Related Potato Articles, Including Associated Soil for guidance on establishing a compliance agreement.
  • The production of plants and plant parts for propagation except seed (for example, grain and cereals) is prohibited until the associated index field has been released from all phytosanitary measures outlined in the response plan (except those related to the indefinite prohibition on seed potato production).
  • The production of other above-ground crop kinds (for example, corn, wheat, hay) is permitted, but the commodity must be free of soil when leaving the field.
Equipment cleaning requirements

A cleaning area separated from the field soil (gravel or similar purpose) is required at the entrance/exit of an adjacent field to facilitate equipment cleaning. Run-off from the cleaning area must not contaminate other fields.

All machinery, implements, and conveyances must be cleaned free from soil and plant debris, and authorized to move by the CFIA prior to exiting the field. See PI-016: Procedure for inspection regulated articles for freedom from soil, plants, plant parts and related matter for more information.

Soil and waste disposal requirements

All plant material that is contaminated with soil can only be moved from the field if a written authorization is obtained from the CFIA. Waste material including soil and potato waste must be returned to the field or disposed of in an approved manner as documented in the farm preventative control plan.

Release of adjacent fields from phytosanitary measures outlined in the response plan

Adjacent field will be assessed for risk of natural spread of potato wart (e.g. via water flow or wind erosion) to confirm that lifting of phytosanitary measures is possible.

If the risk of natural spread is deemed low, adjacent fields may be assessed at the written request of the landowner or land user, using the following procedure:

  • Production of one crop of a potato variety designated as resistant to the pathotype of S. endobioticum that was detected / confirmed in the index field (or to all known Canadian pathotypes), followed by soil sampling and laboratory analysis for resting spores.
  • If potato wart is not detected, the phytosanitary measures on the field will be amended to the following:
    • Remove the freedom from soil requirement (preventative control plan still required)
    • All machinery, implements, and conveyances must meet the equipment cleanliness definition for soil prior to exiting the field as per the procedures described in the grower's preventative control plan.
    • Potatoes leaving the farm must be dry-brushed or sent to a facility with a compliance agreement.
  • Production of a two additional crops of a potato variety designated as resistant to the pathotype of S. endobioticum that was detected / confirmed in the index field (or to all known Canadian pathotypes).
    • Following the third crop of a resistant variety, the phytosanitary measures on the field will be amended to permit production of susceptible potato varieties for processing or tablestock use.
    • Potatoes leaving the farm must be dry-brushed or be sent to a facility with a compliance agreement.
  • Production of one crop of potato varieties designated as susceptible to the pathotype of S. endobioticum that was detected / confirmed in the index field (or to all known Canadian pathotypes). This will be followed by:
    • soil sampling and laboratory analysis for resting spores
    • tuber surveillance

Following the assessment procedures, if S. endobioticum has not been detected all phytosanitary measures outlined in the response plan will be removed from the field, except for the prohibition on seed potato production.

Seed potato production in adjacent fields will remain prohibited until the associated index field has been assessed and released from phytosanitary measures outlined in the response plan (except those related to the indefinite prohibition on seed potato production).

Adjacent fields with no known history of direct soil movement from an index field (for example, via equipment movement, seed potatoes or plants and plant parts for propagation) may be considered for earlier release from certain phytosanitary measures outlined in the response plan on a case-by-case basis.

Primary contact field

All users of primary contact fields require a preventative control plan as described in the section Farm-level preventive control plan requirement, which incorporates biosecurity, product and equipment movement, and waste disposal elements.

