The United Potato Growers of Canada (UPGC) have opened a new front in the efforts to get the U.S. border open to fresh Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) potatoes. The border was closed three weeks ago by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in response to American concerns about the discovery of potato wart in two P.E.I. fields in October.
As Kevin Yarr reports for CBC News, UPGC has opened up talks with the United Potato Growers of America and the National Potato Council in its efforts to get the trade suspension lifted. “We thought it would be easier to talk grower to grower, group to group,” said Kevin MacIsaac, executive director of the United Potato Growers of Canada.
The farmer-to-farmer talks are focused initially on opening exports to Puerto Rico, which does not have a commercial potato growing industry.
A delegation of high-level officials, including P.E.I. Premier Dennis King and P.E.I. Potato Board general manager Greg Donald left for Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.
Source: CBC News. Read the full story here
Photo: Farmers would like to start by exporting potatoes to Puerto Rico, says Kevin MacIsaac. Courtesy CBC
