Managing and Controlling Potato Cultivation

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Saskatchewan Regulations 53/2024, enacted under The Plant Health Act, establish crucial guidelines for managing and controlling plant health within the province, with a specific focus on potato cultivation. These regulations aim to mitigate the risks associated with pest infestations, thereby ensuring the health of crops and safeguarding agricultural productivity. The Plant Health Regulations include essential definitions. Key terms defined include “Act,” which refers to The Plant Health Act; “Cull Potatoes,” indicating potatoes that are unmarketable or discarded after harvesting; “Infested,” denoting the presence of pests or conditions suggestive of pests; and “Seed Potatoes,” which are inspected and certified high-quality seeds of the Foundation class or higher by either the Canadian Food Inspection Agency or a recognized U.S. certification agency.

The regulations also specify a list of pests that have been officially declared by the minister. This list is vital for understanding which pests are subject to control measures mandated by the Act. Moreover, the regulations empower pest control officers to issue orders concerning infested land or premises, defined as land or parts thereof suspected of harboring pests. Pest control officers can restrict access to infested premises and impose necessary conditions to prevent pest spread. Orders may require specific actions such as pest testing, cleaning and disinfecting affected areas, and the disposal of cull potatoes believed to be infested. If owners or occupants fail to comply with these orders, pest control officers may carry out the required actions at the owner’s expense. Strict rules are also established, prohibiting anyone from altering or removing posted orders or barriers without consent from a pest control officer.

Further, the regulations outline specific requirements for planting and managing potatoes to prevent pest infestations. Only certified seed potatoes are permitted for planting, and owners are prohibited from planting potatoes on land infested with bacterial ring rot or potato wart within specified periods (two and five growing seasons, respectively). Owners must ensure that all cull potatoes are disposed of or destroyed by June 15 each year. Record keeping is also mandated, requiring owners to maintain detailed records of all potato plantings, including dates, locations, and certified seed varieties, and to retain these records for at least three years. Pest control officers are authorized to mandate the disposal or destruction of any potatoes testing positive for specific pests or those that have come into contact with infested potatoes.

By defining key terms, establishing pest control measures, and imposing obligations on owners regarding pest management, these regulations aim to prevent the spread of pests and protect Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector. Compliance with these regulations is essential for maintaining healthy crops and ensuring food security in the province.

Saskatchewan (53/2024) July 5, 2024