The government of Canada is investing $1.5m in Prince Edward Island (PEI) potato industry to help farmers in detecting and removing foreign material from potatoes.
The move comes in response to recen t challenges faced by the region over tampered potatoes.
The farmers across the PEI region will spend the funds in purchasing and installing equipment to detect and remove foreign material from potatoes.
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Gail Shea said: "P.E.I.'s potato industry plays an important role in our Island's economy. Our Government recognizes the financial burden on farmers, packers and the overall industry this unlawful activity has created and we are pleased to respond with significant financial assistance toward the purchase of metal detection equipment.
"We will continue to work closely with industry on strategies and initiatives to help potato producers and industry maintain consumer confidence."
Currently, an investigation by Royal Canadian Mounted Police is underway into the instances where foreign objects were found in harvested potatoes.
Prince Edward Island Potato Board chair Alex Docherty said: "The PEI Potato Board is working with the Government of Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island to ensure the right strategies and technology are in place to help our farmers address the challenge posed by the criminal act of food tampering."
