The Prince Edward Island Potato Board says the organization will closely monitor the evolving situation regarding the 25% tariff imposed on Canada by U.S. President Donald Trump. The board also said the tariff will impact potato exports from Prince Edward Island.
“We are actively consulting with our producers, dealers and exporters to understand how these tariffs will impact their business as well as endeavoring to find answers to their questions,” the board said in a statement.
The PEI Potato Board said it remains engaged with provincial and federal government agencies and national potato produce organizations, adding that the province ships more than 40% of fresh potatoes to the U.S. and about 50% of the island’s total crop sent to U.S. markets.
“These unfair and punitive tariffs will have a negative impact on Prince Edward Island potato farms and farm businesses and will raise the cost of food for our American neighbors,” the board said in the statement. “Prince Edward Island has been supplying the U.S. with high-quality potatoes for generations; unfortunately, these completely unnecessary trade actions brought by President Trump endanger that long-standing relationship.”
The PEI Potato Board said the industry contributes $1.35 billion to the island’s economy, and tariffs not only impact the potato industry’s 175 family farms and workers, but also farm businesses including potato packers, processors, equipment manufacturers and dealers and agriculture supply companies.
“A prolonged trade battle will only serve to damage our industry, which provides nutritious food to both Canadians and Americans while driving up the price of food for Americans,” the PEI Potato Board said.
The board encouraged Canadians to shop for Canadian and Prince Edward Island potatoes when making food purchase decisions.
“There are lots of great ways to enjoy delicious potatoes and potato products while supporting Canadian farm families and farm businesses,” the board said.