Initial production requirements and end-use
  • The production of seed potatoes is prohibited.
  • The production of potato varieties designated as resistant to the S. endobioticum pathotype in the associated index field must be planted, if the grower chooses to produce potatoes on a primary contact field.
    • If the pathotype in the associated index field is not known, or if the field has associations to index fields with more than one pathotype, a potato variety resistant to all known Canadian pathotypes must be planted, if the grower chooses to produce potatoes on a primary contact field.
  • Potatoes and root crops produced must be used for processing or table stock purposes only.
  • The production of plants and plant parts for propagation except seed is prohibited until the field is released from all phytosanitary measures outlined in the response plan.
  • The production of other above-ground crop kinds (e.g. corn, wheat, hay) is permitted, but the commodity must be free of soil when leaving the field.
Equipment cleaning requirements

A cleaning area separated from the field soil (gravel or similar purpose) is required at the entrance/exit of a primary contact field to facilitate equipment cleaning. Run-off from the cleaning area must not contaminate other fields

All machinery, implements, and conveyances must be cleaned free from soil and plant debris, and authorized to move by the CFIA prior to exiting the field. See PI-016: Procedure for inspection regulated articles for freedom from soil, plants, plant parts and related matter for more information.

Soil and waste disposal requirements

All plant material that is contaminated with soil can only be moved from the field if a written authorization is obtained from the CFIA. Waste material including soil and potato waste must be returned to the field or disposed of in an approved manner as documented in the farm preventative control plan.

Release of primary contact fields from phytosanitary measures outlined in the response plan

Primary contact fields may be assessed at the written request of the landowner or land user, using the following procedure:

  • Production of one crop of a potato variety designated as resistant to the pathotype of S. endobioticum that was detected / confirmed in the index field (or to all known Canadian pathotypes), followed by soil sampling and laboratory analysis for resting spores.
  • If potato wart is not detected the phytosanitary measures on the field will be amended to the following:
    • Remove the requirement for freedom from soil (preventative control plan still required).
    • All machinery, implements, and conveyances must meet the equipment cleanliness definition for soil prior to exiting the field as per the procedures described in the grower's preventative control plan.
    • Potatoes leaving the farm must be dry-brushed or be sent to a facility with a compliance agreement.
  • Production of two additional crops of a potato variety designated as resistant to the pathotype of S. endobioticum that was detected / confirmed in the index field (or to all known Canadian pathotypes)
    • Following this third crop of a resistant variety, the phytosanitary measures on the field will be amended to permit production of susceptible potato varieties for processing or tablestock use.
    • Potatoes leaving the farm must be dry-brushed or be sent to a facility with a compliance agreement.
  • Production of one crop of potato varieties designated as susceptible to the pathotype of S. endobioticum that was detected / confirmed in the index field (or to all known Canadian pathotypes). This will be followed by:
    • soil sampling and laboratory analysis for resting spores
    • tuber surveillance

Following the assessment procedures, if S. endobioticum has not been detected all phytosanitary measures outlined in the response plan will be removed from the field.

Other / secondary contact field

All users of other / secondary contact fields require a preventative control plan as described in the section Farm-level preventive control plan requirement, which incorporates biosecurity, product and equipment movement, and waste disposal elements.

Initial production requirements and end-use

Potatoes or root crops may be used for processing or table stock purposes only. The potatoes or root crops originating from other / secondary contact fields must be dry-brushed or be sent to a facility with a compliance agreement.

Seed potatoes and plants and plant parts for propagation except seed will not be authorized for movement from the other / secondary contact field until the field is released from all phytosanitary measures outlined in the response plan.

Equipment cleaning requirements

All machinery, implements, and conveyances must meet the equipment cleanliness definition for soil prior to exiting the field as per the procedures described in the grower's preventative control plan.

Soil and waste disposal requirements

Soil and waste must be handled and disposed of as specified in the preventive control plan.

Release of other / secondary contact fields from phytosanitary measures outlined in the response plan

Other / secondary contact fields may be subject for assessment, at the written request of the landowner or land user, using the following procedure:

  • Production of two crops of potato varieties designated as resistant to the pathotype of S. endobioticum that was detected / confirmed in the index field (or to all known Canadian pathotypes). The second crop will be followed by soil sampling and laboratory analysis for resting spores.

