United States Division of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack immediately introduced the resumption of tablestock potatoes from Prince Edward Island, Canada, into Puerto Rico. USDA has decided the importation of those potatoes below specified circumstances poses little danger of introducing potato wart illness, a soil-borne illness that reduces yield and marketability, to Puerto Rico.
“It’s crucial that we base our agricultural commerce selections on sound science,” Vilsack stated. “After contemplating Puerto Rico’s low danger for potato wart because of local weather circumstances, in addition to the dearth of a industrial potato manufacturing business on the island, we’re assured that with applicable mitigations in place this commerce can resume safely, and the U.S. potato business will stay protected.”
Canadian authorities had voluntarily suspended exports of all potatoes for consumption and planting from PEI following a latest detection of potato wart illness. Potato wart is just not identified to happen within the U.S. and there aren’t any remedies out there for its management.
Beginning February 9, PEI can resume exporting tablestock potatoes in accordance with particular USDA necessities and Canadian Meals Inspection Company mitigations.
Supply: KFGO
