PEI

Saboteurs a concern during potato harvest

The P.E.I. Potato Board is still concerned about saboteurs two years after needles were found in Island produce, but it's grateful to Islanders who are keeping an eye out for suspicious activity.

Needles found in P.E.I. potatoes two years ago

The potato harvest is underway on P.E.I. (CBC)

The P.E.I. Potato Board is still concerned about saboteurs two years after needles were found in Island produce, but it's grateful to Islanders who are keeping an eye out for suspicious activity.

The 2014 incidents led to a major recall, and to the installation of metal detecting equipment at farms.

Alex Docherty, chairman of the P.E.I. Potato Board says at least 40 packing businesses and farms have applied for funding to purchase metal-detection equipment. (CBC)

The P.E.I. potato harvest is in full swing now, and the board is asking the public to continue to keep an eye on fields.

"I had a neighbour call me probably a month ago and said they seen a suspicious rig in my field," said board chair Alex Docherty.

"I think people are more aware now and it's just a great thing. It shows that Islanders are really paying attention."

Good harvest expected

Docherty said rain was spotty across the Island, P.E.I.'s crop looks good.

He added many other potato producing areas in North America have issues, so he's expecting prices to be good.

The board is also asking people to be patient with farm equipment on the roads during the harvest.

With files from Maggie Brown