Contrary to what Canadian seed potato growers on the Prairies say, the United States is not considering a trade investigation into Canadian potato exports.
“We’ve had investigations in the past and I don’t think it’s in the best interest of us or maybe anybody at this point to do them again,” said Bud Middaugh, executive director of the U.S. National Potato Council.
What will happen is a meeting some time in June between growers north and south of the 49th parallel, at which various trade irritants will be discussed.
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“We can probably do as good, if not a better job and a more expedient job than government to government, just having growers who have a definite stake in (trade) getting together and talking about it,” said Middaugh.
The meeting was spurred by an agricultural trade agreement signed between the two nations in December. Part of that record of understanding calls on both federal governments to encourage increased dialogue on agriculture issues.
That is what spawned this June meeting, said Anne Fowlie, executive director of the Canadian Horticultural Council.
Fowlie said she has heard nothing about a U.S. trade investigation.
