Potato wart is a serious disease caused by the fungus Synchytrium endobioticum. It can drastically reduce potato yields and render tubers unmarketable, both in the U.S. and abroad. The disease is already present in Canada’s Prince Edward Island (PEI), leading to a temporary suspension of potato exports from PEI to the U.S. in November 2021. Although the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) resumed imports in April 2022 following discussions between President Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, concerns about the disease’s potential spread remain.
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has identified several pathways through which potato wart could be introduced into U.S. fields. These include seed potatoes and potatoes intended for consumption. Alarmingly, about 48% of the contiguous U.S. has a climate conducive to the establishment of potato wart, with spores potentially remaining infectious in the soil for over 40 years.
Urgent Call for Enhanced Protection Measures
The National Potato Council (NPC) has expressed deep concerns regarding the current USDA policies. Kam Quarles, NPC’s Chief Executive Officer, has highlighted the urgent need for more effective measures to prevent the disease’s introduction, stating, “We fear under the current policy it is only a matter of time before potato wart is exported from PEI to the U.S.” The NPC’s concerns are echoed by Idaho Governor Brad Little, who has stressed the economic impact of crop diseases, drawing on Idaho’s past experience with pale cyst nematode eradication.
In response, a coalition of Senate leaders, including Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden and Idaho Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, has urged USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to implement enhanced protections. Their recommendations include:
- Restricting Bulk Shipments: Limit bulk shipments into the U.S. to smaller packages to contain repacking waste, which can transmit potato wart.
- Regulating Retail Shipments: Ensure large retail shipments are designated for consumption only to prevent consumers from unknowingly planting infected potatoes.
- Controlling Processing Waste: Implement measures to manage waste from processing facilities, which could also transmit the disease.
These steps aim to reduce the risk of potato wart entering the U.S. and to safeguard the country’s substantial potato export market, valued at over $2 billion.
The Path Forward
The Senate Finance Committee, with its oversight of trade agreements, plays a crucial role in addressing these issues. The committee’s Ranking Member, Senator Risch, leverages this position to advocate for effective enforcement of trade agreements that support U.S. agriculture. By pressing the Administration to collaborate with Idaho farmers and ranchers, the goal is to ensure that trade policies are effectively implemented to protect both domestic production and international market access.
The protection of Idaho’s potato industry from destructive diseases like potato wart is critical not only for local farmers but also for the broader U.S. agricultural sector. By implementing stringent measures and enhancing safeguards against disease introduction, we can ensure that Idaho’s potato exports continue to thrive and meet the high standards demanded by both domestic and international markets.
