The international stage is what played a big part in this major potato issue. I was not the Minister of Agriculture when that hit, but I can assure you that I got an immense number of calls on the issue. Considering we're such a large potato grower in the eastern part of the country—I believe close to if not the largest producer in the country—it's massive income for Prince Edward Island.
There has been great difficulty, I will certainly agree, over the last couple of years. However, as you know, we're putting a potato wart consultation program in place. It has been announced. We want to make sure, as I said before regarding the sustainable agriculture strategy, that growers in Prince Edward Island, the potato marketing board and exporters are fully involved and all working together.
There are rules we have to follow. The biggest is that we do not want to do anything that would jeopardize the export side. We export 95% of what we produce, so we have to make sure that the border does not close. It causes nothing but havoc. I've seen it closed a number of times, and it creates great difficulty.
I think where we are at the moment is a good place. In the last budget, we announced $12 million to further advance studies and make sure we're able to continue the progress down the line.
As you know, soil testing took place during the last harvest season, and it caused some concern. However, when growers understand that our biggest trading partner wants this to happen, you have to pretty well.... I agree that the buyer who signs the cheque should have some say in it. It worked out pretty well, but not without a lot of misery, again, for farmers and potato growers. Particularly in Prince Edward Island, there was great difficulty.