Potato wart detected on P.E.I. farm for first time since 2023

A soil sample collected during annual potato field testing on a P.E.I. farm has tested positive for potato wart. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said the detection marks the first confirmed case since 2023. The agency stated the finding is limited to one field and there is no evidence the fungus has spread.

Officials said the farm primarily produces seed potatoes for its own use, with resulting potatoes used for on-Island processing.

Background on potato wart Potato wart is a soil-borne fungus that deforms potatoes, making them unmarketable. The fungus poses no risk to people or animals. The United States halted imports of seed potatoes from the province after detections in two fields in 2021.

Table potatoes were also banned from U.S. entry for four months. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency investigated for two years and identified four additional fields with the fungus. The latest detection occurred in a field that was not part of that prior investigation.

U.S. response The chief executive officer of the National Potato Council said the latest finding shows the disease footprint is larger than previously thought. The group has contacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture and plans to speak with members of Congress about reinstating the import suspension.

The P.E.I. Potato Board said tens of thousands of samples have been collected over several years. The board stated the latest detection came from a field in close geographic proximity to areas associated with previous detections. The board said P.E.I. follows the National Potato Wart Response Plan and there is no risk to the province's potato industry or its markets.