Feb 21, 2008Alberta Potato Growers Lose Millions as U.S., Mexican Border Remain Closed
Alberta’s seed potato growers may lose up to $35 million dollars in revenue this year because of the recent finding of a very limited amount of the microscopic pest, potato cyst nematode (PCN), on two Edmonton-area farms, according to the Potato Growers of Alberta.
The United States and Mexico closed their borders to all Alberta seed potatoes and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) quarantined two affected farms after the pest was detected. Crops on those farms were ordered to be destroyed by CFIA.
My farm and the farms of other seed potato growers are severely threatened by this quarantine and the US/Mexico border closure,” said Ernie Van Boom, the owner of one of the two affected seed potato farms. “The amount of PCN found on the two farms was so minute; only one cyst was found on our farm and four cysts on the second farm. When the CFIA retested to confirm the presence of this pest, all tests were negative. It is difficult to watch our farm being ravaged by tenuous findings and politically motivated decisions. My son was planning to take over the farm, but with recent actions, he is wondering if farming will be his future.”
The Van Boom farm, located near Fort Saskatchwan, has not been decertified by CFIA, but is required to immediately destroy all its potato crops. The other affected farm, located in Spruce Grove, has also not had its potatoes decertified but its crop must also be destroyed. The two affected farms have been under complete lockdown since the pest was first confirmed in October 2007.
“The situation is difficult for the province’s 60 seed potato growers,” said Vern Warkentin, executive director of the Potato Growers of Alberta. “Up to half of the seed potatoes produced in Alberta are typically exported to important markets in the US and Mexico. All trade has stopped, forcing growers to weigh their options for their crops and their future.”
The affected potato growers are anxiously waiting to receive word on provincial or federal government compensation or financial support, according to the Potato Growers of Alberta.
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