Notice to Industry - Temporary suspension of seed potato certification of seed potatoes originating from Prince Edward Island to the United States

November 2, 2021 - Since the initial detection of potato wart in PEI in 2000, the CFIA has carried out a thorough and risk-based program to stop, contain and control the spread of potato wart. Potato wart has been detected on other farms since 2000, and each detection has been addressed immediately.

On October 1 and October 14, 2021, the CFIA confirmed the detection of the potato wart fungus, Synchytrium endobioticum, a reportable regulated pest, in two separate fields of processing potatoes on two separate farms. Two potato growers submitted suspect potato tubers to the CFIA. The fields are related to previous potato wart detections, and have been under surveillance as per the Potato Wart Domestic Long Term Management Plan. Both potato farms are located in Prince Edward Island.

The CFIA's investigation involves a number of activities, including trace-forward and trace-back activities for all potatoes leaving or arriving on the farm in the past 10 years. Additional detections are anticipated during the investigation. No potatoes from either farm have been shipped from the province.

In response to address concerns raised by the United States, the movement of seed potatoes originating from Prince Edward Island (PEI) to the United States has been suspended, as of November 1, 2021. This suspension does not apply to table stock or processing potatoes. Specific country import requirements for exports of seed and fresh potatoes from PEI to all other destinations are currently being evaluated on a case by case basis to determine if export certification is possible at this time.

The CFIA will continue to work closely with the United States and other countries to address their concerns and resume normal trade as soon as possible.