P.E.I. potato industry invests in food safety
From the Guardian
Safe spuds — the very safest.
Attaining that distinction in Prince Edward Island, in the wake of devastating harm delivered by potato tampering, is the firm expectation of P.E.I. Potato Board GM Greg Donald.
Ultimately, Donald believes P.E.I., the country’s largest potato producing province, will not only survive but thrive after being hit with what one long-time Island grower has called the worst crisis the industry has faced here over his many years of growing spuds.
The industry has been aggressive in response to the criminal action. A reward for information leading to police catching the guilty party or parties has been hiked to a whopping $500,000.
But more importantly, perhaps, is the attention being placed on reducing the risk of any potentially harmful potato tampering taking place in the future. The federal government is putting up $1.5 million to help Island farmers acquire and install equipment to detect and remove foreign material.