U.S. SETS CONDITIONS FOR IMPORTING PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND-GROWN POTATOES

U.S. SETS CONDITIONS FOR IMPORTING PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND-GROWN POTATOES    'U.S. and Canadian agricultural officials that it would allow the movement of potatoes grown from Prince Edward Island, Canada, under certain strict import conditions as early as April 30.
   Potatoes grown in 2000 from Prince Edward Island were prohibited from entering the United States in October last year, when potato wart was detected on the island. On Dec. 29, the U.S. Department of Agriculture proposed guidelines to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for consideration.
   “This agreement has been made based on scientific principles that will ensure safeguard are in place to protect against the spread of this disease,” said Ann M. Veneman, USDA secretary.
   Potato wart was eradicated from the United States in 1992. “If the disease were to reappear, it could be devastating to the U.S. potato industry because of potential losses in production and export markets,” the USDA said.