Disposing of cull potatoes in a way that might cause or spread a potato disease outbreak may now cost a Prince Edward Island farmer much more, as of Saturday.
CBC on Saturday reported that amended plant health regulations have come into effect which increase the fines for improper disposal of potatoes to a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $25,000.
Previous fines ranged from about $200 to $1,000, the broadcaster said.
Regulated diseases covered under these rules include bacterial ring rot, brown rot, potato rot nematode and potato wart, among others.
CBC said the amendments also grant authority to Brian Craig, manager of the province’s plant health regulatory section, to lay charges and impose fines as needed.
Such charges otherwise would have previously involved bringing out the RCMP or other peace officers to lay charges, Craig told CBC.
“We’ve got potato growth taking place right now… We want to make sure (cull potatoes) are covered and buried.”
