Ottawa – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has completed its 2024 National Potato Wart Survey and confirms that the disease was not detected. This year’s survey analyzed more than 2200 soil samples collected from seed potato fields in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island (PEI), and Nova Scotia that had no known association with previous potato wart detections.
The survey monitors seed potato fields for the presence of potato wart and provides data to verify and improve the effectiveness of control measures in place. These measures help minimize potential impact on market access for Canada’s potato sector and the country’s fifth largest primary agricultural crop. The 2024 survey results have been shared with provincial governments, the Canadian Potato Council, and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
The survey complements other steps taken by the CFIA, growers, packers and exporters to ensure that requirements set by importing countries are met, including the Potato Wart Order.
As well, a new National Potato Wart Response Plan will soon be implemented and includes improved risk mitigation measures such as enhanced biosecurity and additional soil sampling and analysis.
The CFIA remains committed to science-based decision-making to help contain, control, and prevent the spread of potato wart and safeguard the Canadian potato sector.
“I certainly feel a sense of relief seeing the results of this year’s survey. We will continue to work with growers and the potato industry to manage this terrible pest, so we can keep delivering top-quality Canadian potatoes to folks here in Canada and around the world.” -Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food of Canada