CANADA, December 10 - The province is launching two new supports to help the potato industry and the trucking sector impacted by trade restrictions placed on PEI’s agriculture industry.

The Potato Financing Program will assist Island potato farmers impacted by the restrictions of both seed and fresh table stock potatoes entering the United States. The program will provide working or capital loans with a fixed interest rate of 4 per cent each year. Learn more about the Potato Financing Program program.

The Wage Support for Potato Exporters will assist the Island potato industry and trucking companies impacted by the restriction of fresh potatoes to the United States. The program will provide wage reimbursements to employers to maintain their staff during the restrictions. Learn more about the Wage Support for Potato Exporters program.

“The potato industry is our biggest economic generator for Prince Edward Island, and these trade restrictions cause a ripple effect to the rest of our economy and workforce,”

- Minister of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture Matthew MacKay.

“As we work to find a resolution to this situation as soon as possible, we know we must act now to support the potato industry and other impacted sectors in the interim. We understand this is a very difficult time for the potato industry, and Government is here to support you.”

“We know that our provincial agriculture industry is strong and has played a leading role in helping our provincial economy through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With these current trade restrictions imposed on them through no fault of their own – they need our help now,”

- Minister of Agriculture and Land Bloyce Thompson.

“Our government will continue to work with growers, businesses, and agriculture industry organizations to advocate to the federal government that these restrictions be lifted as soon as possible.  I want to thank Minister Mackay and his department for their collaboration in ensuring affected operations are able to keep their doors open until a long-term solution is in place.” 

Media contacts: Hillary MacDonald Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture hpsmacdonald@gov.pe.ca 

Kip Ready  Department of Agriculture and Land kjready@gov.pe.ca