CFIA: Export of seed potatoes from Alberta to US to resume January 28, 2009

CFIA statement:

The Government of Canada is pleased to announce that it has taken all actions necessary to comply fully with the United States import requirements for Alberta seed potatoes. As a direct result, Alberta will be able to resume the export of seed potatoes to the United States as of January 28, 2009.

Following the detection of potato cyst nematode (PCN) in 2007, the Government of Canada took a number of actions to ensure compliance with the United States import requirements, including completing a delimiting survey (soil sampling) of the two farm units in Alberta associated with the Potato Cyst Nematode detections, in collaboration with Alberta potato producers. All soil samples were negative for the plant pest.

The US market is now open to all Canadian seed potatoes that meet PCN Phytosanitary Guidelines. This does not include potatoes produced in regulated areas.