A microscopic pest that showed up on seed potatoes at two farms in the Edmonton area in October could cost the industry $35 million in revenue this year.

The discovery of the worm-like growth led the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to quarantine two farms — North Bank Farms near Fort Saskatchewan and another near Spruce Grove — and order that crops from both farms be destroyed.

Fort Saskatchewan seed potato farmer Ernie Van Boom, whose farm has been quarantined after the discovery of a microscopic pest.
(CBC)

The United States and Mexico have closed their borders to exports of seed potatoes from Alberta.

Vern Warkentin, executive director of the Potato Growers of Alberta, said the situation is difficult for the province's 60 seed potato growers.

"Up to half of the seed potatoes produced in Alberta are typically exported. All trade has stopped, forcing growers to weigh their options," he added.

PCN is a plant parasite that does not pose a risk to human health, but can reduce yields by up to 80 per cent if it becomes established, Warkentin said.

Seed potatoes are used mostly by other producers to start their own crops, which is why PCN spores are at risk of being spread.

"The infestation of potato cyst nematode (PCN) was so miniscule, just one cyst was found on our farm and four cysts on the second farm," said Ernie Van Boom, who runs North Bank Farms, one of the two Alberta farms under quarantine.

Van Boom said Thursday that he is worried the quarantine and destruction of his $2-million crop could lead to financial ruin. He has been ordered not to plant any more potatoes indefinitely

"My son was planning to take over the farm, but with recent actions, he is wondering if farming will be in his future," he said.

There is a good chance farmers affected will be eligible for federal and provincial government assistance to help them recover their losses, said Paul Laflamme, head of pest management for Alberta Agriculture.

The CFIA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are trying to determine which farms in Alberta should remain under quarantine and what testing needs to be done before the border can be reopened.