National Potato Wart Response Plan Proposed: Share Your Thoughts
November 5, 2024
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has proposed a National Potato Wart Response Plan to address the potential introduction and spread of potato wart, a serious plant disease that can significantly impact potato production in Canada.
What is Potato Wart?
Potato wart is a fungal disease that affects potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants. It can cause unsightly wart-like growths on potatoes, making them unmarketable. The disease can spread through contaminated soil, infected seed potatoes, and equipment.
Why a National Response Plan?
Potato wart is not currently present in Canada, but it has been detected in the United States and Europe. The CFIA recognizes the potential threat to Canada’s potato industry and has developed a plan to prevent the introduction and spread of the disease.
Key Elements of the Plan
The proposed National Potato Wart Response Plan includes several key elements:
- Enhanced border surveillance: Strengthening measures to detect and prevent the entry of contaminated soil and infected potatoes at ports of entry.
- Increased monitoring: Conducting regular inspections of potato fields and other potential sources of the disease.
- Rapid response: Establishing procedures for a swift and effective response in the event of a potato wart detection. This includes quarantine measures, tracing, and eradication efforts.
- Education and outreach: Raising awareness among growers, industry stakeholders, and the general public about potato wart and its potential consequences.
- International collaboration: Working with other countries to prevent the spread of the disease and share information on best practices.
How to Share Your Input
The CFIA is seeking public feedback on the proposed National Potato Wart Response Plan. Interested individuals and organizations can provide comments through the following channels:
- Online consultation: inspection.canada.ca/consultation/potato-wart-response-plan
- Email: consultation@inspection.gc.ca
- Mail:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency Plant Health and Biosecurity Directorate 59 Camelot Drive Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0Y9
The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2025.
Importance of Public Involvement
The CFIA values public input and feedback on the proposed plan. By sharing their thoughts, stakeholders can help ensure that the plan is effective, practical, and supported by the community. The agency encourages individuals and organizations to actively participate in this consultation and share their perspectives.
Protect Canada’s Potato Industry
The National Potato Wart Response Plan is a crucial measure to safeguard Canada’s potato industry, which contributes billions of dollars to the economy and supports thousands of families. By working together, we can prevent the introduction of this disease and protect the livelihoods of those who depend on potato production in Canada.
Share your thoughts – proposed National Potato Wart Response Plan
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