P.E.I. announces $4.7M to tackle potato surplus related to COVID-19 market conditions

Ahead of the growing season, the government of P.E.I. has announced it will provide $4.7 million to address the Island's potato surplus as a result of COVID-19 market conditions. 

In a Thursday afternoon news briefing, Minister of Agriculture and Land Bloyce Thompson said the province will be helping producers and processors with the cost of shipping and storing potatoes. 

"This will help to ensure no product is lost so that farmers are in good position for the 2020 growing season," Thompson said. 

"It will help resolve the substantial market issues to ensure these potatoes will now be a source of safe, quality food for our food security." 

Thompson acknowledged the approximately 4,600 employees in the agricultural industry on P.E.I. He also noted the Island relies on the sector for about 7.6 per cent of its GDP. 

Additional supports

Over the next two years, Thomspon said the department will provide up to $8.8 million in support to farmers through its business risk management program.

The province's AgriStability program will also increase coverage for producers from 70 to 85 per cent and will remove the reference margin limit in an effort to help the local livestock industry.

In addition, Thompson said the province is offering interim payments of up to 75 per cent to get funding into the hands of producers as soon as possible. Combined, he said the program and interim payments will provide $5.6 million in additional support over the next two years. 

He noted the deadline to register has been extended from April 30 to July 3. 

The province also announced its AgriInsurance program will now offer a 10 per cent discount on the producer's share of insurance premiums, with the aim of saving farmers an estimated $3.2 million over the next two years.

"The funding that we are putting out today, it'll be immediate," he said. 

Thompson said the department was on a call earlier Thursday with its federal counterparts to discuss additional supports for business risk management.

"We're waiting for the federal government to step in, but if they don't we're prepared to do it on our own."

However, he said the province does anticipate the federal government will take action.

COVID-19: What you need to know

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Common symptoms include:

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Tiredness.

But more serious symptoms can develop, including difficulty breathing and pneumonia, which can lead to death.

Health Canada has built a self-assessment tool.

What should I do if I feel sick?

Isolate yourself and call 811. Do not visit an emergency room or urgent care centre to get tested. A health professional at 811 will give you advice and instructions.

How can I protect myself?

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean regularly touched surfaces regularly.
• Practise physical distancing.

More detailed information on the outbreak is available on the federal government's website.

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