Two weeks ago the Department of Agriculture and Land announced 4.7 million dollars in funding to the PEI Potato Board to cover costs for storing and transporting product as a result of COVID-19 drop in demand. Michele Beaton, Official Opposition Critic for Agriculture and Land, wrote to Minister Bloyce Thompson and asked for more details, but his response was vague.
“A question to the Minister of Agriculture and Land: exactly who received this funding – did it go to farmers or processors?”
“And a supplementary question for the same Minister: If the money did go to the processors, what commitment have they made to protect the income of the contract farmers who provide them with product?”