Terry Michell reflects on a difficult period in Central Saanich when the government enforced a ban on potato cultivation. Michell, a seasoned farmer and co-owner of Michell Farms, recalls the uncertainty among farmers in the 1980s as they grappled with the sudden restrictions. While Michell’s family managed to adjust, many others were forced out of business due to the inability to adapt to the changes.
The ban was instated in response to the threat of the golden nematode, a destructive microscopic roundworm. In addition to potatoes, nightshades like tomatoes and eggplants were also prohibited from being grown in Central Saanich. However, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recently determined that the nematode was no longer a significant threat in the area, leading to the lifting of the ban in December.
Local farmers are now reaping their first potato harvest in decades, including Sol Kinnis from City’s Edge Farm. Kinnis expressed delight at reintroducing potatoes to her produce offerings after having to phase out potato cultivation in the past, much to the satisfaction of her customers.
The removal of the ban marks a significant achievement for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, as eradicating a quarantine pest like the golden nematode is a rare feat. Unlike common potato pests that can be managed through farming practices, the nematode’s resilience, with cysts surviving in soil for over two decades, necessitated stringent measures to prevent its spread.
While Central Saanich has seen the return of potato farming, some areas still face restrictions due to lingering concerns about the nematode. Despite this, farmers like Michell remain optimistic about the future of potato cultivation in the region.
Overall, the lifting of the potato ban in Central Saanich signifies a new chapter for local farmers, as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with the resurgence of potato farming in the area.