2 P.E.I. potato fields quarantined

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has shut down two potato fields on two separate P.E.I. farms after confirming the discovery of the soil-borne fungus potato wart.

The potatoes produced in the fields are being destroyed.

Potato wart poses no threat to human health or food safety, but reduces yield and can make potatoes unmarketable. The CFIA has placed the fields under quarantine and is carrying out control measures. Those measures include controlling the movement of equipment and soil as well as cleaning and disinfecting machinery to prevent spread of the fungus.

P.E.I. Potato Board officials said they were notified late last week, and all potato growers on the Island have been told.

In 2000 a discovery of potato wart led to the closure of the American border to potato imports. Protocols have changed since then, and there were no trade issues after subsequent discoveries of the fungus.

Potato Board officials said trade partners have been notified, and it is business as usual.

The border closure in 2000 cost P.E.I. potato farmers $22 million in sales.