Growers on Prince Edward Island will get a compensation package for losses they have incurred due to restrictions ordered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to stop the spread of potato wart.
The restrictions cover the use of land and on potatoes, processing operations and equipment removed from affected fields due to the presence of potato wart.
The amount will be based on the degree of contact with the infestation and the amount financial loss by growers. The package applies mainly to costs incurred from Oct. 24, 2000, to July 4, 2001. It also provides for continued compensation for loss of land use for potato ground beyond 2001.
Compensation will be limited to loss of land use, costs related to disposal of potatoes, and costs associated with cleaning and disinfecting equipment and potato processing and storage facilities.
There are no provisions to compensate for lost markets, diminished market prices, delays in marketing of products, loss of income or decreases in land value.