After decades-long ban, Central Saanich farmers welcome return of potato

After decades of strict restrictions, farmers in Central Saanich, located north of Victoria, are celebrating a major milestone: the return of potato cultivation to their local fields. A ban on growing nightshades, including potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants, was imposed by federal authorities in the 1980s in response to the discovery of the golden nematode—a microscopic invertebrate roundworm capable of devastating crops and remaining dormant in the soil for over 20 years.

For many local producers, this development marks the end of a long period of agricultural adaptation. Terry Michell, co-owner of Michell Farms, recalls how the ban in the 1980s forced many of his colleagues out of business because they could not transition their land use effectively. Now that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) officially lifted the comprehensive ban in December, farmers have regained the ability to return to these traditional staple crops.

Sol Kinnis, owner of City's Edge Farm, notes that potatoes are among the most sought-after products by her customers. For her and other farmers, the return of potatoes signifies increased stability and a broader variety of produce to offer in their market boxes. "It just makes it more stable," Kinnis told CBC. "There's more stuff on the table at the market, and more stuff to offer in people's boxes."

CFIA officials describe this success as a landmark case in the eradication of a quarantine pest. National manager Gordon Henry explained that the rigid ban on host plants introduced in 1982 was the key factor in successfully controlling the population. Unlike common potato diseases, the golden nematode is notoriously difficult to eradicate because its cysts can spread via farm equipment, wind, or movement of soil, remaining viable in the ground for decades without a host.

However, the region is not entirely cleared of the threat. According to the CFIA, there are still approximately 50 hectares of land in Central Saanich where the potato ban remains in effect, as officials have found evidence of living cysts in these areas. Local farmers, such as Michell, remain cautiously optimistic, viewing the return of the crop as a new challenge and an opportunity to successfully grow high-quality potatoes in the region once again.