It will be imported seed only on Prince Edward Island, Canada, as the growing area tries to get rid of virus and disease problems.
Ivan Noonan, general manager of the PEI Potato Board, said it is hoped the Island will be able to use its own seed in the future.
The Island had some problems with seed imported from Manitoba but all the other seed is performing to expectations, according to general reports.
Arrangements for seed were made with many other provinces. In fact, seed is being contracted from a Quebec grower who grows seed in the woods some 160K from the nearest potato field.
Meantime, Island growers are continuing their long-range plan to improve seed. They are using rapid multiplication of early generation seed stocks; increasing imported seed to lower virus levels; using an elite seed crop insurance plan, and taking down the vines of Russet Burbank and Shepody fields early.