Following the assessment procedures, if S. endobioticum has not been detected all phytosanitary measures outlined in the response plan will be removed from the field.

Suspect Field

A suspect field classification is currently under development and a framework for comment will be shared in June.

Phytosanitary measures and restricted field use: Fields with no host crop production included in the rotation

Quarantine disposal site

A quarantine disposal site is designated for disposal of soil and liquid and solid waste originating from restricted fields and crops. All machinery, implements, and conveyances must be cleaned free from soil and plant debris, and authorized to move by the CFIA prior to exiting these sites. See PI-016: Procedure for inspection regulated articles for freedom from soil, plants, plant parts and related matter for more information.

Quarantine disposal sites will not be considered for release from phytosanitary measures outlined in the response plan until a minimum of twenty years after the last exposure to potato wart waste. Sites will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether release from phytosanitary measures is possible.

Restricted non-agricultural land

Non-agricultural regulated land is land that is regulated for potato wart but has subsequently been altered, or based on its inherent characteristics, been permanently removed from agricultural use (for example) paved roads, recreational areas or commercial and residential development).

Releasing non-agricultural related land from phytosanitary measures outlined in the response plan

The landowner or land user must apply to the CFIA to have the non-agricultural land considered for release from phytosanitary measures outlined in the response plan. Soil cannot be removed from the site without written permission and freedom from soil requirements may be applied to equipment leaving the site.

This land will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether release from phytosanitary measures is possible and to ensure the process of converting the land to other uses is completed in a way that does not pose a risk of pest spread.

The CFIA must have confirmation that the field has been permanently removed from agricultural production.

Restricted agricultural fields no longer in host crop, root crop or plants and plant parts for propagation production

Index fields no longer in host crop, root crop or plants and plant parts for propagation production (except seed) may be assessed for partial release from phytosanitary measures outlined in the response plan at the written request of the landowner or land user following a minimum of 50 years of documented non-host crop production.

Adjacent and primary contact fields removed from use for host crop, root crop or plants and plant parts for propagation (except seed) production can be considered for partial release from phytosanitary measures outlined in the response plan at the written request of the landowner or land user. The assessment for full release from phytosanitary measures will not be considered until 50 years after the date of classification.

Other / secondary contact fields no longer in host crop, root crop or plants and plant parts for propagation (except seed) production may be assessed for case-by-case release from phytosanitary measures outlined in the plan at the written request of the landowner or land user.

Partial release of restricted fields no longer in host crop production

Adjacent and primary contact fields no longer in host crop, root crop or plants and plant parts for propagation (except seed) production may be assessed for partial release from phytosanitary measures at the written request of the landowner or land user.

Fields will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether release from phytosanitary measures outlined in the response plan is possible (including the risk of natural spread of potato wart into adjacent fields).

These fields may be assessed using soil sampling followed by:

  • laboratory analysis for resting spores
  • laboratory bioassay

If potato wart is not detected, then phytosanitary measures on the field may be amended to:

  • remove the requirement for freedom from soil (preventative control plan still required)
    • All machinery, implements, and conveyances must meet the equipment cleanliness definition for soil prior to exiting the field as per the procedures described in the grower's preventative control plan.
  • host crop, root crop and plants and plant parts for propagation (except seed) production is not permitted until the field has been out of host crop production for a minimum of 50 years

Farm-level preventive control plan requirement

The standard for farm-level preventive control plans will be based on the principles included in the National Farm-Level Biosecurity Standard for Potato Growers. The standard will be subject to potato sector review before it is finalized and preventative control plans will be tailored to address the needs of each farm unit.

  • The preventative control plan must detail farm-level risk reduction (i.e. biosecurity) practices implemented to help contain, control and prevent the risk of spread of potato wart from restricted fields that are part of their farm operation and the records maintained to document these practices.
  • An implemented plan will facilitate the issuance of a written authorization to permit the movement of regulated things, including machinery, implements, conveyances and potatoes.
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