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- The Canadians have finally agreed to move potatoes from PEI under a protocol that was provided in an
April 25 letter from the USDA. The USDA announcement makes it clear that the conditions for movement under
this agreement apply only to the 2000 crop and should not necessarily be viewed as a precedent. The USDA
stated that "The movement of potatoes could be allowed into the U.S. only from certain areas, under specific
conditions, and meet Canada's most stringent cleanliness standards." To assure that Canada took the new
protocol seriously, we understand that the Houlton, Maine point of entry was beefed up with experienced PPQ
inspectors. In fact, according to Don Flannery of the Maine Potato Board, some Canadian shipments were
rejected at Houlton for failure to meet these requirements. The Canadians have indicated that they intend to
continue to pressure the U.S. to "relax" the requirements for the 2001 crop. The NPC will continue to work
closely with USDA and the Congress to ensure that the issues are decided on the basis of science and not due
to other trade matters. The NPC will also work closely with USDA, USTR and the Congress to ensure that
Canada does not retaliate against the U.S. in other areas.
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