TORONTO, November 5, 2007 The Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario
have committed new funding to eradicate plum pox virus in order to protect Canadian tender
fruit producers, the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada
and the Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board announced today.
Plum pox virus, an easily transmissible virus which causes significant yield losses,
was first discovered in Ontario and Nova Scotia in 2000. It is not a threat to human or
animal health but it is a serious plant disease affecting tender fruit (including peaches,
plums, nectarines, and apricots) and ornamental trees and shrubs. Plum pox virus is
transmitted from infected trees by aphids or by grafting or budding.
We are pleased to announce that the Government of Canada will be contributing up
to $45.6 million in additional funding to eradicate plum pox virus, said Minister
Ritz. This investment will prevent the spread of PPV and lead to its eradication, as
well as maintain the viability of and confidence in the safety of Canadas tender
fruit, fruit processing and nursery industries."
Over the next four years, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will contribute $36.16
million and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will contribute $9.44 million to continue
the high level of detection and surveillance of the disease, and financial assistance to
affected producers. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs remains
committed to contributing its share to the financial assistance program for the 2007
program year.
This joint venture with the Province of Ontario is supported by an international panel
of experts and the Ontario tender fruit industry. It is part of Canadas continuing
co-operation with provincial and municipal partners and other government agencies to
develop strategies to eradicate the plum pox virus in Canada.
After seven years of various control programs, the only area now remaining under
quarantine is in the Niagara region.
Additional information on plum pox
virus is available on the CFIA web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.
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For more information, media may contact:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Media Relations: 613-759-7972
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations: 613-228-6682
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs
Media Relations: 416-326-9342
