2024 Survey Finds No Potato Wart in Over 2,200 Canadian Soil Samples
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has completed the 2024 National Potato Wart Survey, finding no presence of potato wart in over 2,200 soil samples. These samples were collected from seed potato fields across various provinces, according to the agency.
Potato wart is a significant disease that affects potato crops. The CFIA states that it is currently known to exist in Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. The purpose of the survey was to ensure that the disease has not spread to other regions, helping protect the health of Canada's potato crops.
The announcement includes statements from Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Paul MacKinnon, CFIA President, who stress the importance of continuous monitoring and disease management.
The CFIA executes such surveys as part of its broader efforts to manage crop health effectively, relying on science-based practices to address agricultural challenges. The results are shared with agricultural stakeholders for informing crop management decisions.