Latest Information and News Releases

Latest Information (as of September 30, 2009)

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) continues to make progress with soil sample collection and analysis for the 2009 potato cyst nematode (PCN) detection and deregulation surveys.

Approximately 65,000 PCN soil samples will be collected and analysed this fiscal year as part of Canada's national PCN detection survey and to meet various countries' import requirements. So far, approximately 40,000 soil samples have been received and 28,000 have been tested. All results have been negative for the plant pest.

• Industry Bulletin - Status of the CFIA Potato Cyst Nematode 2009 Survey

Latest Information (as of June 4, 2009)

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced revised guidelines for potato cyst nematode (PCN) that will allow continued trade of seed potatoes between the two countries. While PCN does not pose a risk to human health, it is recognized internationally as a destructive plant pest of economic importance and, therefore, a quarantine pest for the United States and Canada.

• News Release - CFIA and USDA Revise Potato Cyst Nematode Guidelines

Latest Information (as of February 6, 2009)

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has completed the testing of Canada's seed potato fields for the 2008 crop and potato cyst nematode (PCN) was not detected.

In total, the CFIA, with the support of Canadian seed potato growers and other stakeholders, tested approximately 44,500 soil samples related to the 2008 detection and delimiting surveys. PCN was not detected.

• Industry Bulletin - CFIA Completes Soil Testing for Canada's 2008 Seed Potato Crop - Potato Cyst Nematode Was Not Detected

Latest Information (as of January 23, 2009)

The Government of Canada is pleased to announce that it has taken all actions necessary to comply fully with U.S. import requirements for Alberta seed potatoes. As a direct result, Alberta will be able to resume the export of seed potatoes to the U.S. as of January 28, 2009.

The U.S. market is now open to all Canadian seed potatoes that meet PCN Phytosanitary Guidelines. This does not include potatoes produced in regulated areas.

• Industry Bulletin - Government of Canada Actions Result in Reopening of United States Market to Alberta Seed Potatoes

Previous Updates

• 2008-12-12 - USDA Revises Import Requirements for Canadian Seed Potatoes
• 2008-08-01 - Canada and Mexico Reach Agreement to Lift Temporary Import Restrictions on Alberta Potatoes
• 2008-05-05 - CFIA and USDA Announce Revised Guidelines for the Movement of Seed Potatoes Between Canada and the United States